THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 



207 



its grasp from the shoulder to the back of the neck. It must be remembered, however, that 

 all Dogs and cats carry their young by the nape of the neck, and that the Dog might have 

 followed the usual instinct of these animals. 



Not only have solitary lives been saved by this Dog, but a whole ship's crew have been 

 delivered from certain destruction by the mingled sagacity and courage of a Newfoundland 

 Dog, that took in its mouth a rope, and carried it from the ship to the shore. 



Even for their own amusement, these Dogs may be seen disporting themselves in the sea, 

 swimming boldly from the land in pursuit of some real or imaginary object, in spite of 

 "rollers" and "breakers" that would baffle the attempts of any but an accomplished swim- 

 mer. Should a Newfoundland Dog be blessed with a master as amphibious as itself, its 

 happiness is very great, and it may be seen splashing and snapping in luxuriant sport, ever 



>o^-x- 



NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. Canto familiarit terra nova. 



keeping close to its beloved master, and challenging him to fresh efforts. It is very seldom 

 that a good Newfoundland Dog permits its master to outdo it in aquatic gambols. The Dog 

 owes much of its watery prowess to its broad feet and strong legs, which enable the creature to- 

 propel itself with' great rapidity through the water. 



As is the case with most of the large Dogs, the Newfoundland permits the lesser Dogs to 

 take all kinds of liberties without showing the least resentment ; and if it is worried or pes- 

 tered by some forward puppy, looks down with calm contempt, and passes on its way. Some- 

 times the little conceited animal presumes upon the dignified composure of the Newfoundland 

 Dog, and, in that case, is sure to receive some quaint punishment for its insolence. The story 

 of the big Dog, that dropped the little Dog into the water and then rescued it from drowning, 

 is so well known that it needs but a passing reference. But I know of a Dog, belonging to 

 one of my friends, which behaved in a very similar manner. Being provoked beyond all 

 endurance by the continued annoyance, it took the little tormentor in its mouth, swam well 

 out to sea, dropped it in the water and swam back again. 



Another of these animals, belonging to a workman, was attacked by a small and pugna- 

 cious bull-dog, which sprang upon the unoffending canine giant, and, after the manner of bull- 

 dogs, "pinned" him by the nose, and there hung, in spite of all endeavors to shake it off. 



