NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 39 



(which the more I consider the matter the more I am convinced 

 that it is so), it will require but little observation on any of the 

 higher orders of animals around us, but of quadrupeds particu- 

 larly, and of these the dog more especially, to force conviction 

 on our minds, that innumerable actions are daily performed by 

 them, all of which are totally unconnected with either of these 

 great instinctive principles. It must be, therefore, self-evident 

 that all such actions must be extra-instinctive, and the result of 

 rational operations of the brute mind. In the dog these intel- 

 lectual phenomena present themselves in infinite variety, and the 

 impulses whereby they are directed seem equally diversified. His 

 bravery is great, and it is admirably set ofi" by his mercy, which to 

 a conquered or to a lesser foe is often very remarkable. Most 

 faithful and disinterested, no temptation can make him desert his 

 master, or his property when especially entrusted to him. In the 

 exercise of these proofs of his fidelity, all danger is disregarded ; 

 even the pressing calls of cold and hunger are not sufficient to 

 make him abandon his duty. This is no exaggerated picture, but 

 a true portrait of the Dog as he is usually found ; and the very 

 few instances of darker shadowing, universally frail as we are our- 

 selves, ought not to lessen our due appreciation of the mass. 

 Such being the case, can we treat an animal of his w^orth with too 

 much consideration and kindness ? Are we not as well bound by 

 duty as by interest to foster him with care, to protect him from 

 harm, and to administer to his wants in sickness ; and yet is he in 

 general so treated ? On the contrary, is he not neglected by one 

 half of mankind ; and by more than a half of the remainder is he 

 not despised and ill-treated? Were it otherwise, pages written in 

 illustration of his history, on the cultivation of his varieties, and 

 the improvement of his talent, would be considered as honourable 

 offerings to society : neither would the human surgeon, in turning 

 aside from the higher duties of his profession to describe the nu- 

 merous diseases, and to detail successful methods of combating 

 them in him, as well as in the horse, be considered as having, in 

 the smallest degree, compromised either his professional or per- 



