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BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



tracts of country, that are solely appropriated to the 

 feeding of sheep and cattle, immense flocks may be seen, 

 ranging over the wilds, apparently without control. 



" One of these dogs is of more essential use to the 

 shepherd, than half-a-dozen boys would be ; is more 

 expeditious ; and is at all times ready to obey com- 

 mands. At a word from his keeper, he drives the 

 sheep in order and regularity to and from their pas- 

 ture, and will suffer no strangers from another flock to 

 intrude upon his. If any of the sheep attempt to stray, 

 he springs forward in an instant to stop their course. 

 On the side of one of the Welsh mountains, I have seen 

 a shepherd point out to his dog a straggling sheep, on 

 a height more than a mile distant. He gave the well- 

 known signal. The dog went off at full speed, and 

 soon returned with the animal to the flock. 



" These dogs drive the sheep entirely by their voice, 

 never lacerating them with their teeth ; nor ever em- 

 ploying force, but for the preservation of peace and 

 good order. When awake, they are at all times alive 

 to their master's directions ; and, in repose, they lie 

 down by his wallet, and preserve it from plunder. If 

 the shepherd be about to absent himself from the flock, 

 he depends on his dog to keep the animals together ; 

 and if afterwards he is heard to give the command, this 



