The Mastiff. 



29 



THE MASTIFF 



Is the largest of the whole species : he is a strong and 

 fierce animal, with short pendent ears and a large head, 

 large and thick lips hanging on each side, and a noble 

 countenance ; he is a faithful guardian, and a powerful 

 defender of the house. 



A curious account is given by Stow, of an engagement 

 between three Mastiffs and a lion, in the presence of 

 James the First. *' One of the Dogs being put into the 

 den, was soon disabled by the lion, which took him by 

 the head and neck, and dragged him about : another Dog 

 was then let loose, and served in the same manner : but 

 the third, being put in, immediately seized the lion by 

 the lip, and held him for a considerable time ; till, being 

 severely torn by his claws, the Dog was obliged to quit 

 his hold ; and the lion, greatly exhausted in the conflict, 

 refused to renew the engagement ; but, taking a sudden 

 leap over the Dogs, fled into the interior part of the den. 

 Two of the Dogs soon died of their wounds ; the last 

 survived, and was taken great care of by the king's son, 

 ; vvho said, * lie that had fought with the king of the 



