CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 231 



of moderate size, but of great strength and courage. In general lie makes a silent though fero- 

 cious attack, and the persisting powers of his teeth and jaws enable him to keep Lis hold against 

 any but the greatest efforts, so that the utmost mischief is likely to ensue as well to the innocenl 

 visitor of his domicile as to the malicious intruder. He is scarcely capable of any education and 

 is fitted for nothing but ferocity and combat. 



The name of this dog, which is of English origin, is derived from his being employed in Eng- 

 land and other countries, until a few years ago, in baiting the bull. This was practiced by the low 

 and dissolute in many parts of the United Kingdom. Dogs were bred and trained for the pur- 

 pose ; and while many of them were injured or destroyed, the head of the bull was lacerated in 

 the most barbarous manner. Nothing can exceed the fury with which the bull-doo- rushed on 

 his foe, and the obstinacy with which he maintained his hold, lie fastened upon the lip, the 

 muzzle, or the eye, and there he hung, in spite of every effort of the bull to free himself from his 

 antagonist. 



THE BULL-DOG. 



Bull-dogs are not so numerous as they were a few years ago ; and every kind-hearted person 

 will rejoice to hear that bull-baiting is now put down by legal authority in every part of Great 

 Britain. A few of them are kept in this country, but they are neither useful nor agreeable. 



The Bull-Terrier. — This dog is a cross between the bull-dog and the terrier, and is generalh 

 superior, both in appearance and value, to either of its progenitors. A second cross considerably 

 lessens the underhanging of the lower jaw, and a third entirely removes it, retaining the spirit 

 and determination of the animal. It forms a steadier friendship than either of them, and the 

 principal objection to it is its love of wanton mischief, and the dangerous irascibility which it oc- 

 casionally exhibits. 



The Pug-Dog is a small variety, which has something of the power of the bull-terrier. It com- 

 bines a ludicrous importance and pretense with littleness of form and pettishness of character. It 

 is noisy and snappish, but capable of strong attachment. The French Pug is. a docile creature, 

 i and is taught many ingenious tricks. 



