424 With Rod and Gun in New England 



but it is stated that the French strain came originally from Spain, where 

 the breed had existed as far back as the 14th century. 



The Clumber is one of the most intelligent of dogs, and can be taught 

 to do almost anything. 



It is, when hunting, used in teams of several, and is employed in the 

 thickest coverts, where setters and pointers are not so desirable, and for 

 such use it is unsurpassed by any breed. It beats the ground thoroughly, 

 and hunts silently, giving no tongue when game is found, on which account 

 it is frequently worked with a bell attached to its collar, in order that the 

 sportsman may more readily tell its whereabouts. 



It has been frequently taught to retrieve game, even from the water, 

 and for a sportsman who wants, instead of a ranging setter or pointer, for 

 woodcock or partridge shooting, a careful, slow-moving dog, it is a desir- 

 able species. 



It has been stated — with how much truth the writer cannot say — 

 that though its passion for the gun is very great, it cares but little for its 

 master without that accompaniment. If that is the case, it will not be a 

 great favorite as a house and pet dog, notwithstanding its neat appearance 

 and somewhat dainty habits. 



It is a long-bodied, short-legged species, and heavy in its frame, its 

 weight ranging from fifty-five to sixty-five pounds in males, and from forty- 

 five to fifty-five in the females. Its coat is long, abundant, soft and 

 straight. 



The wonderful intelligence of the collie, or sheep dog, has been a 

 prolific theme for writers for many years. This intelligence has been 

 developed not by a long and careful training, conducted on stated and set 

 rules, but is owing rather to its long and close association with the life of 

 the shepherd and the companionship from puppyhood up with the 

 animals which it has learned to watch and guard. The inherited habits 

 of generations also have their influence and predispose the dog to the per- 

 formance of the duties required of him. 



The modern collie of fanciers is different from the animal that is used 

 as a sheep dog in Scotland, being bred with a longer and more abundant 

 coat, which in the deep snows and heavy mists and rain storms of the 

 mountains would be a serious detriment to its successful work. 



It is generally of a shy, reserved disposition, and slow to make friends 

 with strangers. It rarely allows any liberties to be taken with it, and is 

 always suspicious of any advances that are made, being, on that account, 

 an excellent watch-dog, but one that is sometimes too demonstrative and 

 aggressive. It is always obedient to the command or gesture of its master, 

 and is faithful and affectionate to a remarkable degree. A collie that be- 

 longed to the family of the writer displayed considerable talent as a bird 



