MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 231 



nated with their work there can be no question. 

 It is clear, too, that it is difficult, and always 

 more or less painful ; for after a hard day's 

 running upon the fells their feet are dread- 

 fully cut by sharp stones, which in summer 

 blister the hand if laid upon them. The beds 

 of flat tinkling stones which do the damage, 

 give out their not unmusical notes as men, 

 sheep, and dogs rush over them. It is usual 

 on the hill farms, where a great number of 

 sheep are kept, to work the collies in relays. 

 A brace are taken out one day, and rest the 

 next. But at times of gathering for washing, 

 or shearing, this plan is not always practicable, 

 and all the dogs are working at once. 



I have said that it is at the time of gathering 

 the sheep for washing and shearing that the 

 dogs are hardest worked. When a fine spring 

 has reduced the fell "becks," and the clear 

 water lies deep in the pools, then it is that 

 washing takes place. The water is now tepid ; 

 and by the side of the deepest pool a bit of 

 bright turf is encircled by wooden hurdles, and 

 a fold constructed. The shepherds have been 

 out on the fells through the short summer night, 

 and now down the corries long lines of sheep 



