dogs are more
exquisite than our own. They have sensations, but their faculty of
comparing them, or of forming ideas, is much circumscribed. A dog can
imitate some human actions, and is capable of receiving a certain
degree of instruction; but his progress soon stops. It is, however, an
animal that should always be loved and treated with kindness. It is a
curious fact, that dogs who have had their ears and tails cut for
many generations, transmit these defects to their descendants.
Drovers' dogs, which may always be seen with short tails, are a proof
of this.

A pleasing character of the dog is given in Smellie's "Philosophy of
Natural History." He says:--

"The natural sagacity and talents of the dog are well known, and
justly celebrated. But when these are improved by association with
man, and by education, he becomes, in some measure, a rational being.
The senses of the dog, particularly that of scenting distant objects,
give him a superiority over every other quadruped. He reigns at the
head of a flock; and his language, whether expressive of blandishment
or of command, is better heard and better understood than the voice of
his master. Safety, order, and discipline, are the effects of his
vigilance and activity. Sheep and cattle are his subjects. These he
conducts and protects with prudence and bravery, and never employs
force against them except for the preservation of peace and good
order. But when in pursuit of his prey, he makes a complete display of
his courage and intelligence. In this situation both natural and
acquired talents are exerted. As soon as the horn or voice of the
hunter is heard, the dog demonstrates his joy by the most expressive
emotions and accents. By his movements and cries he announces his
impatience for combat, and his passion for victory. Sometimes he moves
silently along, reconnoitres the ground, and endeavours to discover
and surprise the enemy. At other times he traces the animal's steps,
and by different modulations of voice, and by the movements,
particularly of his tail, indicates the distance, the species, and
even the age of the fugitive deer. All these movements and
modifications of voice are perfectly understood by experienced
hunters. When he wishes to get into an apartment he comes to the door;
if that is shut, he scratches with his foot, makes a bewailing noise,
and, if his petition is not soon answered, he barks with a peculiar
and humble voice. The shepherd's dog not on