2 THE DOG. 



particular description of the various setting dogs is given, I will 

 just sketch the general history of the dog principally from the 

 celebrated BufFon: 



THE DOG. 



The dog, independent of the beauty of his form, his vivacity, 

 force, and swiftness, is possessed of all those internal qualifications 

 that can conciliate the affections of man, and make the tyrant a 

 protestor. A natural share of courage, an angry and ferocious 

 disposition, render the dog, in its savage state, a formidable 

 enemy to all other animals : but these readily give way to very 

 different qualities in the domestic Jog, whose only ambition 

 seems the desire to please ; he is seen to come crouching along 

 to lay his force, his courage, and all his useful talents, at the 

 feet of his master ; he waits his orders, to which he pays im- 

 plicit obedience : he consults his looks, and a single glance is 

 sufficient to put him in motion ; he is more faithful even than 

 the most boasted among men ; he is constant in his affections, 

 friendly without interest, and grateful for the slightest favours ; 

 much more mindful of benefits received than injuries offered ; he 

 is not driven off by unkindness ; he still continues humble, sub- 

 missive, and imploring ; his only hope to be serviceable, his only 

 terror to displease ; he licks the hand that has been just lifted 

 to strike him, and at last disarms resentment by submissive per- 

 severance. 



More docile than man, more obedient than any other animal, 

 Joe is not only instructed in a short time, but he also conforms 

 to the dispositions and manners of those who command him. 

 He takes his tone from the house he inhabits ; like the rest of 

 the domestics, he is disdainful among the great, and churlish 

 among clowns. Always assiduous in serving his master ; and, 

 only a friend to his friends, he is indifferent to all the rest, and 

 Declares himself openly against such as seem to be dependent 



