170 AN entomologist's visit to dalmatia in 1873. 



among which the road rose and fell amid scenes of the most 

 cheerless desolation. In this excursion we met with many 

 specimens of Helix ligafa, ])eGvliar, I believe, to this district, 

 and one of the finest land-shells of Europe. A large Pla- 

 norbis also occurred. Wherever there was moisture there 

 were numerous Bulimi, PupcB, and other HelicidcB. Of 

 insects, a few OtiorhyncJii were the only ones we saw. 



In all our excursions we were never annoyed by dogs. 

 Knowing their character in Albania and Greece, they had 

 been my dread on entering the country. Near Marathon, 

 I, with two companions, all on horseback, were once pursued 

 by two ferocious brutes, which we had disturbed while 

 glutting themselves on a dead horse ; and a few times, when 

 on foot, I have had to sit down and face the enemy till its 

 owner arrived. Once I was a prisoner in this way nearly 

 two hours. The dog is quiet as long as yon are seated, 

 eyeing you at a distance that you would gladly increase. I 

 believe the plan of sitting down is alluded to by Homer, and 

 was not quite understood until it was explained by a traveller 

 some years ago. I never cared to try throwing a stone at 

 them, which is so efficacious with dogs in general. I noticed 

 that the owners struck them over the fore-legs when refrac- 

 tory. In one of my walks I recollect having to pass one 

 not far from the road, and it struck me I would try another 

 plan. Before the dog noticed me I began talking to it in 

 English, and in the most soothing tones I could command. 

 At first it looked puzzled, then, lifting up its head and 

 dropping its tail, it poured out a long howl, during which 

 I passed quickly on. English must have been a novelty 

 that astonished it. I had no opportunity of trying this plan 

 a second time. 



