172 LETTER XXX. 



of the dog kind, which is divided into a number of 

 species, and widely diffused. 



THE 4>OG 



is so well known, that although the race admits of 

 numberless varieties, its external form scarcely re- 

 quires any description; but its habits and propensities 

 form an interesting subject for the contemplation of 

 the naturalist. 



This animal, equally remarkable for its docility, 

 fidelity, and attachment, seems to have been designed 

 by the Author of Nature as assistant and companion 

 to the human species. In order to accomplish the 

 subjection of the animal creation, it was necessary 

 that man should select some, of which he might make 

 use in the subjugation of the rest; and among all the 

 different orders of animated beings, none was so en- 

 tirely adapted to this purpose as the dog; for none so 

 bold and sagacious, so tractable and obedient. To 

 this day he assists man in the destruction of such ani- 

 mals as are hostile to his interests, and in conquering 

 such as contribute to his support or pleasure. The 

 dog, when taken into a participation of empire with 

 man, as if conscious of his own importance, exerts a 

 degree of superiority over all animals that require 

 human protection. The flock and the herd obey his 

 voice: he conducts and guards them, and considers 

 their enemies as his own ; and is equally useful when 

 the sound of the horn, or the voice of the huntsman 

 calls him to the field. 



To describe, or even to enumerate all the different 

 kinds of dogs, or th=e discriminating marks by which 

 ?ach is distinguished, would be not only useless, but 

 impossible. The different breeds are not only innu- 

 merable, but, by constant intermixture, perpetually 

 varying; so that every individual displays something 

 peculiar to itself, in shape, colour, or character. No 

 animal in the creation is so susceptible of change* nor 

 si easily modified by climate, food, and education. I 

 have already observed, that those animals which have 

 bten long uridor human management, never preserve 

 the stamp of u.iturc in its original purity like those 



