14 Some Account of the 



poses of hunting, the Indian dogs are very useful ; 

 but in other respects, they are by no means so docile 

 as the common dogs. They have less fidelity ; for 

 though never so well fed, they will steal from their 

 masters*. In short, every thing shows, that the In- 

 dian dog is a much more savage, or imperfectly re- 

 claimed animal, than the common dog. 



If my information has been correct, this species or 

 breed is still preserved in the greatest purity among 

 the Six-Nations, from whom the Delawares acknow- 

 ledge that they received it. The Delawares call this 

 dog, Lenchnm, or Lenrii-Chum, which signifies " the 

 original beast." The Nantikokes call him, Ibmval- 

 lum. The Mahicans, Annun-necn-Dee-a-oo, or " the 

 original dog," to distinguish him from our common 

 dogs, which they call simply Dce-a-oo, or De-a-oo. 



These appellations show, that the Indians consider 

 their wolf-dog as a native of the country, and that 

 they are not incapable of discerning the differences 

 between this animal and the greater number of the 

 varieties of dogs which have been introduced into 

 America, by the Europeans. 



The origin of the Indian dog is a question of much 

 more difficulty than some naturalists have imagined. 



* This assertion, I must confess, is opposed by the testimony 

 of some writers. Thus Carver says, the Indian dogs are " re- 

 markable for their fidelity to their masters ; but being ill-fed by 

 them, are very troublesome in their huts or tents." Travels, 

 Scc> p. 416. 



