676 



THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



by a stick of timber, and unable to move. His eyes were like balls of fire, and he was 

 fearfully emaciated. At first we feared to go near him, but finally released him, and gave 

 him some food. He dropped the food, looking down and whining. 



Some one is here, one of our company said, and we commenced digging, and while 

 doing so the dog lay very quiet; but the moment we ceased he seemed to grow almost 

 frantic. When we commenced digging he laid down again, but no effort would induce him 

 to taste the food before him. At last, after hours of labor, we found the body of an old 

 man, and a little later a little boy, over which the faithful dog had been keeping watch. The 

 joy of the poor brute was great, but the food which he had so generously refused would 

 never be eaten by his young master. 



This story interested me greatly, said my friend, for I knew the dear little boy who 

 went out with his faithful dog to the meadows that dreadful morning, and the kind old man, 

 his grandfather, who, hearing that the terrible flood was coming, went out to seek, him. 

 They were all swept away; but the marvel was, how they kept together during that fearful 

 four miles, and how the poor dog should know they were buried deep below him.&quot; 



A good dog is a valuable servant and faithful friend, and deserving of the kindest 

 treatment and consideration of his master. Dr. Holland has beautifully illustrated this idea in 

 the following poem addressed to his dog. 



TO MY DOG &quot;BLANCO.&quot; 



My dear, dumb friend, low lying there 



A willing vassal at my feet, 

 Glad partner of my home and fare, 



My shadow in the street. 



I look into your great brown eyea, 

 Where love and loyal homage shine, 



And wonder where the difference lies 

 Between your soul and mine! 



For all of good that I have found 

 Within myself or human kind, 



Hath royally informed and crowned 

 Your gentle heart and mind. 



I scan the whole broad earth around 

 For that one heart which, leal and true, 



Bears friendship without end or bound, 

 And find the prize in you. 



I trust you as I trust the stars ; 



Nor cruel loss, nor scoff of pride, 

 Nor beggary, nor dungeon bars, 



Can move you from my side ! 



As patient under injury 

 As any Christian saint of old, 



As gentle as a lamb with me, 

 But with your brothers bold; 



More playful than a frolic boy, 

 More watchful than a sentinel, 



By day and night your constant joy 

 To guard and please me well. 



I clasp your head upon my breast 



The while you whine and lick my hand- 



And thus our friendship is confessed, 

 And thus we understand! 



Ah, Blanco ! Did I worship God 



As truly as you worship me, 

 Or follow where my Master trod 



With your humility, 



Did I sit fondly at His feet, 

 As you, dear Blanco, sit at mine, 



And watch Him with a love as sweet, 

 My life would grow divine! 



The great naturalist, Cuvier, regards the domestic dog as &quot; the most useful conquest that 

 man has gained in the animal world.&quot; It matters not whether his master be rich or poor, 

 each individual dog defends his person and his goods, tracks him through the crowded street, 

 distinguishes his voice from all others, and remains his faithful servant and companion 

 even unto death; not from constant fear or necessity, but simply from true gratitude and 

 affection. Instances are not uncommon where at the death of his master the dog refuses to 

 be consoled, pines, and finally dies of grief. The dog is also the only animal capable of 

 defending his master against other animals, or enemies of any kind, while he guards his 



