“Come, little boys and girls, and let us have some talk about that kind and useful creature, the Dog.

“The Shepherd’s Dog takes care of the sheep as they graze on the hills and plains; at night he drives them safely into the fold; and if a sheep or a lamb were lost, he would not rest till he had found it, and brought it back to the flock.

“The Esquimaux sits in his sledge, wrapped from head to foot in warm fur, and his dogs draw him swiftly along many miles over the ice and snow.

“The Hound is used to hunt the sly fox, that steals our chickens.

“The Newfoundland Dogs are so fond of water, and are so large and strong, that they have saved many people from being drowned. If one of them were to see a child fall into the water, he would immediately jump in after it, and quickly bring it to land.

“Then we must not forget the pretty Spaniel:—he has silky ears, and a curly tail;—or Little Shock, whose long bushy hair nearly covers his eyes. These are great favourites with children, and play almost as many pranks as their young masters.

“Dogs are so fond of those who are kind to them, that they would do anything to protect them from harm.

“Sometimes they will not leave their master even after he is dead, but will sit by the body as long as they can, and moan very sadly, and at last lie down on the grave and die too.”

Old Oak Chest.

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