into which sheep may possibly fall and lie _awalt_ or _awkward_, that
is, lie on the broad of their back and unable to get up, and they
will assist to raise them up by seizing the wool at one side and
pulling the sheep over upon its feet. Experienced dogs will not
meddle with ewes having lambs at foot, nor with tups, being quite
aware of their disposition to offer resistance. They also know full
well when foxes are on the move, and give evident symptoms of
uneasiness on their approach to the lambing ground. They also hear
footsteps of strange persons and animals at a considerable distance
at night, and announce their approach by unequivocal signs of
displeasure, short of grumbling and barking, as if aware that those
noisy signs would betray their own presence. _A shepherd's dog is so
incorruptible that he cannot be bribed, and will not permit even a
known friend to touch him when entrusted with any piece of duty._
* * * It is supposed that the bitch is more acute than the dog,
though the dog will bear the greater fatigue. Of the two, I believe,
that the quietly disposed shepherd prefers a bitch, and is careful in
working her as little as he can when in pup. I may mention, that the
shepherd's dog claims exemption from taxation; and I believe that a
well-trained one costs at least L.3."--(Vol. ii. pp. 626, 627.)

Nothing is said of the mutual attachment of the shepherd and his dog. Of
this attachment we can never help thinking--when the subject of dogs is
introduced--since we saw the look of mingled agony and consternation which
showed itself on the face of one of our shepherd boys, when a horse had
kicked and apparently killed it, and the joy with which he hugged it,
while it licked his hands and face as it recovered.

Nothing strikes an American so much on coming to England--kindred though
he be, not only in blood and language, but also in customs--nothing at
least strikes him more than the beautiful thorn hedges with which our
fields are at once divided, sheltered and adorned. And yet how much they
are mismanaged--their perfection, usefulness, and durability lessened--by
injudicious, in many cases by ignorant and barbarous, treatment! A most
useful chapter is devoted to this subject, from which we shall make one or
two extracts. First, of switching young hedges:--

"Hedgers have a strong predilection to use the switchin