[ 247. 9 
On Sheep-killing Dogs. By Richard Peters. 
Read August 14th, 1810. 
Since my communication respecting the Tunis sheep, 
and their wool, my flock has been attacked, and much 
injured, by dogs; the flock having been imprudently 
left during the night, by my tenant, in a frontier field ; 
instead of being penned, near home, at nights, as should | 
be done by every careful keeper of sheep. Caution is 
not always fortunate, but it should always be awake. 
A single dog will commit extensive ravages; but 
most frequently dogs prowl in pairs, or greater num- 
bers. The flagitious sagacity of dogs is almost incre- 
dible, when they are addicted to sheep-killing. They 
often kill both in the day and night; but more com- 
monly in the grey of the morning, as do the human 
savages of our wilderness. Of this vice, when it is once 
fixed, they are never cured while living: death is the 
only effectual remedy. Whena dog has set his devoted 
victims, he frequently collects confederates, to assist in 
the slaughter. They adroitly pierce the jugular vein, 
and gorge themselves with blood. They will not at first 
devour the flesh, if there is blood sufficient to glut 
them. ‘They leave the carcases for a second repast, on 
returning to the field of carnage. In this second expe- 
dition, they expose themselves to the revenge of a 
watchful marksman ; and are often shot, while on their 
march, or feeding on the dead bodies. They do not 
always return, but seek for more victims; preferring 
another feast of blood, to the flesh ef those already slain. 
