DOGS : ANCIENT AND MODERN. 403 



care, viz., the Mastiff, the Boar-hound, and the great rough Grey- 

 hound, generally known as the Wolf-hound. It is remarkable how 

 well these three breeds correspond with the pugnaces, sagaces, 

 and celeres, to which I have just referred. They were common 

 in all European countries, particularly the northern, but varied 

 somewhat in size and substance, according to locality and the 

 different conditions of life under which they were obliged to 

 exist. It is a matter of much regret that we are so little 

 acquainted with the real form and dimensions of these notable 

 and ancient dogs. 



These early breeds are all remarkable for having erect or 

 semi -erect ears, like all wild dogs and wolves. The pendulous 

 ear was not seen till near the decline of the Roman Empire. 



Having now glanced briefly at the different kinds of dogs 

 which were known to the great nations of old, let us consider 

 what are the existing species of wild dogs (including Wolves, 

 Foxes, Jackals, and a few other aberrant forms), from which it is 

 possible, and indeed probable, that our domestic races have 

 descended. To take a survey of these satisfactorily it will be 

 desirable, in the first place, to note the position which the great 

 family Canidce occupies in the order Carnivora in relation to 

 other Carnivores. It will be perceived, on looking at the accom- 

 panying diagram (which I have copied by permission from 

 Prof. Flower's Classification of the Carnivora*), that the land 

 Carnivora or Fissijjedia may be conveniently, separated into three 

 large groups or sections, the tEluroidea (comprising the Felidce, 

 Hycenidce, Viverridce, &c.), the Arctoidea (comprehending the 

 Ursidce, Mustelidce, Procynnidce, &c.), and the Cynoidea, which 

 includes all the different forms of dog-like animals. 



It should be observed that this is no mere arrangement of 

 fancy. A careful study and comparison by various zoologists 

 of the anatomy of most of these different forms (whenever oppor- 

 tunity has enabled the examination of specimens) has resulted in 

 the publication of careful descriptions and figures, by means of 

 which we are able to trace the relationships which are here 

 indicated. 



It need scarcely be said that the cranial characters, and 

 especially the dentition (as indicating the animal's mode of life 



* Proc. Zool. Soc. 1869, pp. 4—37. See also Proc. Zool. Soc. 1883, 

 pp. 178—186. 



