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 destderata,
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 Newfound- The dog known as the Newfoundland dog
land Dog. jig 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 versons about to drown that such incidents