156 The Collie or Sheep Dog. 



THE NORTHERN AND MIDLAND SHEEP DOG CLUB. 



QUITE recently another collie club has been formed, its 

 establishment, judging from the early list of members, 

 which already includes fifty-five names, being on a sound 

 basis. Named the " Northern and Midland Sheep Dog 

 Club," its objects are "the encouragement and improve- 

 ment of the breed of sheep dogs by giving special prizes, 

 supporting shows, publishing the description, urging the 

 adoption of true type, and using every endeavour to 

 advance the interests of the breed." Not a word about 

 working the dogs, for which there is such a wide and useful 

 field open. The " description " has not yet been published, 

 but it can differ very little from that already given in this 

 volume. 



A special feature is made by an arrangement for 

 breeders' challenge cups, value twenty-five guineas each 

 one for the best dog, another for the best bitch, bred by 

 and exhibited by the same member of the club. These 

 cups can only be won once by the same dog, but either 

 trophy gained three times in all by the same member 

 becomes his property. 



There are two or three other novelties in the rules, and 

 one of them determines that of the committee, twelve in 

 number, six shall be members resident north of Derby, and 

 six who reside south of the same place ; three to form a 

 quorum. Then the general meetings are to be movable, 

 and, as occasion requires, will be held in Manchester, 

 Birmingham, and Liverpool, or in any other town the 

 committee may think desirable. Four such general meet- 

 ings must be held annually. 



An important rule is that one dealing with the selection 



