THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 



169 



horse. As an aquatic dog, it is superior to every other kind $ 

 and this arises from its being semi-webbed between the toes, 

 by which mechanism the foot presents an extended surface to 

 oppose the water behind, and then collapses, when it is drawn 

 forward previous to making another stroke. Owing to this 

 excellent adaptation of its feet for the purpose of swimming, 

 or rowing through the water, as Sir Everard Home calls it, 

 more instances occur of human life being saved by the New- 

 foundland dog than by any other. 



Mr. Youatt says that he knows the following anecdote to 

 be a fact : " A vessel was driven on the beach at Lydd, in 

 Kent. The surf was rolling furiously, eight poor fellows were 

 crying for help, but not a boat could be got off to their 

 assistance. At length a gentleman approached the beach 

 accompanied by a Newfoundland dog. He directed the atten- 

 tion of the animal to the vessel, and put a short stick into his 

 mouth. The intelligent and courageous fellow at once unde*^ 

 stood his meaning, sprang into the sea and fought his way 



