238 FAIRY AND MfiDOR. [OH. xiv. 



415. In the unenclosed parts of France, when the young crops 

 are on the ground, you may frequently see a shepherd's dog trusted 

 to prevent the sheep from nibbling the tender wheat growing con- 

 tiguous to the grass, which he peaceably permits them to crop within 

 a foot of the tempting grain ; but he is keenly watching, ready to 

 dart at the first epicure who cannot resist a bite at the forbidden 

 dainty ; and so ably and zealously does the dog discharge his duties, 

 that even in such trying circumstances will the shepherd leave his 

 sheep for hours together under the charge of their sagacious and 

 vigilant guardian. In a similar manner, a couple of dogs, stationed 

 one at each flank of a large flock, effectually protect the vineyards 

 from their depredations. The latter you will think not so remark- 

 able an instance of discrimination as the former ; for, compared 

 with the difference in appearance between the herbage and the vine, 

 there is but little between the young grain and the adjacent grass. 



416. Who has not read with intense delight the tales of the 

 almost incredible intelligence and devotion to their duties of the 

 Scotch collie dogs, as related by the Ettrick Shepherd ? He 

 mentions one which, when his master was speaking, evidently 

 understood much of what was said. 



417. I know a lady who had a small, nearly thorough-bred King 

 Charles. Being one day desired by her mother to ring the bell, 

 she turned to the dog, and said, very energetically, " Fairy, ring the 

 bell." The little dog had no previous training, but she had been 

 observant, and was imitative. She immediately sprung at the bell- 

 rope, and pulled it. "Fairy," indeed, unfortunately pulled with 

 great violence the rope came down, and so alarmed was she (re- 

 member how I have cautioned you never to alarm your pupil), that 

 no subsequent coaxing could induce her to return to the bell. But 

 if she had not been frightened, she might have become as service- 

 able a bell-ringer as the little dog that preceded her in the office of 

 pet. That predecessor (the mention of a useful pet, though a lady 

 was not his instructor, will, I hope, redeem my character with the 

 fair sex) saved his young mistress from many an interruption of 

 work and study, by ringing the bell on command. And " Bob " 

 was discreet in his spontaneous ringings. He never rang without a 

 cause ; but if he was unreasonably detained by himself, or a visitor's 

 knock remained too long unanswered, the tardy attendant was 

 warned of his remissness by a loud peal. 



418. A French lady, who is fond of animals, at my request com- 

 mitted the following anecdote to paper : 



419. " My dear Medor, a beautiful red and white setter, was re- 

 markable, I am told, for many rare qualities as a sporting dog ; 

 but, of course, none of these could be compared, in my eyes, to his 

 faithfulness and sagacity. I looked upon him as a friend ; and 

 I know that our affection was mutual. I could mention several 

 instances of his intelligence, I might say reflection, but one in par- 

 ticular gave me such delight that, though years have since passed 

 away, all the circumstances are as fresh in my memory as if they 

 had occurred but yesterday. I was returning from school at Ver- 



