THE MEXICAN SHEEP DOG. 403 



during the day with the flock, which after a while becomes 

 so accustomed to them as to be able to distinguish them from 

 other dogs — even from those of the same litter which have 

 not been nursed among them. The shepherds usually allow 

 the slut to keep one of a litter for her own particular benefit ; 

 the balance are generally destroyed. 



" After the pups are weaned, they never leave the 

 particular drove among which they have been reared. Not 

 even the voice of their master can entice them beyond sight 

 of the 'flock ; neither hunger nor thirst can do it. I have been 

 credibly informed of an instance where a single dog having 

 charge of a small flock of sheep was allowed to wander with 

 them about the mountains, while the shepherd returned to his 

 village for a few days, having perfect confidence in the ability 

 of his dog to look after the flock during his absence, but with 

 a strange want of foresight as to the provision of the dog for 

 his food. Upon his return to the flock, he found it several 

 miles from where left, but but on the road leading to the vil- 

 lage, and the poor, faithful animal in the agonies of death, 

 dying of starvation, even in the midst of plenty ; yet the 

 flock had not been harmed by him. A reciprocal afiection 

 exists between them which may put to blush many of the 

 human family. The poor dog recognized them only as 

 brothers and dearly loved friends ; he was ready at all times 

 to lay down his life for them ; to attack not only wolves and 

 mountain cats, with the confidence of victory, but even the 

 bear, when there could be no hope. Of late years, when the 

 shepherds of New Mexico have sufiered so much from Indian 

 marauders, instances have frequently occurred where the dog 

 has not hesitated to attack his human foes, and although 

 transfixed with arrows, his indomitable courage and faithful- 

 ness have been such as to compel his assailants to pin him to 

 the earth with spears, and hold him there until dispatched 

 with stones. 



" In the above instance the starving dog could have 

 helped himself to one of his little brother lambs, or could 

 have deserted the sheep, and very soon have reached the 

 settlements where there was food for him. But faithful even 

 unto death, he would neither leave nor molest them, but 

 followed the promptings of his instinct to lead into the settle- 

 ment ; their unconsciousness of his wants and slow motions 

 in traveling were too much for his exhausting strength. 



" These shepherds are very nomadic in character. They, 

 are constantly moving about, their camp equipage consisting 



