Untitled

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 48, 4 September 1891, Page 5

The most extravagant reports have been put in circulation regarding the caus' s of the lossts sustained by the Peter's Pence Fund of th» Holy See, and various changes have been brought against those responsible for the administration of the money. The truth is that there has been neither malversation nor Bourse speculation, but a simple want of practical business capacity on the part of the administration. France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and other nations have for some time kept and trained wai-dogs. There exists no longer a question as to the great usefulness of the dogs whether with outposts or patrol. Nonianngfoe can escape the knowledge of the watchful brutes. The German military authorities have, however, formed a more humane post, and one of greater importance for the intelligent animals. Sheep-dogs and PomerrUiirin Spitzhunde are taught to seek the wounded on the field of battle. The Jager ba'talions are already supplied with a number of these dogs, To teach the animals, a number of men are frequently dispatched to hide in woods or under dyke". Here they lie on their faces, their orders being not to stir until their comrades arrive. The dugs are then dispatched, quickly find the soldiers, place their forepawa on the body and birk loudly for assistance. The bearers tben come and carry off the prostrate body, when the dog starts afresh. About twelve dogs are attached to eacn company, and in case of actual war they would he of the greatest use in pointing out the wounded.