Part 7 (1/2)

The Terrier is a valuable dog in the house and farm, keeping both domains free from intruders, either in the shape of thieves or vermin.

The mischief effected by rats is almost incredible; it has been said that, in some cases, in the article of corn, these little animals consume a quant.i.ty in food equal in value to the rent of the farm. Here the terrier is a most valuable a.s.sistant, in helping the farmer to rid himself of his enemies. The Scotch Terrier is very common in the greater part of the Western Islands of Scotland, and some of the species are greatly admired. Her Majesty Queen Victoria possesses one from Islay--a faithful, affectionate creature, yet with all the spirit and determination that belong to his breed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HEAD OF THE SCOTCH TERRIER.]

THE GREYHOUND.

The modern smooth-haired Greyhound of England is a very elegant dog, not surpa.s.sed in speed and endurance by that of any other country. Hunting the deer with a kind of greyhound of a larger size was formerly a favourite diversion; and Queen Elizabeth was gratified by seeing, on one occasion, from a turret, sixteen deer pulled down by greyhounds upon the lawn at Cowdry Park, in Suss.e.x.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HEAD OF THE GREYHOUND.]

OLD ENGLISH HOUND.

The dog we now call the Staghound appears to answer better than any other to the description given to us of the old English Hound, which was so much valued when the country was less enclosed, and the numerous and extensive forests were the harbours of the wild deer. This hound, with the harrier, were for many centuries the only hunting dogs.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HEAD OF THE OLD ENGLISH HOUND.]

SHEPHERD'S DOG.

Instinct and education combine to fit this dog for our service: the pointer will act without any great degree of instruction, and the setter will crouch; but the Sheep Dog, especially if he has the example of an older one, will, almost without the teaching of his master, become everything he could wish, and be obedient to every order, even to the slightest motion of the hand. If the shepherd's dog be but with his master, he appears to be perfectly content, rarely mingling with his kind, and generally shunning the advances of strangers; but the moment duty calls, his eye brightens, he springs up with eagerness, and exhibits a sagacity, fidelity, and devotion rarely equalled even by man himself.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HEAD OF THE SHEPHERDS DOG.]

BULL-DOG.

Of all dogs, none surpa.s.s in obstinacy and ferocity the Bull-dog. The head is broad and thick, the lower jaw generally projects so that the under teeth advance beyond the upper, the eyes are scowling, and the whole expression calculated to inspire terror. It is remarkable for the pertinacity with which it maintains its hold of any animal it may have seized, and is, therefore, much used in the barbarous practice of bull-baiting, so common in some countries, and but lately abolished in England.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HEAD OF THE BULL-DOG.]

[Ill.u.s.tration]