160 HISTORY OF THE DOG. 



of grief for the loss of its master. Dash, a spaniel belong- 

 ing to the gamekeeper of the Rev. Mr. Corsellis, would not 

 quit his master's bed after his death ; being taken away, 

 he perpetually returned to the room, and daily visited the 

 grave ; and, in spite of all the kindness that was shown 

 him, he died at the end of fourteen days. The land spaniel 

 may be taught a variety of tricks, such as fetching, carry- 

 ing, and diving. He is employed in setting for partridges, 

 quails, &c., and his steadiness and patience, in the per- 

 formance of this task, are worthy of admiration. 



THE WATER SPANIEL. 



Of all the dog kind, this animal seems to be the most 

 docile, and the most attached to man. Many other spe- 

 cies are impatient of correction ; but the water spaniel, 

 though fierce to strangers, bears blows and ill usage from 

 his master with undiminished affection. This creature is 

 well calulated for hunting of otters, ducks, &c. Watching 

 the stroke of the piece and perceiving the game that is 

 shot, he instantly swims after it, and brings it to his mas- 

 ter. He will fetch and carry at command, and will dive 

 to the bottom of deep water in search of a piece of money, 

 which he will bring out, and deposite at the feet of the per- 

 son by whom he was sent. Cowper has recorded, in a 

 pleasing poem, an instance of sagacity and of a desire to 

 gratify a master, which was displayed by his spaniel, 

 Beau. As he was walking by the Ouse, he was desirous 

 to obtain one of the water-lilies, which grew in the river, 

 but was unable to reach it. Beau seemed disposed to 

 assist him, but the poet called him off, and pursued his 

 ramble. On his return, however, Beau rushed into the 

 stream, cropped a lily, and laid it at his master's feet. 



