These dogs are very strong and swift,
and when harnessed in pairs, from four to
six or eight, they will draw a well-filled
sleigh with their master upon it, and
rapidly travel miles at a time. He holds
the reins tight and guides the dogs by
his voice, or a long whip or lash snapped
in the direction he wou’d have the leaders
turn.
We mast now tell you something amus
ing of the Icelanders. They are an intel
ligent and religious set of people. They
have places of worship, and in some in
stances travel many miles in the colu to
reach them. Well bundled up in furs, the
whole family goes—baby and all. Aad
what do you think they do with their babies
during the service? Bury them just out
side the church door. They make a hole
in tne deep snow, place their babies in it,
cover them all up warm, leaving out only
their heads, well wrapped up in deep fur
caps or hoods. Then they set their faith
ful dogs on £uard.
A funny way, is it not, of disposing of
them? The snow is like a soft feather
cushion to them, and the playful dogs
keep them wide awake and happy until
they are taken out of tlieir snow cradle.
Even if one or more of them should drop
off co sleep, no barm would come to them
on a clear day, with their heads wel 1 pro
tected above the snow and the faithful
dogs to watch over them.
Up in the Arctic regions, where vessels
have been sent on voyages of discovery, or
to recover lost travelers in search of the
North Pole, men bury in different places
a quantity of their supplies to keep them
safely.
FJLOUISTB OF BCII-LY.
