30 
THE DOG. 
driver sits quite low on the forepart of th^ 
sledge, with his feet overhanging the snow oH 
one side, and having in his hand a whip, t¥ 
handle of which, made either of wood, bone- 
or whalebone, is eighteen inches, and the lasli 
more than as many feet, in length. The pad 
of the thong next the handle is platted to 
stiffen it and give it a spring, on which mucl> 
of its use depends. The men acquire froiO 
their youth considerable expertness in the iisO 
of this whip, the lash of which is left to trail 
along the ground by the side of the sledgO; 
and with which they can inflict a severe blo't 
on any dog at pleasure. Though the dog* 
are kept in training entirely by fear of tho 
whip, and indeed, without it would soon hav'O 
their own way, its immediate effect is always 
detrimental to the draught of the sledge ; fof 
not only does the individual that is strucl^ 
slacken his pace, but generally turns upon hd 
next neighbour, and this, passing on to tb^ 
