hey never
caress him, never throw him any thing to eat. To this treatment must the
indifference of dogs to their masters be ascribed.

"The Spanish sheep dogs are used entirely for the defence of the flock
against wolves. In case of attack, the sheep fly to them, and gather
round them as friends and protectors. They are also taught, if a sheep
lags behind unobserved by the shepherds, to stay with it, and defend it
until some one returns for it.

"In later times man has made a companion of this faithful animal, and
the dog well reciprocates the kindness. The Scotch sheep dog, or
colley, has no superior, scarcely an equal, in managing a flock. The
Ettrick Shepherd says, that a single shepherd, with one of these
colleys, will accomplish more in gathering a flock of sheep from a
Highland farm than twenty shepherds could do without it. Neither hunger,
fatigue, nor the worst treatment, will draw him from his master's side,
and he will follow him through every hardship without murmur or
repining.

"Mr. Hogg also gives an account of his own colley, 'Sirrah,' who had one
night a flock of lambs under his care. They became frightened at
something, and ran in all directions, scattering among the hills.

"'Sirrah,' exclaimed Mr. Hogg, in despair, 'they're a' awa'!'

"The dog dashed off through the darkness. After spending, with his
assistants, the whole night in a fruitless search after the fugitives,
the shepherd commenced his return home. Coming to a deep ravine, they
found Sirrah in charge of what, as they supposed, was one of the
scattered divisions; but what was their joyful surprise to find that not
one of the flock was missing!"

"O," cried Minnie, "wasn't he a good fellow!"

"Yes, dear; and the English sheep dog is also remarkable for its
docility and faithfulness. It is larger and more powerful than the
colley; and they are so useful to their employers that a writer says it
would be almost impossible to conduct the markets without them. If you
were to visit the Smithfield market in London, on Monday or Friday, you
would see them at their work. Vast droves of sheep and other animals
are brought from the country for the supply of the great metropolis, and
are here crowded into the smallest possible space. Of course each owner
wishes his flock kept from mingling with others; and this business
devolves on his dog. If one sheep slips away, by a motion of the hand,
or one word of command, the master signifies his desire,