Chap. V. DOGS. 119 



and though at all times a very affectionate creature, I was 

 much struck with the manner in which she then tried 

 to satisfy her instinctive maternal love by expending it 

 on me ; and her desire to lick my hands rose to an insati- 

 able passion. 



The same principle probably explains why dogs, 

 when feeling affectionate, like rubbing against their 

 masters and being rubbed or patted by them, for from 

 the nursing of their puppies, contact with a beloved ob- 

 ject has become firmly associated in their minds with the 

 emotion of love. 



The feeling of affection of a dog towards his master 

 is combined with a strong sense of submission, which is 

 akin to fear. * Hence dogs not only lower their bodies and 

 crouch a little as they approach their masters, but some- 

 times throw themselves on the ground with their bellies 

 upwards. This is a movement as completely opposite 

 as is possible to any show of resistance. I formerly pos- 

 sessed a large dog who was not at all afraid to fight with 

 other dogs; but a wolf -like shepherd-dog in the neigh- 

 bourhood, though not ferocious and not so powerful as 

 my dog, had a strange influence over him. \Vhen they 

 met on the road, my dog used to run to meet him, with 

 his tail partly tucked in between his legs and hair not 

 erected; and then he would throw himself on the 

 ground, belly upwards. By this action he seemed to say 

 more plainly than by words, " Behold, I am your slave/' 



A pleasurable and excited state of mind, associated 

 with affection, is exhibited by some dogs in a very pecul- 

 iar manner; namely, by grinning. This was noticed 

 long ago by Somerville, who says, 



" And with a courtly grin, the fawning 1 hound 

 Salutes thee cow'ring', his wide op'ning* nose 

 Upward he curls, and his large sloe-back eyes 

 Melt in soft blandishments, and humble ."joy.' 



The Chase, book i. 



