SHEPHERD'S DOG CUE DOG. 173 



which enjoy their original dependence: as the dog is 

 the constant attendant on man, accompanies him into 

 different climates, and in his society adopts more dif- 

 ferent modes of living than any other creature, it is 

 not a matter of wonder that this animal should exhibit 

 a greater variety than any other; and that the influ- 

 ences .of so many different circumstances, with the in- 

 cessant intermixture of breeds, should preclude every 

 possibility of systematic arrangement. I shall there- 

 fore content myself with pointing out some of the 

 most striking varieties, and leave the rest to your own 

 Observations. 



THE SHEPHERD'S DOG, 



is generally considered as the parent stock of the 

 canine race" This faithful animal, ever attentive- to 

 his charge, reigns over the flock; and is of the utmost 

 importance in many parts of this country, where ex- 

 tensive tracts of land are solely appropriated to the 

 feeding of sheep and other cattle. This sagacious 

 animal is so obedient to the voice of the shepherd, and 

 and so ready to execute his commands; that in con- 

 ducting the flock from one place to another^ and pre- 

 venting the sheep from straggling, the sei vices of one 

 well-trained dog will be more effectual than all that 

 could be performed by two or three men, without 

 mentioning the attentive fidelity with which, in his 

 master's absence., he executes his off 4 ce of a guardian. 



THE CUR DOG, 



although not considered by naturalists as a distinct 

 race, is, notwithstanding, esteemed such in some parts 

 of this country; and its utility to the farmer and gra- 

 zier is so great, that in many places no small attention 

 is paid to the breed. They are extremely useful in 

 driving cattle, and exceed the shepherd's dog in size,, 

 fierceness, and strength. Some dogs of this kind pos- 

 sess an astonishing degree of sagacity : they know 

 their master's field, are attentive to the cattle that are 

 in them, go of their own accord their daily rounds, 

 and if any interlopers have got among the herd, will 

 quickly drive them out of the grounds. 



