206 



V ERTEBRATA, 





-i.j— v 



run cniAN u \srir 



DIVISION III. -THE SHAGGY OR WOOLLY BREEDS. 



'I In- class embraces several of the most remarkable and interesting species. Their cars, origi 

 nally straighl and erect, have become somewhat pendulous in the more modified breeds. They 

 are frequently of considerable height, and in their habits arc active, laborious, and intelligent. 

 They are uatives of the countries approaching the Arctic circle. 



T1IK ST. HKKNAr.1) DOO. 



The Mount St. Bernard Dog, often called the Alpine Spaniel, C. f. montanus, is one 

 of the mosrt celebrated of this division. It is almost peculiar to the Alps, and to the district 1"' 

 tween Switzerland and Savoy. The passes over these mountains arc exceedingly dangerous from 

 their steepness and narrowness. A precipice of many hundred feet is often found on one side, 

 and perpendicular rocks on the other, while the path is glazed with frozen snow or ice. In raanj , 

 places the path is overhung with huge masses of frozen snow, which occasionally loosen and fall. 

 when the dreadful storms peculiar to these regions suddenly come on, and form an insurmount- 

 able harrier, or BWeep away or 1-iiry the unfortunate traveler. Should lie escape these dangers, 

 the road is now become trackless, and he wanders amid the dreary solitudes until night overtake-- 



