ST. BERNARDS AT THE HOSPICE. 61 



therefore, why wish to dispense with them ? The monks acknowledge that they do not object 

 to the hind feet of the St. Bernard being slightly turned out, as it gives greater resistance to 

 the snow. My experience is that the more fully developed the dew-claws, the more the feet 

 are out-turned, the dew-claws forming a part of the foot, and giving six toes to cover the 

 ground instead of four. 



" In breeding, it is always advisable to choose a sire particularly good in those points in 

 which the dam is deficient. A young sire should be put to an aged dam, and vice vers&. It 

 is not desirable to breed from relations, except in cases where the animals are very strong and 

 healthy ; but at the same time an experienced breeder may in-breed to advantage, but it requires 

 caution. The rough and the smooth St. Bernard may be crossed together, and the progeny, 

 as a rule, are either decidedly rough or decidedly smooth. In my opinion the introduction of 

 the rough blood tends to improve the stamina and size of the smooth. The most important 

 thing is to select high-class sires and well-bred dams. 



" In temper I have always found the St. Bernard most kind and affectionate, and am of 

 opinion that it is not natural to the breed to be savage. Not one in my own kennel has 

 ever shown the slightest ill-temper to strangers. As a matter of fact, I consider them superior 

 to Newfoundlands in docility and obedience, and their affection for children is a remarkable 

 trait in their disposition." 



On referring again to Specht's admirable drawing of the Hospice St. Bernards, it will be 

 seen how exactly the dog in the foreground answers to Mr. Gresham's description as regards the 

 carriage of the hind feet, which are distinctly turned out ; and it appears to us indisputable that 

 the remark is founded in reason. A St. Bernard should certainly not be " cow-hocked " in the 

 ordinary application of the phrase, but there is in many fine specimens this inclination to turn 

 their hind feet out, which naturally draws their hocks apparently together. This is however not 

 considered a blemish by many leading judges, especially as the presence of the dew-claws tends 

 to the development, and this peculiar formation obviously adds to the power of the dog in walking 

 over snow. In regard to other points, it is needless to say that with but few exceptions such 

 gaunt-looking specimens as we have before referred to do not appear at great gatherings of the 

 clans. Occasionally those who have bought pups on the strength of pedigree only, and with 

 but little knowledge of their qualities, exhibit them, which is ample proof that many such are 

 whelped ; but it is the interest of breeders to eliminate this stamp of dog, and many are 

 consequently put down. 



As regards our illustrations, Bayard, the property of the Rev. J. Gumming Macdona, is a 

 handsome medium length rough-coated orange-and-white dog. He was born in 1877, and bred 

 by Mr. King in 1877, being by Bosco out of Juno by Wonder out of Juno by Thor, Bosco 

 by Bruno out of Silverhorn by Thor. His chief performances are, first prize Crystal Palace and 

 first prize Chesterfield, 1878. Bayard's weight is 150 Ibs., and his measurements are Tip of 

 nose to stop, 4j inches ; stop to occipital bone, 8| inches ; shoulder-blades to setting on of tail, 

 31 \ inches ; girth of muzzle in front of eyes, i6\ inches; girth of skull, 25 inches; girth of neck, 

 25 inches ; girth of brisket in front of fore-arms, 45 inches ; girth round chest behind fore-arms, 

 40 inches ; girth round loins, 34 inches ; girth of hind-leg at stifle, i6J inches ; girth of arm three 

 inches below elbow, 12 inches; girth of fore-arm, 8 inches; girth round pasterns, 8 inches; 

 height at shoulders, 32^ inches ; height at elbows, i6| inches ; height at loins, 32^ inches ; height 

 at back, 9^ inches ; length of tail, 28 inches. 



Barry, the property of G. W. Fetter, Esq., has never been exhibited, and is of a more rough- 



