THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 107 



happens to be at hand. They will even beat the poor 

 brutes in this horrible manner until they are actually stunned. 

 Notwithstanding the absolute dependence of the Eskimo on 

 their dogs, little or no care is taken of them; they receive 

 nothing in any degree approaching petting, and spend all 

 their time in the open air. The chief use of the Eskimo 

 dog is to draw the sledges, which are the only possible 

 conveyances in that frozen land. In all the Arctic expedi- 

 tions which have been sent out at various times, a good 

 supply of sledge dogs has been one of the greatest desiderata, 

 as without them it would be absolutely impossible to proceed 

 far. No other animal would answer the purpose, both horses 

 and cattle being quite useless in journeys over ice and snow, 

 amongst which the pack of light, active dogs make their 

 way with wonderful ease and safety." The Siberian dogs 

 render equally valuable services to their masters with about 

 an equal measure of appreciation. 



The JTewfound- The dog known as the Newfoundland dog 

 land Dog. js one of the handsomest and best beloved 

 of the dog family. He is distinct from the Labrador dog, 

 which is more slender in make, has a sharper muzzle and 

 is generally " black in colour with a tawny nose and a rusty 

 spot over each eye". The Labrador dog and the Eskimo 

 have been credited with the parentage of the Newfoundland 

 species. At home the Newfoundland is made useful for the 

 purpose of drawing loads, being harnessed to small carts 

 and sleighs for carrying wood and other commodities. 

 Abroad like the prophet who "is not without honour save 

 in his own country", he has been found capable and worthy of 

 much more honourable service, and his fidelity and sagacity 

 have won for him universal esteem. He is an expert swimmer, 

 his feet being webbed and so peculiarly adapted for the 

 exercise. He takes to the water as though it were his natural 

 element, and has so often carried the line to sinking ships, 

 and rescued persons about to drown that such incidents 



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