DOGS USED IN FIELD SPORTS, ETC. 
689 
with amongst dogs of every country and climate. How the 
distinct races which have characters and propensities pecu¬ 
liar to themselves were originally produced it is impossible 
now to tell. If care is taken to prevent these from com¬ 
mingling with spurious blood, it is certain that by the 
result of education, the habits to which they have been 
trained have become hereditary. Many instances have oc¬ 
curred where pointer pups have lost their parent, and been 
suckled by a bitch of a totally different breed ; and upon 
being taken into a field, for the first time, have pointed 
game. 
The subjugation and domestication of the dog by man 
may be esteemed as one of the most important conquests 
which he has made in the animal kingdom. 
Without the vices of man, nature has formed the dog 
with an ardour and purity of attachment, which, when once 
matured, appears unsullied and inviolable. His whole ambi¬ 
tion seems a desire to execute the commands of his master 
and to yield implicit obedience to his every wish ; while he, 
at the same time, has a great dread of giving offence. His 
whole actions are marked by zeal, vigour, and gratitude, for 
the little kindnesses he receives at the hand of his master. 
He seems perfectly sensible of favours bestowed on him. Under 
correction, whether deserved or not, he in general displays 
a degree of firmness, by submitting to, and not avoiding 
chastisement ; while with conciliating and impressive looks 
and supplications he endeavours to allay the wrath of his 
chastiser, and will lick the hand by which the blows are 
inflicted. Every kindness he receives from his master is 
remembered, while his too often undeserved punishment is 
speedily forgotten. But, on the other hand, he will act 
quite differently with strangers, as he will boldly protect 
himself against an unmerited injury, and will seldom forget it. 
