84 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



they proceeded, by several streets, to the skirts of 

 the town, where the leader singled out a large dog, 

 which was immediately assailed by all his guests, 

 and very severely punished. 



A similar case is reported to have happened some 

 years ago, in the precincts of London, where a 

 person on business from Devonport (then named 

 Dock) had taken his dog. This animal being mal- 

 treated by a watch- dog, returned, with his master, 

 home ; but he was missed a day or two after, as 

 well as a favourite companion of his, a very large 

 house-dog, and neither were seen for about ten 

 days. They had scarcely returned before a letter 

 arrived, informing the owner of the dog, that that 

 animal, in company with another, had been seen 

 at the place where he had been maltreated, and 

 that they had killed the dog who gave the first 

 offence. 



The sagacity of some races is no less remarkable : 

 as, for instance, that of a dog who had delayed en- 

 tering the ferry-boat at Saltash, near Devonport, 

 and, swimming after it, found that the tide swept 

 him away ; instead of persevering, he swam back, 

 and, running along the shore to some distance up 

 the current, plunged in again, and reached the 

 landing place on the opposite side. Dr. J. Maccul- 

 loch relates, of his own knowledge, several singular 

 anecdotes of a Scottish shepherd- dog, who always 

 eluded the intentions of the household respecting 

 him, if aught was whispered in his presence that 

 did not coincide with his wishes. 



