132 



MAMMALIA— DOG. 



These wild dogs, however, are extremely thin and light ; and as the grey- 

 hound does not difier much from the cur, or from the dog which we 

 will call the shepherd's dog, it is natural to think, that these wild dogs are 

 rather of this species, than real greyhounds ; since on the other side, ancient 

 travellers have said, that the dogs of Canada had the ears straight like 

 foxes, and resembled the middle sized mastiflf, that is, our shepherd's dog, 

 and that those of the deserts of the Antilles isles, had also the head and 

 ears very long, and in appearance very much resemble foxes. 



Dogs are commonly born with their eyes shut : the two eyelids are not 

 only closed, but adhere by a membrane, which breaks away as soon as the 

 muscle of the superior eyelid is become strong enough to raise it and to 

 overcome this obstacle ; and the greater number of dogs have not their eyes 

 open till the tenth or twelfth day. They attain their growth in two years. 

 The dog is old at fifteen years, and seldom lives beyond twenty. 



THE GREYHOUND. 1 



This elegantly formed animal was once held in such estimation, that it 

 was the peculiar companion of a gentleman, who was anciently known by 

 his horse, his hawk, and his greyhound. In such repute was it, that Canute 

 enacted a law that it should not even be kept by any one who was under 

 the rank of a gentleman. It has a long body, a neat and elongated head, 

 full eye, long mouth, sharp and very white teeth, little ears, with thin 

 gristles in them, a straight neck and full breast ; his fore and hind legs are 

 long and straight ; his ribs round, strong, and full of sinews, and taper 

 aI)out the belly. It is the swiftest of the dog kind, and easily trained for 

 the chase when twelve months old. It courses by sight and not by scent, 

 as other hounds do ; and is supposed to outlive all the dog tribe. Buffon 



' Canis Jamiliaris grains . 



