FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. 33 



that does not in the least signify that he loses any of 

 his own individuality or interest in his own manner 

 of life. 



On the matter of his affection, by the way, he has 

 been lauded to heights, on the one hand quite as un- 

 warranted as he has been depreciated on the other in 

 the matter of intelligence. Dogs love their masters, 

 it is true, but not as a rule with the loyalty and devo- 

 tion so dear to sentimental writers as a theme when 

 elaborating on the nobility which dogs possess. 



The average dog, however much he may exhibit 

 affection for his master to-day, will be quite content 

 to take up with a new one to-morrow. A few ap- 

 petizing morsels of food are sufficient to excite his 

 interest, a few pats on the head evoke his friendship, 

 and a few repetitions of friendly attention w r in his 

 affection. Some dogs have a more consistent devo- 

 tion than others ; some are brave and will fight for 

 their masters as they will fight for each other ; some 

 will run from danger, regardless of whom it may 

 threaten, and in all this they resemble some men. 



The dog, being gregarious, has a natural repug- 

 nance to loneliness. In a wild state, he lives in packs 

 with his fellows, and observes much the same watch- 



