SPECIES AND VARIETIES. 679 



Dogs, having the senses in great perfection, probably en- 

 joy the mere feeling of existence in a degree which we can- 

 not estimate. They manifest the utmost pleasure when they 

 are permitted to exercise their natural powers. Dogs of 

 chase exhibit intense delight when brought to the hunting- 

 field, and pursue the sport to the last with an ardour which 

 even stripes and the harshest words cannot abate. The 

 Terrier delights to be exposed to the attacks of the fierce 

 animals with which he is made to contend, and, though 

 cruelly maimed, returns again and again to the charge. The 

 Setter bounds with joy when he sees the fowling-piece in the 

 hands of his master, and is conducted by him to the fields, 

 although he shares no part of the spoil, and is frequently 

 subjected to the severest discipline, to restrain his natural 

 ardour, and prevent his running upon the game. Yet he 

 will run upon it again and again, although knowing well 

 that he will be subjected to punishment. He will run at 

 the forbidden hare, and when he has fruitlessly pursued it 

 for a little space, return, and crouch at the feet of his mas- 

 ter, that he may receive the castigation which he knows 

 awaits him. We cannot ascribe this to anything else but 

 the excessive feeling of enjoyment to the animal which the 

 exercise of his natural powers affords him. Even when the 

 dog is put to tasks of severe labour, he sensibly manifests 

 the pleasure he receives. A blacksmith taught his dog to 



sisted with the sanctity of the place, expressed their satisfaction at the approach- 

 ing release, so that the concluding words of the clergyman were generally lost 

 in the hubbub. The device was thought of, of allowing the congregation to 

 sit quietly in their seats while the blessing was pronounced. But the dogs 

 were rarely to be thus taken in. Somehow or other they contrived to find 

 out that the service was at an end, and, by a sympathetic whimpering, 

 announced that they were not sorry to be set at liberty. Later clergymen 

 endeavoured to put a stop to the ancient practice, and the dogs were ordered 

 to be left at home. To this end, however, it was necessary that they should 

 be confined by a suitable halter when the day came round. They knew this 

 full well, and even to this day the dogs in some of the pastoral districts of 

 Scotland contrive to keep out of reach betimes, taking their place at some con- 

 venient distance on the road, so as to join the family circle in its progress. 



