716 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



A farmer in the neighbourhood of Falkirk had a large 

 mastiff dog, which used to go regularly to church, and was 

 always attended by a very small mongrel. In their way to 

 and from church, in passing through the principal street, 

 where there were always a number of butchers' dogs, who 

 used to be very clamorous, although they never ventured 

 actually to attack the church-going couple, probably having 

 had proof of the mastiff's powers. One Sunday, however, 

 the diminutive cur was induced to give battle to one of those 

 dogs, which, the mastiff discovering, turned back, and the 

 butcher's dog scampered off. The mastiff did not conde- 

 scend to give chase, but taking up his little friend with his 

 mouth by the neck, carried him to the extreme end of the 

 town and set him down, after which they quietly walked 

 home together. 



THE BULL-DOG. 



There can be little doubt respecting the original country 

 of this dog, as all authors are agreed in opinion that it is of 

 British origin. Some writers affirm that it was the bull-dog 

 and not the mastiff which was held in such high estimation 

 when the Romans invaded Britain. But if it was the bull- 

 dog it must have been a very different animal in point of size 

 from what it is at the present day, for the best breed is now 

 low in stature, very deep-chested, and strongly made about 

 the shoulders and thighs ; the muscles of both of wliich are 

 extremely developed. His head is broad, his nose short and 

 flat, with the under jaw projecting beyond the upper one, 

 producing a fierce and disagreeable aspect. His eyes are 

 distant, and prominent, appearing as if forced out of their 

 sockets, and giving him a suspicious-like leer, which, with 

 the distention of his nostrils, produce a contemptuous look ; 

 and in conjunction with these, the teeth being always 



