148 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Remarks on the dogs of Holland. 



der before mentioned, and gave them strength 

 to go through their work. 



" It is fortunate, also, that Holland is a coun- 

 try somewhat prone to be strict in the ceremo- 

 nies of religion, by observance of which, the 

 dogs, like their masters, find the seventh a day 

 of unbroken rest; for ' Sunday shines a Sabbath 

 day to them.' The first impression, which is al- 

 lowed a grand point, being much in favour of 

 these industrious creatures, I had an eye on 

 them, as well in the hours of their repose as toil : 

 and felt my heart warm to see several, whom I 

 had observed very heavily laden on the Satur- 

 day, taking a sound nap, outstretched and happy 

 at their masters' doors, on the day in which their 

 leisure is even an allotment and bounty of hea- 

 ven. All the morning and afternoon they have 

 remained, basking in the sun, or in the shade, in 

 profound tranquillity ; while a number of whelps, 

 and lazy puppies, who had been passing their 

 time in idleness all the week, were playing their 

 gambols in the street, not without a vain attempt 

 to wake the seniors, and make them join in their 

 amusement. Towards evening, I have, in my 

 sun-setting rounds, been much pleased to notice 

 the honest creatures sit at their respective 

 thresholds, looking quite refreshed, giving occa- 

 sionally into a momentary frolic, and the next 

 morning returning to the labours of the week 

 absolutely renewed." 



