DOGS. 7 



than any other animal, he is not only instructed in a 

 short time, but he also conforms to the dispositions 

 and manners of those who command him. He takes 

 his tone from the house he inhabits: like the rest of 

 the domestics, he is disdainful among the great, and 

 churlish among clowns. He knows a beggar by his 

 clothes, by his voice, or his gestures, and forbids his 

 approach. When, at night, the protection of the 

 house is committed to his care, he seems proud of 

 the charge; he continues a watchful sentinel; he 

 goes his rounds, scents strangers at a distance, and 

 gives them a warning of his being upon duty. If 

 they attempt to break in upon his territories, he 

 becomes more fierce, flies at them, threatens, fights, 

 and either conquers alone, or alarms those who have 

 most interest in coming to his assistance; however, 

 when he has conquered, he quietly reposes upon his 

 spoil, and abstains from abusing thus giving at 

 once a lesson of courage, temperance, and fidelity." 



The best dogs have flat nostrils, yet round, solid, 

 and blunt. Their teeth are like saws, and change in 

 or about the fourth month of their age. White, 

 smooth, and sharp-pointed teeth denote youth in 

 dogs; after a time, the teeth become yellow spotted, 

 and their points wear an uneven and jagged appear- 

 ence; blackish or dusky-coloured teeth are indicative 

 of more advanced age. 



Dogs may be suffered to breed when a twelve- 

 month old. The female goes with young about nine 

 weeks, a.nd produces from three to six at a litter, at 

 first; and afterwards a greater number. The young 

 pups are born blind, and do not obtain their sight 

 till after ten or twelve days; and after about two 

 months, their faculties begin to develope themselves. 

 At twenty months, or two years, dogs arrive at their 

 full vigour. 



