PREFACE. 



>NG ago admirers of the collie pronounced him 

 the most useful and the most intelligent of all 

 dogs. At the present time he still bears that 

 fair fame, and, in addition thereto, occupies a position 

 second to none of the canine race in pecuniary value. 

 Hundreds of pounds are often given for the best specimens, 

 so he is cared for accordingly. Fifty years since, and before 

 the establishment of dog shows, a five pound note was 

 fair value for the best working animal that could be pro- 

 duced ; now he will bring more than twenty times that 

 sum for his good looks alone. The latter have made him 

 a favourite, and his popularity is only excelled by that of 

 the fox terrier. 



Much has been written about the sheep dog or collie, 

 and no doubt abundance of information thereon is ready 

 to follow. In the following pages an endeavour has been 

 made to trace his progress from the fold and mountain to 

 the drawing room and the parlour, not omitting to specially 

 mention all the varied duties he is now called upon and 

 expected to fulfil. 



The subject of competitive trials has had particular 



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