THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 



In this country, however, the Newfoundland Dog is raised to its proper position, and 

 made the friend and companion of man. Many a time has it more than repaid its 

 master for his friendship, by rescuing him from mortal peril. 



Astrologically speaking, the Newfoundland Dog must have been originated under 

 the influence of Aquarius, for it is never so happy as when dabbling in water, whether 

 salt or fresh, and is marvellously endurant of long immersion. There are innumerable 

 instances on record of human beings rescued from drowning by the timely succor 

 brought by a Newfoundland Dog, which seems fully to comprehend the dire necessity of 

 the sufferer, and the best mode of affording help. A Dog has been known to support 

 a drowning man in a manner so admirably perfect, that if it had thoroughly studied the 

 subject, it could not have applied its aiding powers in a more correct manner. The 

 Dog seemed to be perfectly aware that the head of the drowning man ought to be kept 

 above the water, and possibly for that purpose shifted its grasp from the shoulder to 

 the back of the neck. It must be remembered, however, that ail 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 New- 

 foundland 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 

 swimmer. 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 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 pestered by some forward puppy, looks down with calm contempt, and 

 passes on its way. Sometimes 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 con- 

 tinued annoyance, it took the little tormentor in its mouth, swam well out to sea, drop- 

 ped it in the water and swam back again. 



Another qf these animals, belonging to a workman, was attacked by a small and 

 pugnacious 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 en- 

 deavors to shake it off. However, the big Dog happened to be a clever one, and spy- 

 ing a pailful of boiling tar, he bolted towards it, and deliberately lowered his foe into the 

 hot and viscous material. The bull-dog had never calculated on such a reception, and 

 made its escape as fast as it could run, bearing with it a scalding memento of the occasion. 



The attachment which these magnificent Dogs feel towards mankind is almost un- 

 accountable, for they have been often known to undergo the greatest hardships in 

 order to bring succor to a person whom they had never seen before. A Newfound- 

 land Dog has been known to discover a poor man perishing in the snow from cold and 

 inanition, to dash off, procure assistance, telling by certain doggish language of its 

 own of the need for help, and then to gallop back again to the sufferer, lying upon him 

 as if to afford vital heat from his own body, and there to wait until the desired assist- 

 ance arrived. 



I might multiply anecdote upon anecdote of the wondrous powers of this spirited 

 animal, but must pass on to make room for others. 



There are two kinds of Newfoundland Dog ; one, a very large animal, standing 



