DOGS! THEIR MANAGEMENT. 83 



of the brute, than to compete with it in strength, or 

 endeavor to outvie it in agility. Manual dexterity will 

 often fail, and is seldom employed save when danger is 

 present. Mental supremacy appealing to the source of 

 action ensures safety, by subduing, not the resistance, 

 but the desire to resist. 



It is easy to ascertain when the dog has regained that 

 tranquillity which would allow of its being trusted with 

 security. The eye need alone be consulted, and a little 

 observation will speedily instruct any one to read its 

 meaning correctly. When the creature is irritated, the 

 pupil invariably dilates, and by singly marking this cir- 

 cumstance, the temper of the beast may be correctly 

 ascertained. Nor should caution be discarded until the 

 contracted circle assures that the agitation has passed 

 away. 



With the smaller kind of spaniels and the generality 

 of petted animals, the indications of the eye may be 

 depended upon ; but with the more robust and less fami- 

 liarized species it is safest to take some precaution, even 

 while the sign of sagacity is exhibited. Certain dogs, 

 those of coarse breeds and large size, are exceedingly 

 treacherous, and sometimes are not safe even to their 

 masters. Creatures of this kind are, however, usually as 

 devoid of courage as they are deficient of magnanimity ; 

 and by the display of resolution are to be readily sub- 

 dued. 



When, however, really sick, there are few dogs which 

 may not be approached. Under such circumstances, the 



