230 THE DOGS. 



sees him coming, he of his own accord hastens back to the 

 herd. The deer knows so well indeed, that he has no 

 other place of refuge besides the herd, that even should the 

 dog be between him and it, he, instead of running in an 

 opposite direction which one would suppose to be the 

 easiest way of escape at the risk of being bitten, rushes 

 past him and joins the herd. When the dog has executed 

 his commission, he either quietly returns to the heels of his 

 owner behind the herd, or, according to his fancy, in a quiet 

 and friendly way, gambols at the side of it. But he never 

 goes in front of the herd, because, in that case, he would 

 destroy the order of march. The dog's instinct, coupled 

 with his training, enables him to play his part thus admi- 

 rably. Without such an adjutant, indeed, the Lapp could 

 not possibly keep the herd in order. Though such useful 

 and faithful servants, the dogs are often scantily fed. With 

 the exception indeed of what they themselves may pick up 

 out of doors, a little milk mixed with water the rinsings, 

 in short, of the milk vessels constitute their sole food, and 

 as a consequence the poor animals have commonly rather an 

 emaciated look. 



At times one sees a white rein-deer amongst the herd. 

 There is said to be a breed of that colour in the parish of 

 Jockmock. The Lapp sets a particular value on them, as it 

 enables him the more readily to distinguish the herd when 

 at a distance. 



The herd requires very constant care and watchfulness ; 

 and the life of the Lapp who tends them is one of great 

 privation and hardship. But no doubt it has its charms ; 

 and it is very questionable if he would exchange it for that 

 of others who are considered as more favoured mortals. Day 



