On Sheep-killing Dogs. © o) 7 
be the criterion: but a reasonable and current one, for 
the kind of sheep, and its use to the owner, while hving, 
should certainly be the rule. Instead of viewing the 
subject in this light, I have been informed of some in- 
stances, where the value of a number of sheep, of an 
estimable and uncommon race, was fixed at the price 
butchers would give, for common sheep devoted to the 
knife. 
Many dogs are faithful and useful animals, essentially 
necessary to the safety of our property,—even that of 
our sheep,—to our innocent and healthful amusements, 
—and to many profitable pursuits. There should be no 
hue and cry, or ill founded prejudices, indiscriminately 
raised against them. But they are kept in too great 
numbers, and of breeds, in many instances, worthless; 
and many, being ill fed and hungry at home, are com- 
pelled to prowl for sustenance.* It should be made dis- 
graceful and uncivic, in those who keep supernumerary, 
worthless, or starved dogs. They injure society, by ex- 
posing the persons of their fellow-citizens to disease and 
death ; and their property to plunder and destruction, 
when such dogs become mad, or ravenous beasts of 
* A baker’s man was serving bread to a family in the city, 
ata house in'which I was at the time. He had with him 
three large dogs ; and I expressed my surprise at the number. 
He said they were not the whole of those kept by his 
master; who had,—big and little,—cleven.—I asked how 
he could support such a number? the reply was—*“ easy 
enough ;—they supplied themselves through the town ;— 
and often brought home some pretty good things.” 
R, P. 
