76 THE t> 6. 



stant in his affections, friendly without interest, and 

 grateful for the slightest favour he can receive : easily 

 forgets both cruelty and oppression ; and disarms re- 

 sentment by submissively yielding to the will of those 

 whom he studiously endeavours to serve and please. 



His sagacity can only be exceeded by his fidelity ; for 

 he will discover a beggar by the appearance of his 

 clothes ; and when at night he is put in charge of the 

 house, no sentinel can protect it with greater care. If 

 he happens to scent a stranger at a distance, his voice 

 instantly sounds the alarm ; and if they attempt to 

 break in upon the territories, they are in danger of for- 

 feiting either their limbs or life. From hence we may 

 see of what importance this animal may be considered 

 to the human race ; it protects them from rapine, guards 

 them from invasion, and shows an attachment that must 

 at once both delight and please. It assists them in the 

 destruction of such animals as are obnoxious to their 

 interest, aids them in conquering those which contribute 

 to their delight, and even, when worn out by age or ex- 

 ertion, their skin is capable of being converted into use. 



The dog, thus serviceable in himself, when taken into 

 a participation of empire, exerts a degree of superiority 

 over all animals that require human protection. The 

 flock and the herd obey his voice more readily than even 

 that of the shepherd or the herdsman ; he conducts 

 them, guards them, keeps them from danger, and seems 

 to consider their enemies as his own. Nor is he less use- 

 ful in pursuit, when the sound of the horn or the voice 

 of the huntsman calls him to the field ; he testifies his 

 pleasure by various little arts, and pursues with avidity 

 that spoil which, when taken, he knov s he must not 

 share. 



Although the Wild Dog is at present unknown to us, 



