DOGS. 



419 



their fishing is always brought on land to be devoured, and the head bitten 

 off as the first mouthful. They inhabit bye places and sequestered nooks on 

 the banks or in the neighbourhood of water; here they make a bed of dry grass, 

 and remain concealed during the day : it is only at night that they issue forth 

 in search of food. 



The Sea-Otter (Mustela httris) is twice as large as the common otter, and its 

 black coat, of the vivid brightness of velvet, forms one of the most precious furs. This 

 species inhabits Kamtschatka, the most northern parts of America, and the neighbour- 

 ing islands ; generally it keeps by the sea-side, 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 (Ca nisfa miliaris] is distinguished by its recurved tail ; in 

 every other particular, such as size, form, colour, and the quality of its hair, it is in- 

 finitely 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 

 friendship. The swiftness, strength, and scent of the dog have rendered him a power- 

 ful 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. 



FIG. 463. WOLF. 



The eyes of the new-born 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 (Canis lupus) is distinguished from the dog by his straight tail and his 



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