. .■ ORDER V. THE CARNIVORA. 87 



colored spot above each eye, somewhat fulvous towards the nose, throat, 

 and upon the joints; there is also a little white about the feet and on the 

 end ot' the tail. Their eyes are rather small, and of a light brown. This 

 race is nothing inferior to the best Sheeji Dogs in natural pcjwers of intel- 

 lect. Endless anecdotes of sagacity are related of them in their natural 

 regions, as well as in Europe. The true breed of this race is almost semi- 

 palmated ; and consequently they swim, dive, and endure the water 

 better and longer than any dog in existence. Oue was picked n[) in the 

 Bay of Biscay, having been observed by a man at the mast-head, the ship 

 whence he must have come being out of sight. A boat was lowered, and 

 the auiuial, when taken in, did not give signs of extreme fatigue. Xo dog 

 is better qualified to serve iu harness, or fitter to watch and guard property 

 on shore, or vessels in the coasting trade, rivers, or canals. As a water 

 dog he can be taught to execute almost any command ; and bis kind dis- 

 position makes training cas\-, when used in the field. 



A few years ago, the number about St. John's, in Xewfoundland, was 

 estimated at two thousand or more. They were left to shift for them- 

 selves during the whole fishing season, and probably still arc thus suffered 

 to remain starving, diseased, and even dangerous to the rest of the popula- 

 tion. After that period they labor in drawing wood, fish, and merchan- 

 dise ; and one dog is estimatt'd to be able to maiutain his master diu'ing 

 winter. True hj-drophobia does not attack them there ; but a kind of 

 plague, originating in the neglect and misery they suffer, occasionally de- 

 stroys great numbers. 



M e cannot refrain from recording here one or two additional anecdotes, 

 which prove the reasoning powers of this animal. In ^Ir. ^Vusjiack's His- 

 tory of Xewfoundland the following incident is related : — 



"One of the magistrates of Harbor Cirace had an old dog, which was in 

 the habit of carryiiig a lantern for his master at night as steadily as the 

 most attentive servant could ; stopping short when his master made a stop, 

 and proccediug when be saw him disposed to foll(.)w him. If his master 

 were absent from Jiome, on the lantern being fixed to his mouth, and the 

 .command given, 'Go, fetch your master!' he would immediately set off 

 and proceed directly to the town, which lay at a distance of more than 

 a mile from the place of his master's residence. lie would tlien stop at the 

 door of every house which he knew his master was in the habit of frequent- 

 ing, and laying down his lantern, would knock at the door, and growl 

 until it was opened. If his master were not there, he would proceed 

 farther until he had found him. If he accompanied him only once into a 

 house, it was sufficient to induce him to take that bouse in his rounds." 



Here is another, of which Mr. Youatt, the author of an excellent work. 



