Dog.

SO much has been said of the service of this animalin all Ages, and of the predominancy of its Friendship towards Man, that to compile its history would be to mark the progress of Civilization, and to follow the gradual advancement of that order, which placed Man at the head of the Brute Creation. Man, deprived of this faithful Ally, would unsuccessfully resist the foes that on all sides surround him, seeking every opportunity to destroy his labour, attack his person, and encroach upon his property. His own vigilance cannot secure him against the rapacity of the one, nor his utmost exertions overcome the speed of the other. Some animal was essential to insure his safety; and where, amidst the various classes of them, could one be selected so well adapted for this purpose? Where has Zeal, Fidelity, Boldness, and Obedience, been so happily united as in the Dog? more tractable than Man, and more pliant than any other animal, the Dog is not only speedily instructed, but even conforms himself to the movements and habits of those who govern him. Savage must that nature be, which can ill-treat a creature who has renounced his liberty to associate with Man, to whose service his whole life is devoted: who, sensible of every kindness, is grateful for the smallest favour, whilst the harshest usage cannot

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make him unfaithful; he licks the hand that has just been lifted to strike him, and at last disarms. resentment by submissive perseverance. The Dog by night guards, and "by day amuses his master; who, from his desire of pleasing, runs with cheerfulness and alacrity to his master's foot, where he, as it were, lays down his courage, his strength, and his talents; and who is, from pure sentiments of affection, the only companion who will not forsake him in adversity.

To conceive the importance of this species in the order of Nature, let us suppose that it never existed. Without the aid of the Dog, how could Man have conquered, tamed, and reduced the other animals into Slavery? For his own security it was necessary to form a party among the animals them. selves, to conciliate by care and caresses those which were capable of fidelity and obedience, that he might oppose them to noxious and savage beasts; hence the training of the Dog seems to have engaged the early attention of Man, and the result of this act was, the Conquest and peaceable possession of the Earth.

To most animals, Nature has been more liberal than to Man, in agility, swiftness, and strength, and has armed and fortified them better. Their senses, and particularly that of smelling, are more perfect: to have therefore brought over to our interest a bold and tractable Race, wnose acuteness of scent is one of their peculiar properties, was to acquire a new faculty, and this living improvement, presented by the hand of Nature to our defective

sense of smelling, furnishes us with permanent re sources for supreme dominion: the Dog, ever faithful to Man, will maintain a portion of this empire, will always preserve a degree of superiority above the other animals. He reigns at the head of a Flock, and is better heard than the voice of the Shepherd; safety and discipline are the fruits of the Dog's vigilance and activity.

In large tracts, that are solely appropriated to the feeding of sheep and other cattle, immense flocks may be seen ranging over those extensive wilds, seemingly without controul; but their watchful guardian, the Dog, under the direction of the Shepherd, prevents them from straggling, and leads them from one part of their pasture to another, suffering no stranger to intrude. If the herdsman be at any time absent from the flock, he depends upon the Dog to keep them together; and so soon as the Shepherd gives the well known signal, this faithful Creature conducts them to his master, though at a considerable distance. Sheep and cattle are submitted to his management, whom he prudently accompanies and protects, never employing force against them, except for the preservation of peace and good order; but in War against his enemies or wild animals, the Dog makes a full display of his Courage and Intelligence. As soon as the Horn, or the voice of the Hunter gives the alarm, he announces by his emotions and cries his impatience, and when the natural and acquired talents of the Dog are united; when he has learned to repress his

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