Guard Dogs 189 



set aside for this class of do Their kennels and win 3 

 were placed on each side of the valley, on the top oi the 

 slopes, and the dogs were enabled to sec the surrounding 

 country to great advantage. Each dog would be from one 

 hundred to two hundred yards apart. It was absolutely 

 impossible to approach any part of the valley, undetectt 1. 

 by night or day. The best-trained dogs were placed at the 

 most vulnerable points, and also at those posts which com- 

 manded the most extensive views. I have often observed 

 the tests made with strangers or men disguised. The nearest 

 outpost dogs would suddenly seem to be arrested, gazing 

 with fixed attention at the far-off approach of the stranger, 

 who would be using every endeavour to creep up under 

 cover, and as unnoticed as possible. Then it would run 

 hurriedly down its wire to its neighbour, and request his 

 immediate presence and attention. Number Two would 

 then rush out to the end of his wire, and both would consult 

 together as to possibilities of danger. They would then 

 agree that the matter wanted looking into, and would bark. 

 At this sound, Number Three, who might be a fairly new 

 arrival, and not quite alive to his duties, and had been 

 reposing in comfort in his kennel, would run along his wire 

 in a state of bewilderment, gazing wildly in all directions 

 for the foe, until directed by his more highly-trained 

 brother to the right quarter. Number Three now thinks 

 he had better let off a bark, too, as the incident certainly 

 looks suspicious. By this time all the other sentinels are 

 thoroughly aroused, and on the qui vive, and are running 

 up and down their wires, calling out to each other their 

 views on the outrageous impudence of any stranger, daring 

 to enter their valley, and adjuring each other to rouse 

 up, and put the attempt down, with a strong hand imme- 

 diately. 



