158 NOTES ON THE DOG TRIBE., 



The dog, although particularly gifted by nature 

 with a disposition, which enables him to receive 

 impressions to a certain amount, even in some 

 instances, bordering as it were, on reason, will 

 exhibit nothing in his wild state, to exalt him 

 above the surrounding animals. No, not above 

 the ass itself. He must submit to the rule and 

 dominion of rational man, in order to excel the 

 surrounding brutes. 



To man alone, he is indebted for an education. 



Under man, he becomes docile, affectionate, 

 obedient, and surprisingly useful. The Spanish 

 shepherd, who always precedes his flocks in their 

 route across the mountains of Andalusia, places 

 his huge white guardian-dogs in the rear, never 

 doubting of their fidelity. 



In fact, the dog has received from the hand 

 of Omnipotence, a disposition that can be modelled 

 into almost anything short of reason. But, at 

 reason, his instructor must stop. It is beyond the 

 power of man, to impart it to the dog. Man may 

 strive his utmost to effect it, but he will always fail 

 in the attempt. 



Why some of the brute animals are more sus- 

 ceptible of educational impressions than others, 

 is a secret to us mortals ; and it will for ever be 

 one. But, this much we know, that, if we wish to 



