6 DOGS. 



diminutive breeds of the spaniel, all possess the dis- 

 tinctive and peculiar organic formation which consti- 

 tutes and defines the dog; yet they are as unlike 

 each other in size, shape, and peculiar characteris- 

 tics, as are animals of a distinct race. 



For courage, docility, and perfection of brood, 

 the British race of dogs are most highly prized, and 

 foreign nations generally fully acknowledge and ap- 

 preciate this. Hence a perfect-bred dog is con- 

 sidered as a valuable present, and estimated accord- 

 ingly. 



In a wild state, dogs live in hordes, and seek their 

 prey like other untamed animals, except that they 

 always hunt in packs, and thus run down their prey; 

 but brought into connexion with human society, the 

 very nature of the dog seems changed, he forfeits 

 his liberty without regret, and seems most happy 

 when belonging to a master to whom he can be 

 faithful as a friend, servant, or companion. In 

 domestication, his ambition seems to be, the desire to 

 please; to offer his force, his courage, and all his 

 useful talents, at the service of his master, seems to 

 give him peculiar gratification; he waits his orders, to 

 which he pays implicit obedience: he consults his 

 looks, and a single glance is sufficient to put him in 

 motion: he is faithful and constant, friendly with- 

 out interest, and grateful for the slightest favours: 

 more mindful of benefits received than injuries 

 offered, he is not driven off by unkindness: he still 

 continues submissive; and even licks the hand just 

 lifted to strike him, and disarms resentment by sub- 

 missive perseverence. 



Buffon, the celebrated naturalist, thu writes of 

 the dog: " More docile than man, more obedient 



