330 
SPANISH-TOWN. 
The aboriginal inhabitants of these islands are 
represented as possessing at the time of the discovery 
a small domesticated Dog, which they called an Alco, 
This little inmate of their homes was remarkable for 
a gentle quietness of temper, and for an attachment 
that made it the constant companion of its master. 
When the indolent and pleasant life of the island was 
terminated by the servitude imposed by the Spaniards, 
and the dream in the shade, and the noontide slumber 
by the fountain, which had been exchanged for no 
ruder exercise than the choral song, and the evening 
dance, were succeeded by the labour by day, and the 
weariness by night ; — and life became an endless 
repetition of the same toil and suffering, the hopeless 
despondency in which the Indian perished swept away 
also the attached inmate of his home. 
‘‘ The domesticated Dog is everywhere the counter- 
part of his master. His instincts and appetites as- 
sume the passions and pursuits of the being he serves, 
and mould him into races as varied as the condition 
of mankind. From an animal of pursuit with the 
huntsman ; of vigilant guardianship with the keeper 
of flocks and herds ; and of sleepless watchfulness 
with the confiding household ; — he becomes an in- 
dulged menial or a pampered favourite at the family 
board. Preserved and perpetuated in the several 
accidents of breed, to administer to the wants and 
pleasures of man, we may estimate the social con- 
dition of a people by the developed character of their 
Dogs. 
‘‘ All writers agree in representing the Alco as a 
