323 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



than those of the Greyhounds ; their head and jaws are 

 elongated, and the nose is pointed. 



The French Matin, (Canis Laniarius. h.) The French 

 writers seem to consider this variety or breed as the most 

 important of the race, and as the progenitor of many others ; 

 the reason for which is not very apparent, unless it is, that 

 a venial patriotism is apt to decide in favour of our own 

 country, when certainty and truth are unattainable. Mr. 

 Pennant identifies it with the Irish Greyhound {Canis Grains 

 Hibernicus of Ray), and there certainly seems every reason 

 to conclude, that the Molossian or Albanian breed, the 

 French Matin, and the Irish Greyhound, possibly, also, the 

 Danish Dog, and the Greyhound, and its varieties, are ra- 

 mifications from each other. 



This variety has the head elongated, and the forehead 

 flat ; the ears are partly erect, but pendulous towards 

 the tips. It is about three feet long, and two feet high ; 

 very muscular, but active. The colour is ordinarily a 

 yellowish-fawn, with blackish, oblique, and parallel, but 

 indistinct rays. It will attack the Wolf or Wild Boar 

 eagerly, but is more commonly used in France as a House 

 or Sheep-Dog, 



The Irish Greyhound is much like the last, if not the 

 same animal ; but is said to attain a larger size, and is 

 sometimes seen four feet in height. It is to this breed 

 that the Irish owe the extirpation of Wolves from their 

 island, since which time the race has gradually disappeared, 

 and is now become extremely rare. 



The Great Danish Dog is presumed, by Buffon, to be 

 the Martin transported to a northern latitude. It is com- 

 monly white, marked all over with small round black spots ; 

 and is generally used as a Stable-Dog, and to accompany 

 a carriage. 



The Common Greyhound (Canis Grajus. h.) is familiar 

 to every one, and is very remarkable for its elongated jaws 



