CLASS T. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 



21 5 



POMERANIAN WOLF-DOG. 



until at length he troubled himself very little about the matter, but, riding carelessly along, used 

 to be amused with observing how adroitly the dog acquitted himself of his charge. At 

 length, so convinced was he of his sagacity, as well as fidelity, that he laid a wager that he would 

 intrust the dog with a number of sheep and oxen, and let him drive them alone and unattended 

 to Alston market. It was stipulated that no one should be within sight or hearing who had the 

 least control over the dog, nor was any spectator to interfere. This extraordinary animal accord- 

 ingly proceeded with his business in the most steady and dexterous manner ; and, although he 

 had frequently to drive his charge through other herds that were grazing, he did not lose one ; 

 but, conducting them to the very yard to which he was used to drive cattle when with his master, 

 he significantly delivered them up to the person appointed to receive them by barking at his 

 door ! "W hen the path which he traveled lay through grounds in which others were grazing, he 

 would run forward, stop his own drove, and then, chasing the others away, collect his scattered 

 charge, and proceed. 



DIVISION IV.— HUNTING-DOGS, HOUNDS, AND SPANIELS. 



These animals are generally of middling size, though some are small ; the ears are long and 

 pendent, the scent acute, and the intelligence great. In general, the covering is smooth, though 

 instances of rough hair occur. 



The Old English Hound is supposed to be the original stock of the island of Great Britain, 

 and was used by the natives in the chase. It is of large size, long body, deep chest, ears very 

 large and pendulous, a peculiarly deep voice, heavy appearance, and slow movement in the chase. 

 It is now T almost extinct, having given way to the swifter breed now in use. 



The Fox-Hound, the much celebrated and esteemed hunting-dog in England, is a cross of the 

 old English hound by the greyhound ; it is from twenty-two inches to two feet in height, and 

 of middle size. The head and fur are of great beauty, the scent exquisite, and the speed great — 

 equal to the swiftest horse. Youatt tells us that " a match was run over the Beacon Course at 

 Newmarket, the distance being four miles one furlong and one hundred and thirty-two yards. 

 The winning dog performed it in eight minutes and a few seconds; but of the sixty horses that 

 , started with the hounds, only twelve were able to run in with them. Flying Childers had run 

 the same course in seven minutes and thirty seconds." . ♦ 



The fox-hound is bred in England with the greatest care by the gentry, and is used in hunting 



the fox, esteemed the most aristocratic sport in the country. Several gentlemen keep packs 



. of hounds, varying from thirty to sixty dogs, — three thousand dollars a year being frequently 



