THE POODLE. 



211 



A veey decided contrast to the last-mentioned Dog is afforded by the Alpine Spaniel, 

 more generally known by the title of the St. Bernard's Dog, on account of the celebrated 

 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 



ST. BERNARD'S DOG.— Ganis familiaris extrarius st. bernardi. 



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. 



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 perishing 

 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 representative 

 of the popular variety of the species. 



Of all the domesticated Dogs, the Poodle seems to be, take him all in all, the most 

 obedient and the most intellectual. Accomplishments the most difficult are mastered by this 

 clever animal, which displays an ease and intelligence in its performances that appear to be 

 far beyond the ordinary canine capabilities. 



