CLASS I. MAMMALIA: 
ORDEE 5. CARNIVORA. 
305 
it was an almost universal auxiliary in tlie kitchens of Europe, but modern improvements in the 
machinery of cooking have, for the most part, taken away its vocation. It has a long body, with 
short legs, the tail curled, the ears long and pendent, and the head large in proportion to the 
body. There are some curious stories of the artfulness with which it often attempted to avoid 
the tasks imposed upon it. The crooked-legged turnspit is a variety of this dog, 
DIVISION II.— THE FRENCH MATIN AND ITS KINDIiED. 
The Matin — a French word, which literally signifies mastiffs but which is technically used to 
mean the Great French Cur-Dog — is of a breed peculiarly esteemed in France, and was erro- 
neously regarded by Buffon as the progenitor of the dog race. It is the C.f. laniarius of Linnasus, 
and is a very superior animal, of middle size, robust frame, short hair, ears erect, though pendu- 
lous at the tip, moderate powers of scent, great activity and endurance, with a somewhat fierce 
disposition. He is brave even to ferocity, faithful to the death in guarding his master's property, 
and an excellent tender of herds and flocks — in these respects rivaling the shepherd's dog. He 
is used in the chase of the boar and the wolf, in which he displays admirable perseverance and 
daring. 
The Dalmatian Dog, or Great Danish Dog, claims a place here. The body is generally 
white, marked with numerous small round black, or reddish-brown, spots. The Dalmatian is said 
THE DALMATIAN DOG. 
to be used in his native country for the chase, to be easily broken, and stanch to his work. He 
lias never been thus employed in England or America, but is chiefly distinguished by his fond- 
ness for horses, and as being the frequent attendant on the carriages of the wealthy. To that his 
office seems to be confined ; for he rarely develops suflficient sense or sagacity to be useful in any 
of the ordinary oflices of the dog. Some of this breed are the tallest of the canine species in 
existence. There is a smaller variety, called the Little Dalmatian Dog. 
The Cuban Mastiff, or Cuban Blood-Hound, is of this division. It was a native of Spain, and 
was sent to the West Indies, where it was used by the Spanish invaders as an ally in their wars 
with the revolted Indians, It acquired a thirst for human flesh, and became a powerful ally in 
the dark and bloody history of the period. The priest Las Casas says that the populous island 
of Cuba, in consequence of the destruction of the natives by means of these dogs, Avas rendered 
almost a desert. The present breed is a strong and courageous race, of moderate intelli- 
gence : they are used as watch-dogs, and are also in request for bull-fights and other Spanish 
exhibitions. 
According to Gervais, the primitive turnspit and some of the dogs of the Indians of America 
were of this division. 
