DOMESTICATED MAMMALS OP THE FARM 105 



been considered a source of food supply, except in times 

 of famine. 



And our dealings with the other domesticated beasts, that 

 nowadays seem so utilitarian, were not in the beginning so 

 very different. It is probable that the first of them to be 

 brought into human association were captured young and 

 kept at home as pets. The desire of their captors was 

 probably not to eat them, nor to wear their skins, but to see 

 more of their interesting ways. The frisking calf or colt or 

 lamb was a new playmate for the children of the household. 

 So, all sorts of wild animals are gathered about the homes of 

 primitive people everywhere, even today. So, they are 

 played with.- and tamed, and such as prove harmless and 

 docile are allowed increasing liberty about the place. There 

 are few of them indeed, that, when free and fully grown, will 

 not desert the homes of their captors for their native wilds. 

 Some such have been found in times long past, and from these 

 have descended our domesticated animals. Doubtless the sav- 

 age youth who first captured a few wild calves, and tamed and 

 reared and bred them and started a herd, little realized the 

 far-reaching influence of his venture upon the development of 

 human civilization. 



In attaching the more useful "wild animals to his home, 

 savage man attached himself there. It became easier to 

 raise food and clothing than to get them by the uncertainties 

 of the chase. As a keeper of flocks and herds his substance 

 increased ; his living became better assured ; his sympathies 

 and interests were broadened; his forethought grew. 



The dog has been of chief value to the hunter and the 

 husbandman. He was by nature a superb scout; vigilant, 

 keen, able to take care of himself, and quick to learn ways of 

 cooperating with his master. He coul d be taught what to do, 

 and — yet more remarkable — what not to do, even to the 

 curbing of his natural appetites. From eating sheep and 



