THE DOG. 129 



that it appears to disadvantage under the law of Moses, 

 and, consequently, in the language and feelings of the 

 people, because it was conspicuous among the divinities 

 of ancient Egypt. 



The Turks reckon the dog an unclean and filthy 

 creature, and drive him from their houses. Among 

 them, therefore, these animals commonly do not belong 

 to any particular owners, but range the streets and dis- 

 tricts, and do not guard particular houses. Such, 

 indeed, is their common treatment in the East ; even 

 in Egypt, they are now as much abhorred as they once 

 were venerated. 



That the dog appears of a very different character 

 in such circumstances, is placed beyond dispute. Ac- 

 cording to Poiret, this animal loses in Barbary, as in 

 the East in general, the greater part, or all of his attrac- 

 tive qualities. Among the Arabs his appearance is 

 disagreeable, and his look savage. The Moors grant 

 him a corner in their tent, but that is all They never 

 caress him, or throw him any thing to eat. No wonder, 

 then, he is indifferent to his master. Often, indeed, he 

 has none, and his savageness is the natural consequence 

 of neglect. 



If, however, it is apparent that dogs have been dis- 

 esteemed and ill-treated, there are proofs, even from 



