THE ST. BERNARD'S DOG. 



275 



monastery where these magnificent animals are taught to exercise their wondrous 

 powers, which have gained for them and their teachers a world-wide fame. 



These splendid Dogs are among the largest of the canine race, being equal in size 

 to a large mastiff. The good work which is done by these Dogs is so well known that 

 it is only necessary to give a passing reference. Bred among the coldest regions of 

 the Alps, and accustomed from its birth to the deep snows which everlastingly cover 

 the mountain-top, the St. Bernard's Dog is a most useful animal in discovering any 

 unfortunate traveller who has been overtaken by a sudden storm and lost the path, or 

 who has fallen upon the cold ground, worn out by fatigue and hardship, and fallen into 

 the death-sleep which is the result of severe cold. 



ST. BERNARD'S DOQ.-Canis famlliaris. 



Whenever a snow-storm occurs, the monks belonging to the monastery of St. Bernard 

 send forth their Dogs on their errand of mercy. Taught by the wonderful instinct with 

 which they are endowed, they traverse the dangerous paths, and seldom fail to discover 

 the frozen sufferer, even though he be buried under a deep snow-drift. When the Dog 

 has made such a discovery, it gives notice by its deep and powerful bay of the perilous 

 state of the sufferer, and endeavors to clear away the snow that covers the lifeless form. 



The monks, hearing the voice of the Dog, immediately set off to the aid of the perish- 

 ing traveller, and in many cases have thus preserved lives that must have perished 

 without their timely assistance. In order to afford every possible help to the sufferer, 

 a small flask of spirits is generally tied to the Dog's neck. 



The illustration which accompanies this notice of the Alpine Spaniel, is a portrait 

 of the well-known Dog belonging to Mr. Albert Smith. 



