LESSON XX.
Dogs.—Original.
1. I never knew a little boy that was not fond of a dog, and I have never seen many dogs which were not fond of little children.
2. It is not safe for little children to touch every strange dog that they see, because some dogs are naturally rather cross, and may possibly bite any one who touches them, when they do not know the persons.
3. But when a dog knows any one, and sees that his master is fond of that person, he will let such a person play with him. He is always pleased with any attentions that his master's friends bestow on him.
4. Large dogs are generally more gentle than small ones, and seldom bark so much as the little ones do. They are also more easily taught to carry bundles and baskets, and draw little carriages for children to ride in.
5. Some people are very much afraid of dogs, because they sometimes run mad. The bite of a mad dog produces a very dreadful disease, called Hydropho'bia.
6. This is a long and hard word, and means a fear of water. It is called by that name because the person who has the disease cannot bear to touch or to see water.
7. Dogs that are mad cannot bear to see water. They run from it with dreadful cries, and seem to be in very great distress.