1 



HISTORY OF 



QUADRUPEDS. 



299 



The Shepherd's DOG. 



This ufeful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns 

 at the head of the flock ; where it is better heard, and 

 more attended to, than even the voice of the (hepherd. 

 Safety, order, and difcipline, are the fruits of his vigi- 

 lance and activity. 



In thofe large tracts of land which, in many parts of 

 our ifland, are folely appropriated to the feeding of 

 Sheep and other cattle, this fagacious animal is of the 

 utmoft importance. Immenfe flocks may be feen conti- 

 nually ranging over thofe extenfive wilds, as far as the 

 eye can reach, feemingly without controul : Their only 

 guide is the fhepherd, attended by his Dog, the conftant 

 companion of his toils : It receives his commands, and is 

 always prompt to execute them ; it is the watchful guar- 

 dian of the flock, prevents them from ftraggling, keeps 

 them together, and conducts them from one part of their 

 pafture to another ; it will not fufFer any ftrangers to mix 

 with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In 

 driving a number of Sheep to any diftant part, a well- 

 trained Dog never fails to confine them to the road, 

 watches every avenue that leads from it; where he takes 



