l
compatriot; but I remember that when some writer in 'Fraser's
Magazine' styled me 'that Irish she wolf-dog,' I felt complimented
by the epithet, since to attack the enemies of Ireland, and to
worry when they could not destroy them, was the peculiar
attribute of the species.

"I have the honour to be, dear Sir,

"Most truly yours,

"SYDNEY MORGAN."

"_William Street, Albert Gate._"

[Illustration]

[Illustration: NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.]

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

"Nor will it less delight th' attentive sage,
T' observe that instinct which unerring guides
The brutal race, which mimics reason's lore,
And oft transcends.

* * * *

The dog, whom nothing can mislead,
Must be a dog of parts indeed.
Is often wiser than his master."
SOMMERVILLE.

This noble dog may be justly styled the friend and guardian of his
master. I had some doubts in making out my list of dogs, whether he
ought not to take precedence of all others; but, after duly weighing
the matter in my own mind, I have given the palm to the Irish
wolf-hound, and the honest Newfoundland immediately follows him. I not
only think that this precedence will gratify some of my friends in
Ireland, who have called upon me to do justice to one of their
favourite and national emblems, but it is, perhaps, due in strict
justice to an animal who proved himself so great a benefactor to his
native country. There is, moreover, such a degree of romance attached
to the recollection of his fine qualities and imposing appearance,
that I should be sorry to lessen them by appearing to give the
preference to any other dog. At the same time I may be allowed to add,
that I have seen such courage, perseverance, and fidelity in the
Newfoundland dog, and am acquainted with so many well-authenticated
facts of his more than ordinary sense and utility, that I think him
entitled to be considered as little inferior to the Irish wolf-dog.

When we reflect on the docility of the Newfoundland dog, his
affectionate disposition, his aptitude in receiving instruction, and
his instantaneous sense of impending danger, we shall no longer wonder
at his being called the friend of his master, whom he is at all times
ready to defend at the risk of his own life. How noble is his
appearance, a