10 THE DOG. 



feeble ; and he was soon after himself obliged to be killed, for, 

 upon being set at liberty, he instantly flew upon every animal 

 he met, fowls, dogs, and even men themselves, not escaping his 

 savage fury. 



The same experiment was tried upon foxes, taken young, but 

 with no better success, they were never found to engender with 

 dogs ; and our learned naturalist seems to be of opinion, that 

 their natures are too opposite ever to provoke mutual desire. 



A young dog shudders at the sight of a wolf; he even shuns 

 his scent, which, though unknown, is so repugnant to his na- 

 ture, that he comes trembling to seek protection near his mas- 

 ter. A dog that is stronger, and knows his strength, bristles 

 up at the sight, testifies his animosity, attacks him with courage, 

 endeavours to put him to flight, and does all in his power to 

 rid himself of a presence that is hateful to him. They never 

 meet without either flying or fighting ; fighting for life and 

 death, and without mercy on either side. If the wolf is the 

 stronger, he tears and devours his prey : the dog, on the con- 

 trary, is more generous, and contents himself with his victory ; 

 he does not seem to think that the body of a dead enemy smells 

 well ; he leaves him where he falls, to serve as food for birds 

 of prey, or for other wolves, since they devour each ether; 

 and when one wolf happens to be desperately wounded, the 

 rest track him by his blood, and are sure to shew him no mercy. 



The dog, even in his savage state, is not cruel ; he is easily 

 tamed, and continues firmly attached to his master. The wolf, 

 when taken young, becomes tame, but never has any attach- 

 ment : nature ie stronger in him than education; he resumes 

 with age, his natural dispositions, and returns as soon as he can 

 to the woods from whence he was taken. Dogs, even of the 

 dullest kinds, seek the company of other animals; they are 

 naturally disposed to follow and accompany other creatures be- 

 sidei themselves ; and even by instinct, without any education, 



