CHAPTER XXII 



THE VARIOUS USES OF DOGS 



rTl guard the flock, drive away the wolf, discover 

 JL game those are the dog's great functions; 

 but an intelligent dog can learn to do a thousand 

 other things. I have just shown you 4 Sheep* leading 

 the blind and Loubet turning the spit. Traits 

 abound in which the most varied aptitudes are re- 

 vealed. For example, who has not seen or at least 

 heard of the errand dog faithfully performing its ap- 

 pointed tasks? It receives a basket containing a 

 purse and a slip of paper on which are written the 

 articles desired. It may be it is to fetch tobacco for 

 the master or get the day's provisions from the 

 butcher. The order understood, the- animal sets out, 

 basket between its teeth. It reaches the butcher's 

 door quickly, scratches for it to be opened, puts 

 down the basket, takes out the purse, presents it, and 

 waits until served. Sometimes the return is at- 

 tended with difficulties. Comrades are met with; 

 attracted by the smell, they desire to investigate the 

 basket's contents. 'If you would only consent to it,' 

 they say, 'what a splendid opportunity! We would 

 divide together.' But, without slowing up, the er- 

 rand dog raises its lips a little, shows its teeth, and 

 growls: * Don't bother me, you good-for-nothings! 



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