1*0 THE COMFORTER, &c. 



Somewhat similar to this, but much smaller, is the shock-dog, 

 a diminutive creature, almost lost in the great quantity of hair, 

 which covers it from head to foot. 



Descending still farther, we have a variety of small dogs, 

 such as 



THE COMFORTER, 



An elegant, but snappish and noisy little animal, and averse to 

 the familiarity of strangers. It is chiefly entertained as an at- 

 tendant of the toilette, or the drawing-room. 



THE TURNSPIT, 



A vigilant and spirited little dog, is now but seldom employed, 

 although its services were of great utility before the ingenuity 

 of mechanical improvements rendered them unnecessary. Be- 

 fore the invention of a better method of working the spit, it was 

 curious to observe the labours of this useful little animal. 



THE PUG DOG 



Is formed exactly in the same manner as the bull-dog, but is 

 much smaller, and its tail curls upon its back. It was formerly 

 very common in England, but now the breed begins to be scarce. 

 Mrs. Piozzi informs us, that she saw great numbers of them at 

 Padua, and that it still maintains its place in the favour of the 

 ladies in that city. 



From the mixture of these, and other breeds, we have messets, 

 lap-dogs, dancers, waps, mongrels, and an endless number of 

 varieties and compounds, for which it is difficult to find a name. 

 We therefore proceed to a brief description of those kinds which 

 are of greater note and utility. 



THE ROUGH WATER-DOG 



Admits of two varieties, one of a larger, and the other of a 

 smaller size ; but they are both remarkable for their long shaggy 

 hair, and their aptness to fetch any thing, especially out of the 

 water. They are web-footed, and swim with great ease ; they 

 are fond of water, and are extremely useful in hunting ducks, 

 and other aquatic fowl. 



THE NEW-ZEALAND DOG 



Pretty much resembles the shepherd's cur, and is common in 

 the Society Islands. In those countries, the flesh of their dogs 

 constitutes the principal part of the animal food used by the in- 

 habitants. However disagreeable it may appear to us, dog's flesh 

 was a viand on which the Greeks and Romans did not disdain 

 to feed ; and Europeans, who have been able to overcome their 



