CARNIVORA. 217 
The third subdivision of Mr. Frederic Cuvier in- 
cludes the following varieties* 
THE BULL-DOG. LE CHIEN DOGUE. 
Cauls Molossus. L. 
The round, thick head, turned-up nose, and thick 
pendulous lips of this formidable dog, are familiar to 
all. The nostrils of this variety are frequently cleft. 
The want of that degree of discernment, which is 
found in so many of the canine varieties, added to 
the ferocity of the bull-dog, make it extremely dan- 
gerous, when its courage and strength are employed 
to protect the person or property of its owner, or 
for any domestic purpose ; since, unlike many of the 
more sagacious, though less powerful dogs, which 
seem rather more anxious to give the alarm, when 
danger threatens, by their barking, than to proceed 
immediately to action, the bull-dog, in general, makes 
a silent but furious attack ; and the persisting powers 
of its teeth and jaws enable it to keep its hold 
against any but the greatest efforts, so that the utmost 
mischief is likely to ensue, as well to the innocent 
visitor of its domicile, as to the felonious intruder. 
The savage barbarity, which, in various shapes, is 
so apt to show itself in the human mind, particularly 
when unchecked by education and refinement, has 
encouraged the breed of this variety of the dog, in 
