THE DALMATIAN DOG. 143 



Observations, &c. 



He instantly repaired to the heath. The dog 

 had just sufficient strength remaining to crawl to 

 his master's feet, and express his joy at his re- 

 turn ; and almost immediately after expired. 



DALMATIAN, OR COACH-DOG. 



THIS animal, sometimes erroneously called 

 the Danish dog, is how very common in Great 

 Britain, and is frequently Kept as an elegant at- 

 tendant on a carriage. te His attendance upon 

 the horses when in a state of activity/' says a 

 modern writer, " arid his exulting consciousness 

 of dignity in preceding the carriage, as if to an- 

 nounce its approach, seem to constitute the most 

 superlative gratification of his existence." 



The following observations of Mr. Dibdin, in 

 his Tour through England, are equally interest- 

 ing and appropriate. 



" Dogs, if I may be permitted the expression, 

 have noble passions, and possess a rectitude 

 which, if it be instinct, proves that instinct is 

 superior to reason. Their gratitude is unbound- 

 ed, their devotion exemplary, their study and de- 

 light are to please and serve their master; they 

 watch his commands, they wait upon his smiles, 

 they obey, oblige, and protect him, and are ready 

 to die in his defence: nay, they love him so 

 wholly and entirely, that their very existence de- 

 fends upon his attention to them. I have always 



VOL. II. NO. XI. T 



