THE DOG. 35 



we gain by appropriating the winter food -store 

 of the bees, and the supply of starch and gluten 

 laid up for future use by many plants. An animal 

 of a troop has perforce certain social duties and 

 obligations which, as can be shown, are necessary 

 for his own existence as well as for the welfare of 

 the community. He must learn to give and take, 

 and be prepared to follow and obey the members 

 of greater capacity and experience. It is essential 

 that he should be of a peaceable disposition, as a 

 general rule, among his mates, so as to preserve 

 the harmony of the band ; since a pack of dogs — ■ 

 like a house — divided asfainst itself will soon 

 prove its unfitness, and be eliminated according 

 to law. He must also be prepared to stand by 

 his fellows, defend them or any of them if at- 

 tacked, and warn them if danger approaches. 



Seeing that most wild animals of the canine 

 tribe prey upon quarry swifter and larger than 

 themselves, their common welfare depends upon 

 systematic and intelligent co-operation. A single 

 hound following a trail by scent will frequently 

 be at a loss, for every now and then it will 

 over-run and miss the line ; but when several 

 are together this will seldom happen, and the 

 pace of the pursuit will consequently be much 



