Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-03-19
Some Favorite Dogs.

The Scotch collie is a wonderful ami
nal in it, own way. The Queen has a
special love for these dogs. The collie
has been repeatedly celebrated by
writers, who, Ike Hogg, Burns, and DIR.
John Brown, possess natures which can
sympathize with the faithful guardians
Of the flock.
A glance at the collie will show how,
bv careful selection on the part OF the
shepherds. II has been suited to the work
which il has to perform. ltslife is mostly
spent upon the bleak Scotch hills, where
10 shelter can lie obtained for miles to-
cether. where the sheep are as wild and
active as goats, aud where the ever
changing snow-dIifts may at any moment
overwhelm whole flock. BY a sudden
change ofthe wind the snow may so alter
the lace of the country that even the
shepherd, who knows every foot Of
ground for several miles round his cot
taoe, cannot fnd his way nome IN the
face OF the binding storms, and still less
would he be able to discover the missing
members of his flock. lie knows that
they are buried somewhere beneath tue
snow, and that if they gn only be found
their lives may be sageE But where are
they? We in England who only see the
sheen in enclosed fields can scarcely APP
preciate the crratic habits Of the Scotch
sheep. which live a very Independent
life, and wander to great distances at
their own sweet wills.
What sort Of animal is required in or
der to discover and assist IN resculng the
buried flock A small dog would he
useless, as it would he overwhelmed 10y
the snow, through which the rescuer
must force its way. Great speed Is
required in consequence of the active
nature of the Scotch sheep. Then, rs
the animal has to pass the greater part
of its life in q freezing atmosphere
and is moreover exposed for many
consecutive hours to the tiercest gales, a
thick coating OF fur is a necessity OF Its
existence. 1t needs also a power OF
scent. which will enable 1t to discover
the sheep, though they may be barred
beneath many ieet OF snow. Eyesighi
of equal keenness Is also needed, but all
these qualities would be useless If 1t did
not possess an intellect which would en-
able 1t TO understand the wishes, aud
even the language, of It's master.
Even the large bushy tail has its use.
We all know that when dogs compose
themselves to sleep they naturally curl
themselves round and bury their noses
i'll some shelter, Just rs a bird buries It's
beak among the feathers OF its shoulder.
The colder the weather the warmer must
the sensitive nose be kept, and
so we find that the collie, like
the Esduimaux dog, which 1t resembles
in many points. possesses the ample
and bushy tail, which forms one Of is
beauties, aud which is not only orna'
mental, but useful. Beng in the habit
/ OF constant association with their own
ers. the cOllies become almost human III
their WAYS. their masters talking to then
as if they really belonged TO the human
race, and the dogs fully understanding
the meaning Of their owners discourse
though they may not possess a grammat
zeal knowledge of his language.
Having been struck during her so
journs in the Highlands by the wonder
iul intelligence OF the collies. the Queer
took them into favor and gave them 4
prominent position among her persona
attendants. Such an example was No
turally followed, and the collie IS now al
much favored as It's smallest predecessor
in royal favor.
am rather sorry for the collie. 1t II
ont OF place in drawing room, or wher
acting as mere pet. Ii has no chanc'
of bringing into action the singular com
bina.ion OF qualities which distinguish
it, and is altogether a wasted animal
[ do not wonder that DR.. John Brown
"wee bitch. whose life is told so ten
derry, escaped from her luxurious hom'
on market days and acted as an amateur
driver for any shepherd who seemed il
need OF help. tits said that even one o
the royal collies will occasionally take
turn as sheep-driyer on its own account