52 INTRODUCTION. 



preceded, it may be gained that the judicious cultiva- 

 tion of the dog has fostered and improved his personal 

 and mental qualities to their present state of perfection. 

 By the beauty of his form, he becomes a pleasing object 

 to our eyes ; but principally is he rendered interesting 

 to us by his utility and many amiable qualities ; in which 

 last point of view a boundless field opens itself. 



If I might be allowed to draw a comparison between 

 the human and brute character, I should hope to be 

 able to prove, that whatever is noble, generous, and 

 amiable in man, will meet with no mean counterpart in 

 the dog. 



Is courage a human attribute universally esteemed ? 

 Where can it be found in a more eminent degree than in 

 the canine species ? The bull-dog attacks all animals, 

 indiscriminately, without fear; and his fortitude is such, 

 that, until he conquers his enemy, no suiFerings short 

 of extinction can make him forego his purpose. The 

 smallest dog, when enraged, heedless of the conse- 

 quences, will attack one infinitely larger than himself; 

 and, in these instances, we have frequently an oppor- 

 tunity of observing bravery in its noblest form, as united 

 with mercy ; for it is seldom that a large dog so attack- 

 ed will hurt a small one. Mr. Dibdin says, " I had a 

 yard-dog, that had every thing of the wolf but the 

 ferocity. He was gentle as a lamb ; nothing ofi'ered 

 to himself could insult him ; but no roused lion could 

 be more terrible if any of the family, or the other 

 *' dogs, w^ere insulted." 



Are constancy and fidelity virtues ? The dog is the 

 acknowledged emblem of them. His fidelity is wholly 

 disinterested, and is not to be corrupted ; nor is any 

 bribe, however tempting, sufiicient to make him betray 

 a trust reposed in him. In London streets, we every 

 day see carts and waggons watched by these faithful 



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