THE DOG 29 



of the dog are developing which are especially adapted to 

 its pursuit. Thus, in the parts of North America where the 

 raccoon abounds, a variety of hunting-dog is in process of 

 development which has a singular assemblage of qualities 

 which fit it for this peculiar form of the chase. Although as 

 yet " coon-dogs " have not been cultivated for a sufficient 

 time to acquire distinct physical characteristics, their habits 

 exhibit a larger range of specialization than those of any 

 other breed of sporting dogs. 



In those parts of the Americas where peccaries are hunted, 

 the dogs used in their pursuit have learned to beware of 

 assaulting the pack which they have brought to bay, and 

 instead of indulging in the instinct which leads them into that 

 way of danger and of certain death, they circle round the 

 assemblage, compelling them to show front on every side and 

 so to remain stationary until the -hunters come up. Perhaps 

 a score of similar specializations in the modes of action of 

 our dogs which are employed in the chase could be recited; 

 but as they all lead us to one conclusion — which is to the 

 effect that these creatures are, as far as their mental powers 

 are concerned, like clay in the hands of the potter — we 

 may pass them by for some considerations which appear to 

 have escaped the attention of writers who have discussed the 

 problems of canine intelligence. 



The singular elasticity as regards both mental and physi- 

 cal qualities which the dog exhibits, may well be compared 

 with the other conditions which we find in certain of our 

 domesticated animals, as, for instance, in the horse, where 

 the mind shows but slight changes, and where the body has 

 proved far less plastic than among dogs. The readiness 

 with which the proportions of the dog may, by the breeder's 



