The Shepherd's Dog. 37 



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, saga- 

 cious animal, replete with energy, vigilance, and acti- 

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

 hundreds, and bring them within any compass that 

 may be required. 



The sheep dog is so completely absorbed in what 

 seems the sole business and employment of bis life, 

 that he does not bestow a look, or indulge a wish be- 

 yond the constant protection of the trust reposed in 

 hhn, and to execute the commands of his master ; 

 which he is always incessantly anxious to receive, and 

 in fact is invariably looking for by every solicitous at- 

 tention it is possible to conceive. — Inured to all wea- 

 thers, fatigue and hunger, he is the least voracious of 

 the species, subsists upon little, and may be justly 

 considered truly emblematic of content. — Though 

 there is the appearance of a somniferous indolence in 

 the exterior, it is by no means a constitutional mark 

 of habitual inability ; on the contrary, the sagacity, fi- 

 delity, and comprehensive penetration of this kind of 

 dog is equal to any other, but that there is a thought- 

 ful or expressive gravity annexed to this particular 

 race, as if they were absolutely conscious of their own 

 utility in business of importance, and the value of the 

 stock so confidently committed to their care. 



Amidst the infinity of cases so constantly issuing 

 from the press, in which proofs almost incredible arc 

 authentically adduced of the courage, sagacity, fidelity, 

 gratitude, and self denial of different kinds of dogs, 



