141 



THE ALPINE, OR GREAT ST. BERNARD DOG. 

 PLATE VL 



So advantageously known for the great services ren- 

 dered to mankind, by its activity, intelligence, and 

 strength, in administering to the safety of travellers 

 through the snowy passes of the mountains leading 

 to Italy. This race is still more nearly allied to the 

 Newfoundland dog, in form, stature, hair, and co- 

 lours ; but the head and ears are like that of a 

 water-spaniel. We have made drawdngs of several, 

 and they are all white, with black or fulvous spots 

 the breed is not numerous. There is another race 

 trained to the same service, with close short hair, 

 and more or less marked vnih grey, liver-colour, 

 and black clouds, betraying an intermixture with 

 the race of French Matin, or great Danish dogs. 

 Both are trained in the winter time to carry a basket 

 with some food and wine ; and, thus equipped, they 

 sally forth from the Hospice of St. Bernard, and 

 other passes, in search of travellers who may have 

 lost their way, or fallen beneath the snows of the 

 preceding night. They are followed by the Monks 

 devoted to that service of humanity, and every winter 

 several lives are saved by their united means. 



