THE DOG. Ill 



of Nature, in which the marks of design are evident, but the 

 character of utility obscure. The whole affords a curious sub- 

 ject of contemplation ; and although we can only see a very 

 small part in the comprehensive system, impartial reasoning and 

 serious reflection, will render the view of things far different 

 from what it appears to the eye of a superficial observer, and 

 oblige us to exclaim with the poet 



" Sec and confess one truth must still arise, 



"Tis this though man's a fool, yet God is wise." 



CHAPTER XX. 

 THE DOG KIND. 



" Of all the speechless friends of man, 



The faithful dog I deem, 

 Deserving from the human clan, 



The tenderest esteem." HAYLEY. 



WE come now to a description of animals, carnivorous in- 

 deed, but far less mischievous and dangerous than those which 

 we have last contemplated. These we shall present under the 

 general denomination of the dog kind, which is divided into a 

 number of species, and widely diffused. 



THE DOG 



Is so well known, that although the race admits of numberless 

 varieties, its external form scarcely requires any description ; 

 but its habits and propensities form an interesting subject for the 

 contemplation of the naturalist. 



This animal, equally remarkable for its docility, fidelity, and 

 attachment, seems to have been designed by the Author of Na- 

 ture as an assistant and companion to the human species. In 

 order to accomplish the subjection of the animal creation, it was 

 necessary that man should select some, of which he might make 

 use in the subjugation of the rest; and among all the different 

 orders of animated beings, none was so entirely adapted to this 

 purpose as the dog ; for none is so bold and sagacious, so tracta- 

 able and ooedient. To this day he assists man in the destruc- 

 tion of such animals as are hostile to his interests, and in con- 

 quering such as contribute to his support or pleasure. The dog, 

 when taken into participation of empire with man, as if con- 

 scious of his own importance, exerts a degree of superiority 

 over all animals that require human protection. The flock and 



