The larger dogs often show a certain nobleness of nature, united with sagacity. The Mastiff sometimes suffers strangers to enter the premises of which he is the guardian, and goes peaceably along with them through every part, so long as they continue to touch nothing; but the moment they attempt to meddle with his master's property, or endeavour to leave the place, he informs them first by a low growl, and afterwards by harsher means, that they are his prisoners. He seldom uses violence unless resisted, and even in this case he will sometimes seize the person, throw him down, and hold him for several hours, or until relieved, without doing him the least injury.

Sagacity is a gift bestowed, in a greater or less degree, on different individuals. We see it differently manifested in the various species of dog, and we also see the qualities which answer to it in man, very differently displayed. But in this, as in other matters, the will and the steady purpose of the mind accomplish wonders. Persons who have been all their lives accounted stupid or half-witted, have sometimes, under the power of a strong motive, exhibited a quickness of apprehension, and a dexterity of action, which have created the utmost surprise. This may be an encouragement to those who, having had few advantages, and few incitements to activity, feel themselves deficient in many things which they would willingly know and practise. Let them begin at once a faithful and steady course, keeping their eyes open to see what to do and what to avoid; asking advice of those who know

better than themselves; persevering in their own hearty endeavours, and daily asking the blessing of God on those endeavours. Let them act thus, and they will not long have to complain that they are behind hand, or less fit for their proper calling than some of their neighbours. There is much truth in the old saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way.” A dull and stupid servant, who is always making mistakes, delivering wrong messages, and giving vexation to his employer, is justly blamed for his conduct; because, if he were really anxious to please if he were faithful and obedient-if, in short, he had the will, he would be daily finding out the way to overcome his stupidity. He would try to recollect where he had done wrong before, and would spare no pains to improve.

Having thus endeavoured to gather lessons from the character of the dog-lessons of fidelity and uprightness of affectionate and grateful regard-of usefulness to mankind, and of the sagacious and clever performance of duty, let us add a word of warning to those who are barbarous enough to illtreat this faithful animal, to reward his affection with cruel blows, and to keep him in a half-starved and miserable condition. They may think themselves perfectly at liberty to do what they like with their own, and to beat, even to the death, a poor animal who has chanced to rouse their anger. a being endowed by our Creator with life and feeling, is not to be regarded as mere property, to be disposed of at the will of the owner. There is a duty connected even with the keeping of a dog, and

But

those who are disposed to deny this, are unfit to have charge of that faithful animal. Cruelty to animals was held in especial abhorrence by the poet, who, in the following lines, conveys in forcible terms his sense of the barbarities practised on several domestic servants of man.

In measure, as by force of instinct drawn,
Or by necessity constrain'd they live
Dependant upon man; those in his fields,
These at his crib, and some beneath his roof,
They prove too often at how dear a rate
He sells protection. Witness at his foot
The Spaniel dying for some venial fault,
Under dissection of the knotted scourge;
Witness the patient ox, with stripes and yells
Driven to the slaughter, goaded, as he runs,
To madness; while the savage at his heels
Laughs at the frantic suff'rer's fury, spent
Upon the guiltless passenger o'erthrown.
He too is witness, noblest of the train
That wait on man, the flight-performing horse;
With unsuspecting readiness he takes

His murderer on his back; and pushed all day,
With bleeding sides and flanks, that heave for life,
To the far distant goal, arrives and dies.
So little mercy shows who needs so much!
Does law, so zealous in the cause of man,
Denounce no doom on the delinquent? None.
He lives, and o'er his brimming beaker boasts
(As if barbarity were high desert)

The inglorious feat, and, clamorous in praise
Of the poor brute, seems wisely to suppose
The honours of his matchless horse his own.
But many a crime, deem'd innocent on earth,
Is registered in heaven; and these, no doubt,
Have each their record, with a curse annex'd.
Man may dismiss compassion from his heart,
But God will never.

COWPER.

THE REINDEER, THE HORSE, AND THE CAMEL,

AS EXAMPLES OF DOCILITY.

I. THE REIN-DEER.

DOCILITY is that temper in men, or in the lower animals, which allows of their being easily taught. The word is commonly applied to animals only; but it expresses a quality much to be valued among ourselves. Young persons, in particular, need a docile or teachable spirit, that they may readily receive instruction, and not set up their own will in opposition to that of their elders. A gentle, obedient, and teachable youth is loved by every one, while an obstinate and self-willed person is disliked and avoided. Happy are those young persons, who through the firmness and kindness of their parents are early taught to submit to control; to get habits of obedience and self-denial, and to find their happiness in doing the will, and promoting the comfort of those about them. Without this amiable and docile temper, the greatest learning, or the most showy accomplishments, will be useless, so far as happiness is concerned; they may win admiration, but they cannot secure love.

A gentle and patient disposition is also of great value in acquiring knowledge, and in pursuing any