132 MAMMALIA—DOG. 
These wild dogs, however, are extremely thin and light; snd as the grey 
hound does not differ 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 mastiff, 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. 

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Tus elegantly formed animal was once held in such estimation, that 1 
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 ofa gentleman. It has a long body, a neat and elongated head, 
full eye, long meuth, sharp and very white teeth, little ears, with thin 
gristles in them, a straight neck and full breast; his fore and hind legs are 
Jong and straight; his ribs round, strong, and full of sinews, and taper 
about 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. Buffor 


' Canis familiaris gratus. 
