DOG. 279 
for securing their attachment. They are fed 
sparingly with putrid fish during the winter, and 
in summer are turned loose to shift for them- 
selves, till the return of the severe season makes 
it necessary for their masters to take them 
again into custody, and remand them to their se- 
vere state of toil and slavery. Like the spirits of 
Prospero, they seem to obey their master with no 
good will, but to hate him rootedly." When 
yoking to the sledge, they set up a dismal yell, 
which ceases on beginning the journey, and then 
gives place to silent subtlety, and a perpetual en- 
deavour to weary out the patience of the driver 
by wayward tricks and contrivances. With all 
their faults, however, they are considered as con- 
stituting one of the great conveniences of life by 
the inhabitants of the frozen region of Kamts- 
chatka. 
Iceland Dog, — (Canis Islandicus. Lin. Gmel.^ 
This seems to differ but slightly from the preced- 
ing kind. It has a shortish muzzle, upright 
eai^s, with flaccid tips, and is covered with long 
roughish hair. Its general colour is blackish : the 
breast, legs, and tip of the tail, often white. 
Water IJog. — (Canis aquaticus. Lin. Gmel.) 
This is the Canis aquaticus aviarius of Gesner, 
and is distinguished by its curly hair, like wool, 
it is remarkable for its great attachment to the 
water, swims with great ease, and is used in hunt- 
ing ducks, and other aquatic birds. Its feet are 
commonly said to approach more to a webbed 
form than those of most other do^s. 
