Note 1795 — Chapter VI · PASTORAL LIFE.
Reading edition
Plat. de Rep. iv. t. vi. p. 204. Columella describes with poetical enthusiasm the character and qualities of the shepherd’s dog, which he refuses to class among dumb animals, its bark being, according to him, full of meaning: “Canis falso dicitur mutus custos nam quis hominum clarius, aut tanta vociferatione bestiam vel furem prædicat quam iste latratu? quis famulus amantior domini? quis fidelior comes? quis custos incorruptior? quis excubitor inveniri potest vigilantior? quis denique ultor aut vindex constantior? Quare vel in primis hoc animal mercari tuerique debet agricola, quod et villam et fructus familiamque, at pecora custodit.” De Re Rusticâ, 7. 12.