CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 



205 



it was an almost universal auxiliary in the kitchens of Europe, but modern Improvements in the 

 machinery of cooking have, for the most part, taken away its vocation. L has a long body, with 

 short legs, the tail curled, the ears long and pendent, and the head large in proportion to the 

 body. There are some curious stories of the artfulness with which it often attempted to avoid 



the tasks imposed upon it. The crooked-legged turnspit is a variety of this dog. 



DIVISION' II. -THE FRENCH MATIN AND ITS KINDRED. 



The Matin — a French word, which literally signifies mastiff, hut which is technically used to 

 mean the Great French Cl r-Dog — is of a breed peculiarly esteemed in Prance, and was erro- 

 neously regarded by Buffon as the progenitor of the dog race. It is the ( './. laniarius of Linnaeus 

 and is a very superior animal, of middle size, robust frame, short hair, ears erect, though pendu- 

 lous at the tip, moderate powers of scent, great activity and endurance, with a somewhal fierce 

 disposition. lie is brave even to ferocity, faithful to the death in guarding his master's property, 

 and an excellent tender ot' herds and flocks — in these respects rivaling the shepherd's Ak^. He 

 is used in the chase of the hoar and the wolf, in winch lie displays admirable perseverance and 

 daring. 



The Dalmatian Dog, or Great Danish Dog, claims a place here. The body is generally 

 white, marked with numerous small round black, or reddish-brown, spots. The Dalmatian is said 



THE DALMATIAN DOG. 



to be used in his native country for the chase, to he easily broken, and stanch to Ids work. lie 

 lias never been thus employed in England or America, hut is chiefly distinguished by hi- tond- 

 for horses, and a_s being the frequent attendant on the carriages of the wealthy. To that his 

 office seems to he confined; for he rarely develops sufficient sense or sagacity to he useful in any 

 of the ordinary offices of the* dog. Some of this breed are the tallest of the canine species in 

 existence. There is a smaller variety, called the Little Dai.v, vti \n Dog. 



The Cuban Mastiff, or Cuban Blood-Hound, is of this division. It was a native of Spain, and 

 >vis sent to the West Indies, where it was used by the Spanish invaders as an ally in their war- 

 with the revolted Indians. It acquired a thirst for human flesh, and became a powerful ally in 

 jthc dark and bloody history of the period. The priest Las Casas says that the populous island 

 >fCuba, in consequence of the destruction of tin' natives by means of these dogs, was rendered 

 almost a desert. The present breed is a strong and courageous race, of moderate intelli- 

 gence: they are used as watch-dogs, and are also in request for bull-fights and other Spanish 

 'xhibitions. 



According to Gervais, the primitive turnspit and some of the dogs <^\' the Indian- ot America 

 fere of this division. 



