130 Modern Dogs. 



assist as he likes, without, however, touching the 

 sheep. Until now the shepherd has worked his 

 collie from the spot where it was originally let loose, 

 and sent to find the sheep which had been separated 

 from a flock inclosed and out of sight. Were the 

 whole of the sheep in view of those to be driven 

 the latter would make back to them, and totally 

 refuse to be taken as intended. 



" As to the sheep : These ought to be either of 

 the Welsh breed, the black or of some grey-faced 

 Scotch variety, or Herdwicks, taken from various 

 flocks. Each dog drives three different sheep, two 

 being from one farm, and the third from another. 

 This arrangement makes the task more difficult, the 

 sheep not knowing each other, and when one breaks 

 away, considerable skill is required to get it to its 

 companions again. Sometimes the latter cannot 

 be done, so the worker of the dog by whistling, 

 calling, or by movements of the arms, lets his 

 favourite know that the two must be driven to the 

 one. This may prove successful, and by order the 

 sagacious collie continues his task. Possibly the 

 sheep may run away entirely, and, followed by the 

 competitor, gallop until the latter is out of sight and 

 out of hearing too. Then, after a tedious wait of a 

 quarter of an hour or more, in the far distance the 

 three sheep and their canine driver may be seen, 



