On Sheep-killing Dogs, 251 



stances, where the vahie of a number of sheep, of an 

 estimable and uncommon race, was fixed at the price 

 butchers would give, for common sheep devoted to the 

 knife. 



Many dogs are faithful and useful animals, essentially- 

 necessary to the safety of our property, — even that of 

 our sheep, — to our innocent and healthful amusements, 

 — and to many profitable pursuits. There should be no 

 hue and cry, or ill founded prejudices, indiscriminately 

 raised against them. But they are kept in too great 

 numbers, and of breeds, in many instances, worthless ; 

 and many, being ill fed and hungry at home, are com- 

 pelled to prowl for sustenance.'^ It should be made dis- 

 graceful and uncivic, in those who keep supernumerary, 

 worthless, or starved dogs. They injure society, by ex- 

 posing the persons of their fellow- citizens to disease and 

 death ; and their property to plunder and destruction, 

 when such dogs become mad, or ravenous beasts of 

 prey. No person should hesitate to sacrifice a vile and 

 vicious dog ; but, on the contrary, should assist in 

 detecting and punishing his enormities. Many dogs 

 will, however, chase sheep from wantonness, or ill 



^ A baker's man was serving bread to a family in the city, 

 at a house in which I was at the time. He had with hun 

 three large dogs ; and I expressed my surprise at the number. 

 He said thei/ were not the whole of those kept by his 

 master ; who had, — ^big and lit le, — eleven, — I asked how 

 he could support such a number ? the reply was — " easy 

 enough ; — they supplied themselves through the town ; — 

 and often brought home some pretty good things J^'' 



R. P, 



