18 THE ST. BERNARD DOG.

trained to look for lost travellers; and every day in winter

 

they are sent out, generally in pairs. One has a basket of |

food and a flask of wine or brandy strapped to his neck; the |

other has a cloak strapped upon his back. Thus any poor |

fainting man whom they may find may be at once supplied
with food and clothing. If the man can walk, they lead
him towards the convent, barking loudly all the way for help,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and to let the monks know that they are coming back. If
the man is so faint and benumbed that he cannot move, they
go back to fetch the monks, and to guide them to the spot
where he is lying.

Sometimes the traveller is buried deep in the snow. If
the monks were alone, they could never find him; but the
dogs with their keen scent discover him, and they scratch
up the snow with their feet.