San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1883-07-05
The Shepherds Life.

Ahc ouVpuciu hhos
None but those who have followed
herding sheep, as business, can real
ize and comprehend the privations,
isolation and self-denial it entails.
Often for days, weeks, and even
months he is away as it were from the
habitations Of men, cut off from an
association with his fellows, with no
companion save his sheep, or per-
chance, his faithful dog. Of things
transpiring in the active, busy world,
he has no cognizance; to all intents
and purposes a prisoner within the
circumscribed boundaries of his range.
Early and late he is expected to be
with his focks, to have a constant
watch ever them and is held respon-
sible for their safety. No matter
what conditions Of weather, he must
face and endure it without complaint.
After his days work with his sheep,
tired and hungry, he must make his
fire, get water and cook his food.
Then as the shades of night fall
about him, lonely and silent he keeps
his vigils, holding communication with
none but his own thoughts.
Each succeeding day brings the
same monotonous routine of duty,
with but little if any change of vari-
ETY.. Yet if he be faithful to the trust
confded to him and mindful of the
interest Of his employer, time and pa
tience thus employed, is not wasted,
but reaps it's reward. ~.
To-day in Texas are to be met with
many successful and prosperous sheep
owners, who began as herders. In
our experience we have frequently
known men to be employed as shep-
herds, who in culture, intelligence
and department. were. gentlemen.
They followed this life, not merely for
support, but to acquire the practical
experience in the care and handling of
sheep, so essential to success in every
fockmaster. The time has been, not
only in Texas, but in even far more
ancient history when the shepherd
was looked upon as occupying a very
low place in society. We have fire.
quently heard the assertion that none
but lazy man would herd sheep.
Now is this true? What flock
master who knows the value of his
flock, wants such character in charge
of them? We say lazy shepherd
er is a nuisance, not worth the rations
he eats. In the handling of a flock
are too many responsibilities to be
entrusted to any such person. The
active, wide-awake shepherd can al
ways find employment about his
camp or herd although the duties of
every day may be the same. For two
long years we followed this life, and
know whereof we speak. The flock
masters who have had like expert
ence, are those who appreciate and
value good, honest work on the part
of their shepherds. They know how
to sympathize with their isolation and
exposure, and are ever ready with q
word of cheer and appreciation. OF
course there is a class of shepherds
whose only ambition is to receive their
wages and food. By nature they have
no higher aim, and are but a few de-
gree3 removed from the focks they
tend. They have no conception of
the feelings Of the shepherd who has
in view the attainment of focks OF
his own. Many of this class are to be
found, however, who in so far as they
comprehend the nature of contract
involving only service and compensa-
ton, are faithful and honest.
Therefore, to the sheepmen we say,
be watchful and considerate towards
your shepherds. At all times be
kindly disposed towards them, exer.
else patience in their inexperience, and
by every means at your command rem
der them as comfortable as you can.
In doing so you will reap your reward,
while at the same time you aid
struggling fellow-man along the road
to success. To the shepherd who
reads and thinks for himself, we say,
magnify and honor your calling. BE
true to every trust, faithful in little as
well as large matters, and make your
self Of value and use to your employ
ers. Take encouragement from the
knowledge that in the history of the
past, great men at some era of their
lives followed the same rumble pur-
suit.
In sacred writ, what glorious memo
ries are linked with the shepherd
IL a. L..