THE ST. BERNARD. 553 



The St. Bernard as we find him about the beginning of 

 the present century was much the same as we know him at 

 this time, an animal of great size, immense bone, and a large 

 head expressive of great character and intelligence. There 

 existed then, as now, two varieties the rough or long haired 

 and the smogth or short haired. The latter were preferred 

 by the monks, for when the dogs were obliged to go out on 

 their errands of mercy in heavy snow-storms, the rough 

 coats of the former would in a short time become matted, 

 and owing to continued exposure, colds, rheumatism, and 

 kindred troubles would ensue, thus rendering them unfit 

 for duty at times. Hence the long-haired type came to be 

 looked upon with disfavor, and numerous specimens were 

 given away, from time to time, to persons who visited the 

 monastery. In this way the breed was introduced pretty 

 generally into the south of France and throughout all of 

 Switzerland. 



Several authorities on the subject tell us that about the 

 year 1810, through the effects of a terrible avalanche, all 

 the dogs owned at the Hospice were swept away and killed. 



After this a pair that had been given away when mere 

 puppies were returned, and from these alone the true St. 

 Bernard of to-day is descended. 



"Idstone" gives a different version of this affair. He 

 says: 



The breed of St. Bernards has undergone some changes within the last half 

 century. A pest or virulent distemper at one time carried off all the dogs of 

 this breed but one, and that, I believe, was crossed with the Pyrenean Wolf- 

 hound. 



Whether this be true or not, there can be no doubt that 

 during the several centuries of its existence as a breed 

 there have been many crosses and experiments made to 

 develop its strength, scent, and endurance, and this fact 

 probably accounts for the great variety which we now find 

 existing among our best dogs. 



The first St. Bernard of which any authentic history 

 exists is the now famous Old Barry. This dog was 

 descended from the pair returned to the monks after their 



