Part 6

During a severe storm in the winter of 1789, a ship, belonging to Newcastle, was lost near Yarmouth; and a Newfoundland Dog alone escaped to the shore, bringing in his mouth the captain’s pocket-book. He landed amidst a number of people, several of whom tried in vain to take it from him. The sagacious animal, as if sensible of the importance of the charge which in all probability was delivered to him by his perishing master, at length leapt fawningly against the breast of a man, who had attracted his notice among the crowd, and delivered the book to him. The Dog immediately returned to the place where he had landed, and watched with great attention every thing that came from the wrecked vessel, and tried to bring it to shore.

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THE GREYHOUND.

THE GREYHOUND. ]

The Greyhound is the fleetest of all dogs, and can outrun every animal of the chase; but as it wants the faculty of scenting, it follows only by the eye. It was formerly held in such estimation, as to be considered the peculiar companion of gentlemen; and by the forest laws of King Canute, about a thousand years ago, it was enacted, that no person under that degree should presume to keep a Greyhound. It was supposed to be the Irish Greyhound, rendered thinner and more delicate by the difference of climate and of culture. The Irish Greyhound is the largest of the dog kind, and its appearance the most beautiful and majestic. It is only to be found in Ireland, where it was formerly of great use in clearing the country of wolves. It is now extremely rare, and is kept more for show than for use, being equally unserviceable for hunting the stag, the fox, or the hare. These dogs are about three feet high, generally of a white or cinnamon colour, and in make resemble a Greyhound. Their aspect is mild, their disposition gentle and peaceable, and their strength so great, that in combat the mastiff or bulldog is far from being equal to them. They commonly seize their antagonists by the back, and shake them to death, which their great size generally enables them to do with ease.

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THE FOXHOUND.

THE FOXHOUND. ]

The Foxhounds generally preferred are tall, light-made, but strong, and possessed of great courage, speed, and activity. No country in Europe can boast of Dogs of this kind, of equal swiftness, strength, or agility, to those of Great Britain, where the utmost attention is paid to their training. The climate also seems congenial to their nature; for it has been said that when Hounds of English breed have been sent into France, or other countries, they in some degree lose those admirable qualities for which they were once so remarkable. In England attachment to the chase has been considered a trait in the national character; from the care and attention which have been given to the rearing of Dogs and Horses, it is no matter of surprise that this country should excel all others in that diversion.

Many years since a very large stag was turned out of Wingfield Park, in the county of Westmorland, and was pursued by the Hounds, till, by fatigue or accident the whole pack was thrown out, except two favourite Dogs which continued the chase the greater part of the day. The stag returned to the park from whence he set out; and, as his last effort, leapt the wall, and immediately expired. One of the Hounds pursued him thither; but, being unable to get over, laid down and died: the other dog was found dead at a little distance.

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THE HARRIER.

THE HARRIER. ]

These Dogs are kept for the business of the chase. They pursue the hare with the greatest eagerness, hardly giving her time to breathe. The most eager sportsmen find it sufficient exercise to keep in with their speed. There is a kind of Dog between this and the large Terrier, which forms a strong, active, and hardy Hound, used in hunting the otter. It is rough, wire-haired, thick-quartered, long-eared, and thin-shouldered. There is reason to suppose, that the Beagle and the Harrier must have been introduced into Great Britain after the Romans became masters of the island a thousand years ago, as, before that time the Britons were occupied in clearing their extensive forests of the various wild beasts, such as wild boars, bears and wolves, with which they then abounded; and for that purpose larger and stronger dogs than the Harrier or the Beagle would be required.

In the New Forest, in 1810, a person, in getting over a stile observed there was blood upon it; he knew that deer had been killed, and sheep stolen. He obtained a bloodhound. The dog being brought to the spot and led to the scent followed in it, and at length came to a heap of furze, belonging to a cottager. The woman of the house attempted to drive away the dog, but was prevented. On removing the faggots a hole was found containing the body of a sheep and a quantity of salted meat.

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THE POINTER.

THE POINTER. ]

This dog is highly esteemed for its use in the pursuit of game. It is remarkable for the quickness with which it receives instruction. It may be said to be almost self-taught; whilst the old English dog requires the greatest care and attention in breaking and training to the sport. The Spanish Pointer, however, is not so durable and hardy, nor so able to undergo the fatigues of an extensive sport. It is chiefly employed in finding partridges, and pheasants, either for the gun or the net. It is said that an English nobleman, Robert Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, in the days of King Edward VI. was the first who broke a setting-dog to the net. We are often astonished at the senses of the higher quadrupeds, such as the dog and the horse, by which man employs them for his use. The senses most called into action in the dog are those of smell and hearing. Accordingly the fox-hound can tell the scent of the fox he is pursuing from one that may cross his path; the spaniel or terrier will track his master by his scent through a crowded city; the watch-dog barks when no one else hears a foot fall. This is partly natural and partly attained by exercise and attention.

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THE SPANIEL.

THE SPANIEL. ]

This kind of dog is of great value, from the readiness with which it receives instruction, the quickness with which it obeys commands, and its great docility and strong attachment to its master. Of this one striking proof may be given. Old Daniel, the gamekeeper to the Rev. Mr. Corsellis, had reared a Spaniel named Dash, which became his constant attendant both by night and day. Wherever the gamekeeper appeared, Dash was never far distant. When the gamekeeper died, little Dash would not quit the body, but laid upon the bed by its side. After his master was buried, this faithful dog would frequently visit the room where he breathed his last, and would remain there for hours. From thence, for fourteen days he constantly visited the grave, at the end of which time he died.

Perhaps the most remarkable instance of attachment is that of the little dog who crept within the clothes of Mary Queen of Scots just previous to her execution, and could not afterward be separated from the corpse but by force.

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THE TERRIER.

The Terrier is a very hardy dog, and is of much service to us, as he is an exceeding great enemy to rats and most other vermin: he has very great courage, and will even attack the badger, nor does he seem to care for the desperate wounds he often receives when fighting with it. He is more particularly useful, on account of having such a very acute scent.

THE TERRIER. ]