HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 313 



The GREYHOUND, 



M. Buffon fuppofes to be the Irifti Greyhound, rendered 

 thinner and more delicate by the difference of climate 

 and culture : But whatever truth there may be in the 

 fanciful arrrangements of that ingenious author, there is 

 an evident fimilarity of form in all of thofe juft mention- 

 ed ; particularly in the depth of the cheft, in the length 

 of the legs, and in the fmallnefs of the muzzle. 



The Greyhound is the fleeteft of all Dogs, and can 

 outrun every animal of the chafe - 9 but as it wants the fa- 

 culty of fcenting, it only follows by the eye. — It was for- 

 merly held in fuch eftimation, as to be confidered the pe- 

 culiar companion of gentlemen ; and, by the foreft laws 

 of King Canute, it was enacted, that no perfon under 

 that degree mould prefume to keep a Greyhound. 



The fmall Italian Greyhound is not above half the fizc, 

 but perfectly fimilar in form. Its fhape is exquifitely 

 beautiful and delicate. — It is not common in this country, 

 the climate being too rigorous for the extreme delicacy of 

 its constitution. 



