"Indeed, in other respects, you can hardly regard any creatures of the deep with the same feeling that you do those of the shore. For though some old naturalists have maintained that all creatures of the land are of their kind in the sea; and though taking a broad general view of the thing, this may very well be; yet coming to specialties, where, for example, does the ocean furnish any fish that in disposition answers to the sagacious kindness of the dog?"
Musing: I like this passage, most likely because I just returned from a trip and missed my doggies! It is true, though, that few people find the kind of love a dog or cat can bring to your life in any creature from the sea. I have known people who swear their fish respond to them when they walk near the fish tank, but I have never seen that fish lick their cheek or cuddle in front of the fireplace with them at night. I just love Melville's odd observations.