CARE OP SHEEP IN WINTER. 



95 



When pressing round him, eager for the prize, 

 From their mix'd breath warm exhalations rise." 



The shepherd's ears are attentive to the hoarse cough, 

 and his eyes open to the heavy look or the limping gait 

 of any one of his sheep. He knows when to give or 

 withhold certain kinds of food ; and how to avoid most 

 of the evils to which his flock is subject. He can 

 also judge of the degree of warmth and shelter they may 

 best receive in severe weather, without making them 

 tender and susceptible of cold. In fact, he treats his 

 sheep with gentle and considerate kindness, studies their 

 comfort before his own, and is almost as anxious about 

 them, as if they were his children. 



His dog is the only companion the shepherd needs in 

 these duties. The shepherd's dog possesses much of the 

 same form and character in every country. The muzzle 

 is sharp, the ears are short and erect, and the body is 

 covered with thick shaggy hair ; the tail is long, slightly 



