38 The Collie or Sheep Dog. 



always pleased to be caressed by hands more plebeian than 

 are those of their Royal mistress. 



The collie is admirably adapted as a companion (let alone 

 his utility for the duty for which he was first brought into 

 this world), and as such he accompanies the carriage when 

 its owner goes out for a drive ; for his fondness for horses is 

 scarcely excelled by that of the spotted coach dog or 

 Dalmatian. He is an excellent guard or watch, too; is not 

 too demonstrative in his affections, and easily learns to 

 distinguish between a friend and a foe. In the country (as 

 in town) he is seen to advantage, for where a terrier 

 naturally takes to hunting the rabbits and other game that 

 may be about, the collie will not do so unless he be urged 

 and encouraged in such delinquencies. It must, however, be 

 said that he, like frail humanity, is easily led away from the 

 straight and honest path, and no great pains need be taken 

 to transform him into a confirmed poacher. Constant 

 association with his superiors has improved his temper 

 immensely, and the general disposition of the collie now, 

 as compared with what it was thirty years or more ago, 

 is much changed. Then he would rush out of the farm- 

 yard, sniff at you, turn away, and as you did likewise you 

 were reminded that the dog had not gone far by feeling 

 his teeth enter the calf of one of your legs. He does not 

 do this sort of thing now. If he is ill-natured, and he 

 seldom is, his vice is done more openly, and he will seize 

 his supposed foe from the front rather than from behind. 



I have always been at a loss to account for this improve- 

 ment in the collie's temper, and it can only have arisen 

 from his more extended association with the general public. 

 He is, indeed, seldom seen sulky and surly he may be 

 sedate, but he is ever ready to appreciate a kind word or 



