THE LYCISCAIST GROUT. 707 



same resemblance is observed. In the Celtic parts of Scot- 

 land, previous to the extensive introduction of sheep, the 

 Shepherd's Dogs were a kind of Terriers. For the most part, 

 however, the common Shepherd's Dog with which we are 

 familiar in this part of Europe, has deviated in certain cha- 

 racters, especially in size, from the pristine type of the wolf, 

 though still the affinity may be sufficiently traced in indi- 

 viduals to indicate their origin. Thus, if we shall place the 

 older Shepherd's Dog of the south of Scotland, termed a 

 Colley, beside an Esquimaux Dog, we shall discover little 

 difference between them in their essential characters, and 

 still less between the Esquimaux Dog and the Shepherd's 

 Dog of Iceland. The dogs of this class have a certain like- 

 ness to one another, which may be ascribed, independently 

 of a common origin, to their being employed in the same 

 pursuits, and treated nearly in the same manner. They are 

 of small or medium size, have the muzzle narrow, the^ears 

 sub-erect, the hair long and coarse, and the tail bushy. "When 

 these dogs are inured from generation to generation to the 

 tendence of flocks, they acquire the habitudes proper to this 

 service : they become devoted, as it were, to the shepherd 

 and his flock, and exhibit, in the discharge of their peculiar 

 functions, a high degree of sagacity, patience, and fidelity. 

 It is common for naturalists to exalt the Shepherd's Dog, 

 with respect to his natural endowments, beyond all the other 

 races of dogs. But the Shepherd's Dog, though wonderfully 

 sagacious in every thing that relates to his peculiar services, 

 does not appear to merit, with respect to intelligence, the 

 highest place amongst dogs. He is inferior to the barbet 

 and its varieties, in his aptitude to receive instruction ; and 

 in particular qualities he falls short of others. Thus, in vigi- 

 lance, he is not equal to the mastiff; in docility, he is inferior 

 to the spaniel ; and in courage, he cannot be compared to the 

 little terrier of the same countries. His habits vary with 

 the education he receives. Where his province is to supply 

 the absence of enclosures, and protect the vineyards and cul- 



