M. CHABERT DRAUGHT DOGS IN LONDON AND ABROAD. 165 



six dogs. These were of the largest and most powerful which we have ever wit- 

 nessed, and perhaps approached as nearly the form of the old Mastiff, as any which 

 have been seen in these latter times. Monsieur Chabert, whom we had lately the 

 honour to quote, has arrived in the Metropolis from Bath, with his great Siberian 

 Wolf dog, which he now offers to the public for the sum of two hundred pounds. 

 He has a Gig, purposely constructed, in which, he says, this dog can draw him 

 thirty miles in a day. This brings us once more to the subject of draught dogs, in 

 which they greatly excel us upon the Continent, and still more in their very exten- 

 sive use of that kind of draught. The Mastiff, such as he is at present found, 

 from his size, bone, and strength, is certainly among the breeds best adapted to that 

 purpose. 



It has been already remarked that, the use of dogs for draught, is rather upon 

 the increase in London, although hitherto, there has not been much selection 

 used in the case, nor any great solicitude shewn to obtain the largest and most 

 powerful kinds ; doubtless, from this business being in the hands of labourers only. 

 We are not aware that dogs are much, or at all, applied to this purpose in the 

 Country, or to any rural business ; although we recollect that, some schemer for- 

 merly proposed them for the plough, upon lands particularly, which are injured by 

 the heavy tread of horses or oxen. But how many of the most powerful dogs would 

 it require, to plough an acre in a day, of heavy land, the kind of land which receives 

 injury fcom compression ? We have nevertheless heard it asserted, that there is 

 light, thin soil, of which four good dogs would be able to plough an acre per day, with 

 a light and well-formed implement. 



We have not visited Holland or Belgium, for many years, and when there, did 

 not pay that particular attention to the draught Dogs, which has since been shewn 

 by the late humane Mr. Pratt. Our curiosity was mostly attracted by the full-fed, 

 large and heavy black draught Horses, of those Countries, and their Cows clothed, 

 for it was in the winter season, like our saddle horses. The Dutch generally, who 

 possess the means, have a very just regard for the comforts and well-being of their 

 animals of every description. We observed also, that the flesh of their beef and 

 their hares, is lighter in colour, than that of the same animals in our own Country. 

 According to Mr. Pratt, there is not an idle dog, of a size equal to labour, in the 

 whole of the Seven Provinces. They may be seen in all parts of the Hague, and 

 other Towns, tugging at barrows and light carts, with their tongues forced out of 

 their mouths almost to the ground, by excessive exertion, and their poor palpitating 

 hearts ready to beat through their sides. They are harnessed three, four, five, and 

 sometimes six abreast, drawing men and goods with the speed of little horses. In 

 passing from the Hague Gate to Scheveling, may be seen, at any hour of the day, 

 an incredible number of carriages loaded with fish and men, and drawn by Dogs, 

 which go upon a long trot, and frequently, when driven by young men or boys, at 

 full gallop, throughout the distance from gate to gate, which is a full mile and half. 



