HEROES OF THE ALPS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 31, 26 January 1940, Page 38

HEROES OF THE ALPS

IGH in the European Alps are the Passes of Parloja, of Gothard, and of Great Saint Bernard. These three passes are all over 6,000 feet high, and are used chiefly *by Switzerland. ' When we say the name of the last one we think, not of Passes at all, nor even of the great snow and ice-covered Alpine peaks, but of a huge friendly dog. A massive face, with flattish muzzle and great drooping ears, a powerful body and enormous paws — yet he is to be trusted, perhaps beyond all dogs, and is as gentle as he is strong. * * * Long, long ago when small groups of travellers attempted these Passes on foot, many perished of the desperate cold in the great depths of snow. At Saint Bernard dwelt black-robed priests who went forth day or night to rescue such travellers, to bear them back to their Hospice, to dress their wounds or nurse them back to life with sheltering warmth and food. But often the search proved vain, the rescue too late, or the task beyond their strength. At length they decided to breed and train dogs to help them. They chose them for their size and endurance and trained them to be wise and courageous. These huge creatures seemed to. possess unerring scent, They would hurl themselves out into the most furious storm and in the least possible time would find the half-buried victims. Desperately they would dig until the men were uncovered, dragging them strongly but gently forth. E About each great neck was slung a bottle of wine to restore warmth to these numbed bodies. But often there appeared no sign of life remaining. Then the great dogs would sit down together and bay — a long, thundering roar which was the signal for the stretcher-bearers.

* * ® Over all the world these dogs were known as the heroes of the Alps. But now an end has come to the need for them. Sub-alpine tunnels have been built, modern vehicles are used in safety, and bands of workers no longer attempt the dreaded Pass on foot. The dogs are still to be found at the Hospice of Saint Bernard. Over 1,000 visitors have flocked every year to see them. At a certain hour the kennels are opened. Instantly the dogs leap out. For a moment the corridors echo to the thunder of their bounding and then they are away--away over the white

wastes of snow and ice, their noses held high for possible scent, in their splendid and desperate search. They are obeying their inherited instinct to save. But there is no need now for their heroism. And presently they return-baffled and bewildered-to

gaze with astonishment at the cheerful hoards of visitors who crowd their beloved Hospice. Peng fh a