ARSLAN, THE TURKISH WOLF-DOG. 189 



sending him and his instrument flying in different 

 directions, besides knocking his wind completely 

 out of him. The poor creature was perfectly green 

 with terror, and none of his fraternity have been 

 seen near the place since. Arslan's bark is pecu- 

 liarly loud and deep-toned, and on a still night I 

 have heard it from a great distance. When fighting, 

 however, or irritated, he never utters the slightest 

 sound and never gives warning by his voice of any 

 attack he may meditate. I believe this breed to 

 be the existing type of the Molossian dogs of ancient 

 Greece, mentioned so much by classical authors 

 with reference to their undaunted, courage and 

 great strength. 



Three of these dogs were considered to be a 

 match for a lion and two for a bear. They are 

 probably the most ancient breed in existence, and 

 as, when reared in company with other dogs, they 

 become free from savage propensities, they are well 

 worthy of introduction to this country, as their 

 magnificent proportions and great fidelity make 

 them valuable. Arslan unfortunately in former 

 days had been trained to kill all other dogs, jackals, 

 &c. that might come in his way, in order to render 

 him a more efficient guardian to the flock in his 

 charge ; but he still can be easily reconciled to any 

 individual dog, and will always remain on most 



