26 The Collie or Sheep Dog. 



than be seen indulging in a state of neglectful indolence. 

 The breed is propagated and preserved with the greatest 

 respect to purity in the northern parts of Yorkshire, as 

 well as in the Highlands of Scotland, where, in the exten- 

 sive tracts and uncultivated wilds, their services exceed 

 description." 



The writer proceeds in similarly eulogistic and ponderous 

 strains, which, no doubt, are all very w r ell in their way, 

 but one would very much have preferred some few lines 

 descriptive of the dog, of his coat, size, colour and general 

 character, in place of the adulatory comments and anecdotic 

 string of stories which follow. Proceeding, however, with 

 some few lines more of the " Sportsman's Cabinet " story, 

 the writer continues : " Constitutionally calm, patient, and 

 philosophic, the sheep dog appears totally lost to every 

 appearance of novelty, and insensible to every attraction 

 beyond the protection and indefatigable preservation of the 

 flock committed to his charge. In the most sequestered 

 and remote spots, dreary wilds, and lofty mountains, almost 

 inaccessible to man, the dog becomes an incredible and 

 trusty substitute ; for, once initiated into the groundwork of 

 his office, he soon acquires a perfect knowledge of the 

 extent of his walk, as well as of every individual of his 

 flock ; and will as regularly select his own, and disperse 

 obtruders as the most faithful and attentive shepherd in 

 existence. This becomes the more extraordinary to the 

 contemplative mind, when it is recollected what immense 

 flocks are seen to cover the downy hills of Hants and Wilts, 

 as far as the eye can reach without control ; and to know 

 that by a single signal from the shepherd this faithful, 

 sagacious animal, replete with energy, vigilance, and 

 activity, will make his circle so as to surround a flock of 



