334 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



That all thefe, however divided, compofe one general 

 family, is apparent, from the facility with which they 

 intermix, produce, and reproduce. In all of them the 

 fame attachment to mankind, the fame pliant and hum- 

 ble difpofition, fubmitting with patience to the various 

 indignities to which they are expofed by their dependant 

 fituation, is eminently obfervable. Even thofe that, by 

 accident or neglect, have been abandoned and become 

 wild, when taken home, are eafily reclaimed by kindnefs 

 and attention : They quickly become familiar, and conti- 

 nue faithfully attached to their matters. — Multitudes of 

 thefe are to be found in South- America, which have 

 fprung from thofe taken thither by the Europeans. They 

 breed in holes in the ground, are formed fomewhat like 

 a Greyhound, have erect ears, are very vigilant, and ex- 

 cellent in the chafe. 



To mention fome of the more common inftances of 

 this creature's fagacity, by way of elucidating its general 

 character, may not be amifs ; and amongft thefe, its care 

 in directing the fteps of the blind man is not the leaft 

 worthy of notice. There are few who have not feen an 

 unfortunate object: of this defcription, led by his Dog, 

 through the various paffages of a populous town, to the 

 accuftomed place where he fits to fupplicate the contri- 

 butions of pafTengers. It may fometimes be feen to ftop 

 at particular houfes, to receive the morfel from the hand 

 of charity, or pick from the ground the money thrown 

 out to relieve its miferable owner. "When the day is 

 paffed, it conducts him home again ; and gratefully re- 

 ceives, as the reward of its fervices, the fcanty pittance 

 which poverty and wretchednefs can beftow. 



Dogs will fometimes imitate the actions of their maf- 

 ters, will open a door that is fattened with a latch, oz 



