be
brought within a short distance of each other, when these faithful
sentinels place themselves in the space between them, and if one or a
number attempt to rush across and make acquaintance with their
neighbors, their respective dog gently but firmly selects them from all
the others, and leads them back. What is very strange is the fact that
on such occasions, the other dog stands quietly by until the intruders
are removed, while no force would induce him to allow the strange dog
to enter his flock on any other pretence.

"A very affecting instance of the faithfulness of these animals I will
tell you.

"A shepherd dog, having the charge of a small flock, was allowed to
wander with them into the mountains, while the shepherd returned to his
village for a few days, having perfect confidence in the ability of the
animal to protect them, but with a strange forgetfulness to provide the
dog with food.

"Upon his return to the flock, he found it several miles from the place
where he had left it, but on the road leading to the village, while the
poor dog, in the midst of plenty, was lying by the roadside in the
agonies of death by starvation. He might have torn one of the lambs to
pieces; but so devoted was he to his charge, that rather than injure
one of them he sacrificed his own life."

"What a wicked man!" cried Minnie, indignantly. "I shouldn't think he
would ever forgive himself."

"Yes, it was cruel; but no doubt he felt the loss keenly, as it could
not readily be made up. Another dog must be brought up among them, and
be trained to his business; for it is a mistake to suppose that,
however well taught a shepherd's dog may be, he will be allowed by the
sheep to come among them until they have learned to regard him as a
friend and protector."

"I heard, not long since, a laughable story, to illustrate this fact.

"Mr. Thomas Jefferson, one of our Presidents, having a flock of sheep on
his place at Monticello, was very glad to receive a thoroughly broken
shepherd dog which had been sent him.

"Soon after its arrival, he had a number of distinguished guests, to
whom he made known his recent gift, the convenience of having a dog to
manage his flock, and the almost incredible ability of the animal, and
whom he led forth to witness the value of his present.

"The dog had not as yet been admitted to the sheep, but at the word of
command sprang in among them.

"The terrified animals fled in all directions, some of