THE LOYE OF ANIMALS. 79 



been known to die when they have lost a com- 

 panion : so capable are animals of showing love 

 and affection. 



But let me return to the dog; for I like to 

 dwell on his noble qualities. It was a pleasing 

 remark of Sir Edwin Landseer, whose pictures 

 of dogs approach so near to the life, that the 

 Newfoundland dog was " a distinguished mem- 

 ber of the Humane Society." Indeed, we see 

 in Sir Edwin's pictures faithfully portrayed 

 honesty, fidelity, courage, and sense no exag- 

 geration no flattery. He makes us feel that 

 his dogs will love us without selfishness, and 

 defend us at the risk of their own lives ; that 

 though friends may forsake us, they never will ; 

 and that in misfortune, poverty, and death, their 

 affection will be unchanged and their gratitude 

 unceasing. 



A gentleman, while bathing in the sea near 

 Portsmouth, was in the greatest danger of being 

 drowned. Assistance was loudly called for; 

 but no boat was ready, and, although many per- 

 sons were looking on, no one could be found to 

 go to his help. In this predicament a New- 

 foundland dog rushed of his own accord into 

 the sea, and was the means of saving the life of 



