DOGS USED IN FIELD SrORTS, ETC. 689 



with amongst dogs of every countrj and climate. How the 

 distinct races which have characters and propensities pecu- 

 liar to themselves were originally produced it is impossible 

 now to tell. If care is taken to prevent these from com- 

 mingling with spurious blood, it is certain that by the 

 result of education, the habits to which they have been 

 trained have become hereditary. Many instances have oc- 

 curred where pointer pups have lost their parent, and been 

 suckled by a bitch of a totally different breed ; and upon 

 being taken into a field, for the first time, have pointed 

 game. 



The subjugation and domestication of the dog by man 

 may be esteemed as one of the most important conquests 

 which he has made in the animal kingdom. 



Without the vices of man, nature has formed the dog 

 with an ardour and purity of attachment, which, when once 

 matured, appears unsullied and inviolable. His whole ambi- 

 tion seems a desire to execute the commands of his master 

 and to yield implicit obedience to his every wish ; while he, 

 at the same time, has a great dread of- giving offence. His 

 whole actions are fnarked by zeal, vigour, and gratitude, for 

 the little kindnesses he receives at the hand of his master. 

 He seems perfectly sensible of favours bestowed on him. Under 

 correction, whether deserved or not, he in general displays 

 a degree of firmness, by submitting to, and not avoiding 

 chastisement ; while with conciliating and impressive looks 

 and supplications lie endeavours to allay the wrath of his 

 chastiser, and will lick the hand by which the blows are 

 inflicted. Every kindness he receives from his master is 

 remembered, while his too often undeserved punishment is 

 speedily forgotten. But, on the other hand, he will act 

 quite differently with strangers, as he will boldly protect 

 himself against an unmerited injury, and will seldom forget it. 



4 T 



