It would not be fair to close this article without brief mention of the splendid work performed by dogs on the battlefields of Europe.

From the very beginning of the war, dogs have had a paw in it. When the Germans invaded Belgium the harness dogs, which up to that time had been used for hauling milk, vegetables, and other produce, began to assist the refugees in getting their children and household goods out of the invaded territory. Since then they have hauled light artillery, and carts laden with blankets, bread, hay, and scores of other things for the comfort of soldiers and their horses.

Messenger Dogs Billeted Behind The Front-Line Trenches.

British official photograph, from Associated Illustration Agencies, Ltd.

They have done sentry duty in the trenches and. with their masters, patrol duty out on No Man's Land, their acute senses often making them aware of the approach of an enemy long before an unassisted man could have detected it.

They have carried dispatches through barb-wire entanglements and amid the hail of bullets, and in neat baskets strapped to their backs have delivered homing pigeons intended to carry messages for longer distances.

A Canine Courier Of The Great War.

British official photograph, by Associated Illustration Agencies, Ltd.

But perhaps the greatest service they have rendered has been in connection with the Red Cross, especially in the French and German armies. A part of their work has been to find the wounded after a battle.

A Phidippides Of Modern Warfare.

Photograph by Associated Illustration Agencies, Ltd.

It is well known that when a man is wounded, usually one of his first thoughts is to get out of the way of the bullets and the shells, and if he has strength he will crawl to some comparatively safe place, often a place where it would be difficult for a man to find him, especially at night. Later, perhaps, he will be too weak to crawl out again or even to cry for help, and in many cases he would be lost if it were not for the dogs.

"Taking His Message To Garcia".

Official photograph taken on the British front in France.

Keen of scent, these animals are not dependent on eyesight or hearing, and one of them will probably find him. If it does it will take his cap or something else belonging to him and hurry back to the lines and presently return with stretcher-bearers, who will carry the poor fellow in to receive the best attention possible.

French War Dog: A Courser Whose Winged Feet Spurn The Earth.

Other dogs, each with a big can of hot soup strapped to either side, are sent through the front-line trenches to carry this cheering fare to the fighting men.

A Dog And His Master Protected Alike From Poison Gas At The Battle Front (See Page 55).

Many of the dogs have been mentioned in the dispatches, a number have been decorated for bravery or distinguished service, and many, many more have done their bit. the biggest bit it is possible to do. and gone without a whimper where the best men and the best dogs go.

Wearing The Chevrons Of Honor For Service Overseas.