414 



MAMMALIA. 



eighth month of their age. As a rule, until ten months old, 

 they should not be shown game, or be trained in a steady, con- 

 tinuous manner. 



Since the date when the Dog was redeemed by Man from a 

 savage condition, its size, strength, and coat have submitted to 



Fig. 164. — Newfoundland Dogs. 



infinite variations ; a circumstance which makes it very difficult 

 to class, in a small number of sufficiently homogeneous groiips, 

 all the races and sub-races now existing. Fr. Cuvier and Des- 

 raarets have divided all the varieties of Dog# thus — Matins, 

 Spaniels, and Mastiffs. We will adopt this method, because it is 

 easier to remember, though it is not without its faults. 



