159 



THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 



This general favourite was brought from the island 

 to which it owes its name. There it is employed as a 

 beast of draught, and brings loads of wood and provi- 

 sion over a rough and difficult country. It probably 

 surpasses, as a water-dog, every other kind. Landseer 

 has a fine picture, which he describes as " a distinguished 

 member of the Humane Society," it is a portrait, most 

 admirably painted, of a Newfoundland dog, who has 

 been successful in the saving of life. 



One of these animals, which was kept at the ferry- 

 house at Worcester, was the means of rescuing, at differ- 

 ent times, three persons from drowning. This faithful 

 creature was exceedingly fond of the water, and seemed 

 even to consider a disinclination for it by other dogs, 

 an insult on the species. Thus, were one left by its 

 master on the bank, and if it stood yelping at the bot- 

 tom of the steps, unwilling to follow the boat across 

 the river, he would go down to him, growl as if in 

 mockery at his fears, take him by the back of his neck, 

 and throw him into the stream. 



A native of Germany, fond of travelling, was pursu- 

 ing his course through Holland, accompanied by a large 



