DIGITIGRADE CAENIVORA. 



539 



most northern parts of America, and the neighbouring islands ; gene- 

 rally it keeps by the seaside, and not within reach of fresh water. 



The second group of Digitigrade Carnivora is 

 characterized by having two blunt molars behind 

 the lacerator of the upper jaw, and comprehends the 

 least sanguinary animals of this order. They are of 

 moderately large stature, but their courage does 

 not equal their strength, and they^ generally feed on 

 carrion. This group includes the Dogs and the Foxes, 



The Dogs (Canis) have their tongues smooth; their front 

 feet are provided with five fingers, while the hinder have 

 only four. 



The Domestic Dog ( Canis familiar is] is distinguished by its re- 

 curved tail ; in every other particular, such as size, form, colour, and 

 the quality of its hair, it is infinitely diversified. The conquest 

 over this race of animals is the most complete, the most wonderful, 

 and the most useful ever achieved by mankind. The entire species 

 has become his own property; every individual is devoted to its 

 particular master,* assumes his manners, knows and defends his 

 property, and remains attached to him till death; and all this neither 

 from constraint nor want, but solely from gratitude and pure friend- 

 ship. The swiftness, strength, and scent of the Dog, have rendered 

 him a powerful ally to man against any other animals, and were 

 even, perhaps, necessary to the establishment of society. It is the 

 only animal that has accompanied mankind over the whole world. 



The eyes of the new-bora Dog are closed, and become opened 

 about the tenth or twelfth day after birth ; the first set of teeth are 

 shed when it is about four months old, and its growth is completed 

 in two years. 



The Wolf CCfint's lupus] is distinguished from the Dog by his 



FIG. 463. WOLF. 



