ST. BERNARD'S DOG.— Canis familiaris. 
monastery where these magnificent animals are taught to exercise their wondrous powers, 
which have gained for them and their teachers a world-wide fame. 
These splendid Dogs are among the largest of the canine race, being equal in size to 
a large mastiff. The good work which is done by these Dogs is so well known that it is 
only necessary to give a passing reference. Bred among the coldest regions of the Alps, 
and accustomed from its birth to the deep snows which everlastingly cover the mountain- 
top, the St. Bernard’s Dog is a most useful animal in discovering any unfortunate traveller 
who has been overtaken by a sudden storm and lost the path, or who has fallen upon the 
cold ground, worn out by fatigue and hardship, and fallen into the death-sleep which is 
the result of severe cold. 
Whenever a snow-storm occurs, the monks belonging to the monastery of St. Bernard 
send forth their Dogs on their errand of mercy. Taught by the wonderful instinct with 
which they are endowed, they traverse the dangerous paths, and seldom fail to discover 
the frozen sufferer, even though he be buried under a deep snow-drift. When the Dog 
has made such a discovery, it gives notice by its deep and powerful bay of the perilous 
state of the sufferer, and endeavours to clear away the snow that covers the "ifeless form. 
The monks, hearing the voice of the Dog, immediately set off to the aid of the perishing 
traveller, and in many cases have thus preserved lives that must have perished without 
their timely assistance. In order to afford every possible help to the sufferer, a small 
flask of spirits is generally tied to the Dog’s neck. 
The illustration which accompauies this notice of the Alpine Spaniel, is a portrait of 
the well-known Doe belonging to Mr. Albert Smith, 
Tt 2 
