CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 201 



His chaps in vain, yet blows upon the flix ; 

 She seeks the shelter which the covert gives, 

 And, gaining it, she doubts if yet she lives." 



The English, Scotch, and Irish greyhounds were all of Celtic derivation, and their cultivation 

 and character corresponded with the civilization of the different Celtic tribes. The doo-a that were 

 exported from Britain to Rome were probably of this kind. Mr. Blaine gives an account of the 

 progress of these dogs, which seems evidently to be founded in truth : "Scotland, a northern 

 locality, has long been celebrated for its greyhounds, which are known to be lanre ami wirv- 

 coated. They are probably types of the early Celtic greyhounds, which, yielding to the influ- 

 ences of a colder climate than that they came from, became coated with a thick and wiry 

 hair. In Ireland, as being milder in its climate, the frame expanded in bulk, and the coat, 

 although very similar was yet less crisped and wiry. In both localities, there being at that 

 time boars, wolves, and even bears, powerful dogs were required. In England these wild beasts 

 were more early exterminated, and consequently the same kind of dog was not retained, but, on 

 the contrary, was by culture made finer in coat, and of greater beauty in form." 



FIDELITT. 



The greyhound appears to have been a favorite with the English gentry of the middle ages, 

 and this animal is frequently sculptured at the feet of his master on the old tombs. A late 

 Vol. I.— 26 



