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Remarkable Dogs

HE Mastiff was called by the ness and fidelity were equal to their Romans Canis Molossus, because it strength. A touching memorial of one came originally from Molossus, of the ancient breed exists in the wellin Epeirus. Dogs of this breed known ballad of Gelert, from which we were remarkable for an intense attach- give an extract: ment to their masters; and on account of their courage and ferocity, and their great strength, the Molossians trained them to fight in battle, and were so fond of them that when one of them died they mourned for it as though it had been a human being.

At the great battle of Marathon, fought between the Athenians and the Persians, B. C. 490, one of the Athenians was accompanied into battle by a Molossian Dog. They both fought so bravely side by side against the enemies of their country, and so greatly did the Dog distinguish himself in the engagement, that his effigy was sculptured beside that of his master on a monumental tablet that was set up to their memory.

Ancient Greyhounds, such as were formerly common in Great Britain, were powerful Dogs, and their sagacity, swift- 'Twas only at Llewellyn's board The faithful Gelert fed, He watched, he served, he cheered his lord, And sentinelled his bed.

In sooth he was a peerless hound, The gift of royal John; But now no Gelert could be found, And all the chase rode on.

And now as over rocks and dells The gallant chidings rise, All Snowdon's craggy chaos yells With many mingled cries.

That day Llewellyn little loved The chase of hart or hare; And scant and small the booty proved, For Gelert was not there.

Unpleased Llewellyn homeward hied; When near the portal seat His truant Gelert he espied, Bounding his lord to greet.

But when he gained the castle-door, Aghast the chieftain stood; The hound was smeared with gouts of gore- His lips and fangs ran blood.

AΘ ENATO