DOGS AND CATS. 143 



many species, and each has a strongly marked character. 

 The spaniel tribes are gentle, docile, easily attached to man ; 

 from them many hunting dogs are trained. The bulldog 

 is irritable, a terrible fighter, and fiercely faithful to his 

 master. A mastiff is strong, large, not so fierce as the 

 bulldog, but watchful and courageous, with a peculiar sense 

 of responsibility in guarding anything which is placed under 

 his charge. The hounds are slender, lean, wiry, with a 

 long, pointed muzzle, and a peculiar sensibility in the sense 

 of smell, and their instincts lead them to hunting and 

 tracking. As a general thing, they are cowardly and in- 

 disposed to combat; there are, however, remarkable excep- 

 tions, as you will see if you read the account of the 

 good black hound which Sir Walter Scott tells about in 

 "The Talisman," a story which I advise you to read at 

 your next leisure. The terriers are, for the most part, 

 small dogs, smart, bright, and active, very intelligent, and 

 capable of being taught many tricks. Of these there are 

 several varieties, as the English black and tan, which is 

 the neatest and prettiest pet a family of children can have, 

 as his hair is so short and close that he can harbor no 

 fleas, and he is always good-tempered, lively, and affection- 

 ate. The Skye terrier, with his mouse-colored mop of hair, 

 and his great bright eyes, is very loving and very saga- 

 cious ; but alas ! unless you can afford a great deal of time 

 for soap, water, and fine-tooth-comb exercises, he will bring 



