CHAPTER II. 

 THE MASTIFF TYPE. 



ik Where oft the mastiff skulks with half shut eye, 

 And rouses at the stranger passing by." 



Bloonifield'tt Farmer* Boy. 



BEFORE proceeding further, in order that my readers may 

 fully comprehend the true type and peculiarities of the mastift 

 which I wish to expose and prove in this work ; and that they 

 may perceive the revelation of the points, as they may be 

 gathered from each historical fragment I lay before them ; it 

 may be advisable to lay down briefly the general character- 

 istics which form the real mastiff type. 



In all animals and even in the races of man, the most 

 distinctive feature determining species and variety, is the 

 skull ; from which the skilled anatomist can readily determine 

 the habits and consequently, general form of the animal to 

 which it belongs. For the conformation of the skull 

 containing the brain, is formed either primarily or most 

 gradually from the continued habits the animal is adapted 

 and subjected to, 'and is modified but gradually through 

 forced change or suspension of habit. The form of the body 

 is concomitant with that of the cranium, therefore on exam- 

 ining the skull of an animal, it is not difficult in most cases, 

 to pronounce what will be the form of the carcase and limbs, 

 nay Ex pede Herculem, insomuch if a fairly skilled anatomist 

 has but a portion of the skull to guide him, he can form a 

 fairly correct idea, what the remainder must have been like. 



