108 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE.

have become quite common. The tribute paid to him by
Sir Edwin Landseer, when he named his famous picture of
him “a distinguished member of the humane society”, was
no more poetical than just. Volumes might be filled with
stories of his intelligence and prowess, and it is difficult within
present limits to select a due variety of characteristic anecdotes.
The Newfound- One of the most marked characteristics of
land’s Generosity. the Newfoundland dog is his generosity toa
fallen foe. His temper is said to be uncertain, though this
has been questioned by some who have had large experience
of him under varying circumstances. Be this as it may,
there are many stories told to his honour of his generosity
to his enemies in the moment of victory. A Newfoundland
dog, who had for some time treated with becoming dignity
the impudence of some mongrels who were amusing them-
selves by snapping and snarling at his heels, suddenly turned
and sent the crowd of persecutors flying in all directions,
except the ringleader, who fell sprawling in the middle of
the street, where he was about to receive the punishment he
deserved when a cable car came dashing down the hill, right
upon the dogs. The big dog saw the danger at once and
sprang aside, but his enemy remained upon his back, too
terrified to notice anything. The Newfoundland took in the
situation, in a moment sprang back in front of the car, seized
the cur in his teeth, and snatched him, still whining and
begging for mercy, out of the very jaws of death. Laying
him in the gutter, he gave a good-natured wag or two of his
tail and went his way. Another Newfoundland much bothered
by a small cur who was for ever barking at his heels, but
who treated his assailant with sublime indifference, was on
one occasion aroused to adopt drastic measures by receiving
a bite on his leg. Seizing the cur by the loose skin of his
back he carried him down to the quay of Cork and after
letting him dangle over the water for a little while, dropped
him into it. After watchmg the animal struggle with the