206 
VERTEBRATA. 
THE CaBAX MASTIFF. 
DIVISION III.— THE SHAGGY OR WOOLLY BREEDH. 
This class embraces several of the most remarkable and interesting species. Their ears, origi 
nally straight and erect, have become somewhat pendulous in the more modified breeds. The 
are frequently of considerable height, and in their habits are active, laborious, and intelligen 
They are natives of the countries aj)proaching the i^rctic circle. 
THE ST, BERNARD DOG. 
The Mount St. Ber^tabd Dog, often called the Alpixk Spaniel, C. /. montcmu.% is one 
of the most celebrated of this division. It is almost pecidiar to the Alps, and to the district be- 
tween Switzerland and Savoy. The passes over these mountains are exceedingly dangerous from 
their steepness and narrowness. A precipice of many hundred feet is often found on one side, 
and perpendicular rocks on the other, while the path is glazed with frozen snow or ice. In. many 
places the path is overhuug with huge masses of frozen snow, which occasionally loosen and fall, 
when the dreadful storms peculiar to these regions suddenly come on, and form an insurmount- 
able barrier, or sweep away or bury the unfortunate traveler. Should he escape these dangers, 
the road is now become trackless, and he wanders amid the dreary solitudes until night overtakes 
