ORDER CARNASSIER. 829 



and compressed head, as well as for its speed, which 

 exceeds that of all other Dogs. 



When we compare the Greyhounds with other varieties, 

 in reference to the form and proportion of the head, we 

 perceive that it terminates the series of those whose fore- 

 head is flat, and muzzle elongated. 



This flatness of the forehead is produced by the oblitera- 

 tion of the frontal sinuses from those cavities which are 

 formed at the base of the nose, and which, being immedi- 

 ately connected with the nasal cavities, and covered with 

 the same membranes as they are, increase the sense of 

 smell. This is ordinarily accompanied with an extraordi- 

 nary slenderness and length of the legs, as well as a great 

 contraction of the abdomen ; phenomena, which, although 

 not explained, are without exception. 



This obliteration of the frontal sinuses, in weakening the 

 powers of smell of the Greyhound, contribute, probably, to 

 the development of their other senses, by the necessity in- 

 duced of exercising them more exclusively. The sight and 

 hearing of this variety are excellent, and although they are 

 as domestic as any of the race, the conque of their ears is 

 but semipendent; notwithstanding which, they have the 

 faculty of elevating and moving them with as much facility 

 as the unreclaimed races. They are destitute of the fifth 

 toe found in the other varieties. 



The Greyhound is but little susceptible of education ; his 

 intelligence is limited, and he seems to conceive with slow- 

 ness and difficulty, while other varieties do so with facility. 

 His sentiments, however, are very strong, and he is, more than 

 any other, alive to caresses ; indeed, his emotions, on being 

 noticed, are so strong, if we may judge, at least, by the 

 violent and irregular movements of the heart, that it seems 

 difficult to believe how they can be borne. This want of 

 intelligence, joined to high sensibility, however, seem to 

 divest the Greyhound of any exclusive affection ; he has no 



