THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 413 



The valour of this dog in attacking the buJl, the 

 ferocity he displays in the encounter, and the uncon- 

 querable and determined obstinacy with which he per- 

 severes in maintaining his hold, are truly astonishing. 



Many years ago, when bull-baiting formed a very 

 favourite amusement for Englishmen in holiday-times, 

 in one of the northern counties, a young man, con- 

 fident of the courage of his dog, laid some trifling 

 wager that he would, at separate times, cut off the 

 animal's feet, and that after each amputation the dog 

 would attack the bull. The barbarous experiment was 

 allowed and tried, and the dog horribly mutilated and 

 pained as he was, continued to attack and seize the 

 bull with unabated ferocity and eagerness. 



Of the true and genuine breed, there arc not many 

 now to be found. It was supposed that two of these 

 dogs let loose at once were a match for a bull, three 

 for a bear, and four for a lion. 



THE MASTIFF. 



• 

 This breed of dogs was early celebrated ; and mention 

 is made of them in the time of the Romans, being 

 noted for their ferocity and innate courage. 



It is peculiar to Great Britain, and is generally used 

 as a watch-dog, which duty it performs not only with 

 uncommon fidelity, but frequently displays considerable 

 judgment. 



Their ferocity is increased or diminished according 

 to the degree of restraint in which they are kept ; such 

 as are constantly chained being dangerous to approach. 

 To their masters, however, thev are both mild in their 



