The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-10-03
LONG RIDE WITH DOGS.
Novel Team Used by the Blandys on
Their Journey to California.
(From the San Francisco Call)

(From the San Francisco Call.)
Mr.. and Mrs. Blandy are Minnesota
couple who have just made a most re-
markabla journey. Leaving their home
at Brainerd, Mimi, one year ago, with
their baby boy, then four years old,
they have Travelled by dog team clear
to California and are now in camp at
ISweetbriar, In that far-off estate.
The Blandys wanted to make a trip
to the Pacific coast. They wanted to go
leisuFely, so as to see the country.
Economy was an object, as was also an
opportunity to earn something en-
route. So Mr.. Blandy and his wife de-
cided to travel by dog team.
Dogs are used In the arctic regions, "
argued Mr.. Blandy, why not in the
| temperate zone?'
Their outfit consists of a small spring
wagon with one seat, and covered with
canvas, the whole weighing 210 pounds
with the baggage Of the travellers.
MIS-. Blandy and her baby occupy the
seat, while Mr.. Blandy sits in front on
a roll of blankets and a tent, from
which perch he drives his dogs. These
| are six in number, huge cross bred st.
Bernard and Newfoundlands, powerful
Of muscle and kind of disposition. In
the rear of the wagon is rack of
shelves, containing dishes and provi-
sions, while pots, kettles and an oil
stove are hung from hooks above the
rack. The back end of the wagon is
made to let down and, supported by q
stick, serves as a dining table.
| When seen by a representative of the
Call in the camp at Sweetbriar, Mr.
Blandy had g. tin can and paint
brush in hand, and was "goin the
rounds" among his dogs, painting their
feet with tannate of glycerine to pre-
vent sensitiveness. When travelling
over rough roads he makes applica-
lions of this preparation every evening
to insure his animals against suffering
and the faithful creatures seem to like
| the operation, for they look at their
master with gratitude and affection.
"Those dogs are far ahead of any
horses" Mrs Blandy said, emphatical-
| ly, when some one suggested that Shet-
land ponies would be preferable. why,
dogs will carry you through the snow
to safe, warm place, and horses would
give out on you. And didn't we travel
210 miles on the railroad? Horses
couldn't walk ties and carry you over
long trestles a mile and three quarters
in length as our dogs did wouldn t
take 80 horses for of our dogs. Would
I, Bruce?" and she patted a great,
shaggy yellow dog on the head.
They Travelled at a speed that was
II
country they orossed-never travelling
less than 10 miles a day, reaching a
daily maximum Of 50 miles Cat one
time covering Sc miles in two days.,
and stopping in towns TO sell pictures
or pick up q few dollars by painting
advertisements on the canvas of their
wagon.
The Blandys always leave towns
amid a roar Of cheers and laughter.
When they are about to start Mr..
Blandy walks among his dogs and.
stopping down, adjusts all their feet
so as to prevent the ENHANCEMENT of
limbs in harness, quickly steps into the
low wagon, seats himself on the bed
ding and tent, and, with lines in hand,
he calls to the dogs, and they are off.
There is nothing slow about these dogs
they trot off at a good gait, raising
big dust, and never walk except when
climbing hills.