ANECDOTES ABOUT DOGS 361 



others by that of scent; some were useful for speed in 

 pursuing game, some for their vigilance and barking, 

 and others for their courage in holding ferocious ani- 

 mals at bay. So large a pack indeed was not maintained 

 without adding greatly to our care and trouble, in sup- 

 plying them with meat and water, for it was some- 

 times difficult to procure for them enough of the latter ; 

 but, their services were invaluable, often contributing 

 to our safety, and always to our ease, by their constant 

 vigilance, as we felt confident that no danger could 

 approach us at night without its being announced by 

 their barking. 



" No circumstances could render the value and 

 fidelity of these animals so conspicuous and sensible 

 as a journey through regions which abounding 

 in wild beasts of almost every class, gave us con- 

 tinual opportunities of witnessing the strong contrast 

 between the ferocious beasts of prey, many of which 

 fly at the approach of man and these kind, but not al- 

 ways duly appreciated, companions of the human race. 

 Many times when we have been travelling over plains 

 where the wild creatures of all kinds have fled directly 

 we appeared in sight, have I turned my eyes towards 

 my dogs, in admiration of their devotion and attach- 

 ment and have felt a grateful affection towards them 

 for preferring our society to the wild liberty of other 

 quadrupeds. 



" Often in the middle of the night when all my 

 people have been fast asleep round the fire, have 

 I stood to contemplate these faithful animals lying by 

 their side, and have learned to esteem them for their 



