SHEPHERD DOGS. 361 



covered with wool, and not so easily exposed or made to 

 swell. Stringing is the mode commonly resorted t for this 

 end; that is to say, a cord is drawn tightly round the neck 

 close to the shoulder, so as to stop the circulation through 

 the vein, and render it perceptible to the finger. A lancet 

 is the instrument generally used in bleeding, though a well- 

 pointed penknife will do at a pinch. The opening must 

 always be made obliquely; but before attempting this, the 

 animal must be secured, by placing it between the operator's 

 legs, with its croup against a wall. The selected vein is 

 then fixed by the fingers of the operator's left hand, so as to 

 prevent its rolling or slipping before the lancet. Having 

 fairly entered the vein, the point of the instrument must be 

 elevated at the same time that it is pushed a little forward, 

 by which motion it will be lifted from or cut its way out of 

 the vein. A prescribed quantity of blood sliould never be 

 drawn, for the simple reason that this can never b precise- 

 ly stated. If the symptoms are urgent, as in all likelihood 

 they will, your best plan is not to stop the flow of blood till 

 the animal fall or is about to fall. When this occurs, run a 

 pin through the edges of the orifice, and finish by twisting 

 round it a lock of wool." (Blacklock.) 



LARGE CUTS ARE HEALED by first sewing and then cover- 

 ing with salve. Smaller ones may be secured with an 

 adhesive plaster or bandage. 



To PROTECT LAMBS FROM WOLVES AND FOXES, smear the 

 neck plentifully with a mixture of tar and sulphur. Bells 

 are also said to guard them, as both are excessively wary, 

 and have a great dislike to any thing artificial. Large dogs 

 will keep them at bay. A better remedy is to kill the ma- 

 rauders, which may be done by inserting strychnine in fresh 

 meat and leaving it in their haunts. 



SHEPHERD DOGS. 



Of these there are two widely distinct breeds. One 

 embraces the large Spanish dog and their descendants, 

 the Mexican, and some other varieties, which are of a 

 size, strength arid courage sufficient to defend the flock 

 against wolves, or other formidable enemies. They arc 

 frequently inclined to be ferocious, and will sometimes com- 

 mit depredations on the flocks themselves. They are ouly 

 necessary where there is danger from wild beasts and pr 

 ing dogs, against which, if thoroughly trained, they arc 

 always an efficient protection. The smaller kind is invalua- 

 P 



