ORDER OF CARNIVORA. 
405 
i acquired by palaeontology, it is quite natural to think that from 
; all the possible combinations between the different varieties of 
Jackals, Wolves, and Dogs, have emanated well defined breeds, 
over which Man has extended his control, modifying them 
according to his fancy, and gradually increasing the number by 
successive crossings. Such is the opinion that to us appears 
the best founded. 
However this may be, it is impossible to fix the epoch in which 
Fig. 156. — Greyhound. 
the Dog became the servant of Man. The oldest traditions, the 
most ancient historical documents, show us the Dog reduced to a 
state of domesticity. Thus it may be said that the Dog forms an 
integral part of mankind. This is what Toussenel has well 
said : “ Ce qu’il y a de meilleur dans l’homme, c’est le Chien.” 
The Dog possesses all the qualities of intelligence and spirit. 
Where can we find a more certain, more constant, or more devoted 
