any attempt to
extricate himself from his perilous situation. Indeed, nothing could
be more fearful than the prospect before him. No one was within
hearing of his cries, nor was any one likely to come near the spot. He
must almost inevitably have perished, had it not been for a
Newfoundland dog belonging to his employer. This animal had been
watching the man at his work for some days, as if he had been aware
that his assistance would be required; for no particular attachment to
each other had been exhibited on either side. As soon, however, as the
accident occurred, the dog jumped into the pit, and commenced removing
the gravel with his paws; and this he did in so vigorous and
expeditious a manner, that the poor man was at length able to liberate
himself, though with extreme difficulty. What an example of kindness,
sensibility, and I may add reason, does this instance afford us!

A gentleman in Ireland had a remarkably fine and intelligent
Newfoundland dog, named Boatswain, whose acts were the constant theme
of admiration. On one occasion, an aged lady who resided in the house,
and the mother-in-law of the owner of the dog, was indisposed and
confined to her bed. The old lady was tired of chickens and other
productions of the farmyard, and a consultation was held in her room
as to what could be procured to please her fancy for dinner. Various
things were mentioned and declined, in the midst of which Boatswain,
who was greatly attached to the old lady, entered her room with a fine
young rabbit in his mouth, which he laid at the foot of the bed,
wagging his tail with great exultation. It is not meant to infer that
the dog knew anything of the difficulty of finding a dinner to the
lady's taste, but seeing her distressed in mind and body, it is not
improbable that he had brought his offering in the hopes of pleasing
her.

On another occasion, his master found this dog early one summer's
morning keeping watch over an unfortunate countryman, who was standing
with his back to a wall in the rear of the premises, pale with terror.
He was a simple, honest creature, living in the neighbourhood. Having
to attend some fair or market, about four o'clock in the morning, he
made a short cut through the grounds, which were under the protection
of Boatswain, who drove the intruder to the wall, and kept him there,
showing his teeth, and giving a growl whenever he offered to stir
from the spot. In this way he was kept a prisoner till th