VARIETIES OF THE DOG. 99 



and dissolute in many parts of the country. Dogs were bred and trained 

 for the purpose ; and, while many of them were injured or destroyed, the 

 head of the bull was lacerated in the most barbarous manner. Nothing 

 can exceed the fury with which the bull-dog rushed on his foe, and the 

 obstinacy with which he maintained his hold. He fastened upon the lip, 

 the muzzle, or the eye, and there he hung in spite of every effort of the 

 ball to free himself from his antagonist. 



Bull-dogs are not so numerous as they were a few years ago ; and every 

 kind-hearted person will rejoice to hear that bull-baiting is now put down 

 by legal authority in every part of the kingdom. 



THE BULL-TERRIER. 



This dog is a cross between the bull-dog and the terrier, and is gene- 

 rally superior, both in appearance and value, to either of its progenitors. 

 A second cross considerably lessens the underhanging of the lower jaw, 

 and a third entirely removes it, retaining the spirit and determination of 

 the animal. It forms a steadier friendship than either of them, and the 

 principal objection to it is its love of wanton mischief, and the dangerous 

 irascibility which it occasionally exhibits. 



Sir Walter Scott, a warm friend of dogs, and whose veracity cannot be 

 impeached, gives an interesting account of a favourite one belonging to 

 him. " The cleverest dog I ever had was what is called a bull-dog terrier. 

 I taught him to understand a great many words, insomuch that I am 

 positive the communication between the canine species and ourselves might 

 be greatly enlarged. Camp, the name of my dog, once bit the baker when 

 bringing bread to the family. I beat him, and explained the enormity of 

 die offence ; after which, to the last moment of his life, he never heard the 

 least allusion to the story without creeping into the darkest corner of the 

 room. Towards the end of his life, when he was unable to attend me while 

 I was on horseback, he generally watched for my return, and, when the 

 servant used to tell him, his master was coming down the hill, or through 

 the moor, although he did not use any gesture to explain his meaning, 

 Camp was never known to mistake him, but either went out at the front 

 to go up the hill, or at the back to get down to the moor-side." 



THE MASTIFF. 



The head considerably resembles that of the bull-dog, but with the ears 

 dependent. The upper lip falls over the lower jaw. The end of the tail 

 is turned up, and frequently the fifth toe of the hind feet is more or less 

 developed. The nostrils are separated one from another by a deep fur- 

 row. He has a grave and somewhat sullen countenance, and his deep- 

 toned bark is often heard during the night. The mastiff is taller than the 

 bull-dog, but not so deep in the chest, and his head is large compared with 

 his general form. 



It is probable that, the mastiff is an original breed peculiar to the 

 British islands. 



He seems to be fully aware of the impression which his large size makes 

 on every stranger ; and, in the night especially, he watches the abode of his 

 master with the completest vigilance ; in fact, nothing would tempt him to 

 betray the confidence which is reposed in him. 



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