THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR. LENOX AND TILDIN FOUNDATIONS.

and squeeze their opponent between their fore-legs, which are excessively powerful.

DOGS.

Why is the dog less carnivorous than the cat-tribe? Because the cheek teeth are less adapted for tearing flesh, and the tongue is smooth.

Why do the dog and the elephant approach nearer than any other quadrupeds to the perfection of man?

Because of the following peculiarities: the dog is the only animal that dreams; and he and the elephant the only animals that understand locks; the elephant is the only animal that, besides man, feels ennui; the dog, the only quadruped that has been brought to speak. Leibnitz bears witness to a hound, in Saxony, that could speak distinctly thirty words.

Why does the domestic dog differ from other varieties?

Because it has the tail curved upwards. Whenever there is white on any part of its tail, the tip is invariably white.

Why is the dog so attached to man, while almost every other quadruped fears man as its most formidable enemy?

Because this particular species of animal feels a natural desire to be useful to man, and, from spontaneous impulse, attaches itself to him. Were it because we train the dog to our use, and have made choice of him in preference to other animals, we should see, in various countries, an equal familiarity with various other quadrupeds; but everywhere the dog only takes delight in associating with us, and is even jealous that our attention should be bestowed on him alone; it is he who knows us personally, watches for us, and warns us of danger. Cuvier. Why is the dog the most complete, the most remarkable, and the most useful conquest ever made by man Because every species has become our property

each individual is altogether devoted to his master, assumes his manners, knows and defends his goods, and remains attached to him until death; and this proceeds neither from want nor restraint, but solely from true gratitude and real friendship. The swiftness, the strength, and the scent of the dog, have created for man a powerful ally against other animals, and were perhaps necessary to the establishment of society. He is the only animal which has followed man through every region of the earth. Cuvier.

Why are dogs considered by some naturalists to be domesticated wolves?

Because the anatomy of both, for the most part, corresponds the wolf is, however, larger and more muscular. Their period of gestation is the same, although differently stated by Goldsmith; which statement led to an inference, that the dog and the wolf were essentially a different species.

Why do dogs bark at beggars?

Because the rags and misery of the poor mendicant induce the imagination of the dog to see in him a robber of his master's house, or one who will be cruel to himself and he expresses his own fears by a bark.

Why is a house-dog terrified at a naked man? Because the latter is to the dog an unaccustomed sight.

Why are dogs enabled to bear hunger for a very long time without any serious injury?

Because they have a supply of some substance for the distension of their stomachs; hunger being the effect of the stomach's contraction. Dogs have been known to live for forty days without food, or

substitute for food.

Why is the Mackenzie-river dog so valuable to the Indians in the chase?

Because its want of courage and strength to pull down large animals, is more than compensated by its

broad foot and light make, which enable it to run over the snow without sinking, if the slightest crust is formed on it, and, thus, easily to overtake and tear the moose or rein-deer, and keep them at bay till the hunters come up. Dr Richardson.

Why is the hare-Indian dog peculiar to the banks of the Mackenzie River?

Because, being only fitted for the chase, it has, since the introduction of guns, gradually given way to the mongrel race, sprung from the Esquimaux, Newfoundland, and this very breed, with occasional intermixture of European kinds. Formerly, perhaps, it was generally spread over the Northern parts of America.- Dr Richardson.

Why do Newfoundland dogs swim better than others? Because they are semi-webbed between the toes; which mechanism of the foot presents an extended surface, to press away the water from behind, and then collapses, when it is drawn forward, previous to making the stroke. Sir Everard Home describes this action as rowing through the water.

Why is the wilde hond' of South Africa also called the 'hyana-dog.'

Because it connects the dog and wolf tribe with that of the hyæna. In like manner the gnu forms a graceful link between the buffalo and antelope. Why are the mastiffs of Cuba so highly prized by the natives?

Because they are eminently faithful, and as courageous as they are powerful, although by no means remarkable for their intelligence. They are chosen, in preference to all others, for house-guards and watch-dogs.

Why is the terrier so called?

Because it burrows the earth (terra) in pursuit of foxes. Caius.