THE SIBERIAN DOG. 10? 



Siberian sledges drawn by dogs. 



training the leader; which, .if he be steady and 

 docile, becomes very valuable, the sum of forty 

 rubles, or ten pounds, being frequently given for 

 one of them. 



The driver carries in his hand a crooked stick, 

 which answers the purpose both of whip and 

 reins. Iron-rings are suspended at one end of 

 this stick, by way of ornament, and to encourage 

 the animals by their noise, for they are frequently 

 jingled for that purpose. If the dogs be pro- 

 perly trained, it is not necessary for the rider to 

 exercise his voice: if he strike the ice with his 

 stick, they will turn to the left ; if he strike the 

 legs of the sledge they will go to the right ; and 

 when he wishes them to stop, he has only to 

 place the stick, between the snow and the front of 

 the sledge. When they are inattentive to their 

 duty, the charioteer usually chastises them, by 

 throwing this stick at them ; and his dexterity in 

 picking it up again is the 'most difficult ma- 

 noeuvre in this exercise. It is not, however, sur- 

 prising that they should be skilful in a practice 

 in which they are so materially interested; for 

 the moment the dogs find that the driver has 

 lost his stick, unless the leader be both steady 

 and resolute, they set off at full speed, and never 

 stop till their strength is completely exhausted, 

 or till the carnage is overturned and dashed to 

 pieces, or hurried down a precipice, when all are 

 buried in the snow. 



The manner in which these animals are gene- 



