1102 Quadrupeds. 



a large variety, or are referrible to admixtures with varieties of a dif- 

 ferent group, such as the largest old hounds, — I am unable to deter- 

 mine ; but there are some points in form and temper which would 

 favour the latter idea. 



If I have succeeded in making myself intelligible, with respect to 

 the three principal groups which I have proposed, I may now proceed 

 to offer a few remarks respecting their combinations. This part of 

 the subject seems to present some considerations, which are interest- 

 ing as connected with practical Physiology and with Ethnology. I 

 have no intention to attempt the analysis of the endless forms of mon- 

 grel to be seen amongst the domestic dogs in a city like London. 

 They offer the analogues of the human inhabitants, in the distant ele- 

 ments which are brought together to compose the motley group. No 

 satisfactory conclusions are to be drawn from such uncertain data. 

 The means employed and the results obtained by dog-fanciers, are 

 curious in a physiological point of view, and would doubtless deserve 

 attention, as capable of furnishing hints of practical value in the cul- 

 tivation of other species of animals ; and in this respect they may be 

 placed with those of the florist and horticulturist. The subject has 

 only to a very limited extent fallen under my observation. I shall 

 therefore proceed to notice one endemic variety, which bears the name 

 of the country from which it has been imported, I mean the New- 

 foundland dog, which, from his majestic size and comely appearance, 

 and perhaps still more on account of his excellent qualities, which 

 have often rendered him the friend and the preserver of man, has been 

 probably more celebrated by the pen and the pencil, than any other 

 animal of the brute creation, the horse alone excepted. 



The Newfoundland dog has been regarded as a large species of the 

 water- spaniel, but I am inclined to attribute to him a widely different 

 consanguinity, although the results of the same principle of admixture 

 are to be found in both. The Newfoundland dog of the largest kind 

 — for the Newfoundland dogs imported from the island are not all of 

 the same description — appears to be the produce of an admixture of 

 the Eskimaux dog with a large variety of mastiff, in France called 

 chien-dogue. Their vast size, a peculiar deficiency about the loins, 

 which often gives a characteristic and awkward peculiarity to the gait, 

 and above all, an expression of countenance which often indicates 

 their descent, are physical traits which they derive from the dogue. 

 The subdued and quiet manner which they exhibit, is derived, with- 

 out doubt, from the same source ; whilst their length of hair and their 



