The breed, at first pure as imported, became crossed with other varieties of the multiform genus Canis, and so suffered partial deterioration5. Still, such was the original potency6 of the collie proper, that many of the mongrels, even the product of the ovicidal 'dingo,' were excellent workers, in some instances even superior to their pure-bred comrades. The climate, too, appeared to be favourable7 to the breed. The Australian offspring of the imported collies were handsome, vigorous animals, with correct 'flag and feather,' yet reproducing the traits of fidelity8 and human attachment9 concerning which so many a tale was told, poem written, and picture painted in the old land. The 'harder' or fiercer animals were chosen for cattle work, and being bred for the qualities of 'heeling,' and even doing a mild imitation of bull-baiting on occasions, 467became almost a distinct breed. In the old-fashioned cattle districts, like Monaro and the Abercrombie River, where in early days a sheep was never seen, the cattle dogs—true collies in appearance and extraction—were very different in their manners and customs from their sheep-guiding relatives of the settled districts, whose 'bark was (so much) worse than their bite.'
It was quite the other way with the cattle dogs. They were encouraged to 'heel' or bite the fetlocks of the stubborn, half-wild cattle, in a way which bustled11 them along as crack or cut of stockwhip could never effect. In the case of a breaking beast they would hang on to his tail, and perhaps, when bringing back a wild yearling to the yard, assault tail, heels, nose, and ears impartially12, with dire13 results. They ran their chance of being kicked or horned at this rough-and-tumble game, but from practice became exceeding wary14 of these and other dangers. A cattle dog has been seen to 'work' (or help drive) a drove of horses, heeling when desired to do so most impartially, and yet managing to keep clear of the dangerous kicks which the half-wild colts aimed at him. Every man of experience with stock will bear testimony15 to the admirable service which a good cattle dog will perform. Wearied and low-conditioned droves they will 'move' in a way which no amount of whip and shouting will effect. On the other hand, where caution and diplomacy16 are required, their sagacity is astonishing.
I once had occasion, 'in the forties,' to drive a small lot of fat cattle some days' journey to a coast town in Western Victoria. They had come to me in a deal, and I wished to turn them into cash. It was a good way from home. The vendors17 simply 'cut them out' from the camp, accompanied me to the Run boundary, and gave me their blessing18. I had no mate but an ancient cattle dog. It may be surmised19 by the experienced how many times the home-bred cattle tried to break back. Again and again I thought they would have beaten me. I kept one side, the dog Peter the other, necessarily. Had either rashly caused a separation the game was up. It was beautiful to see the old dog's generalship. If a beast diverged20 on his side, he would walk solemnly out, keep wide and dodge21 him in with the smallest expenditure22 of voice or emotion. By this time some of the others would be looking 468back, preparatory to a dash homeward. These he would hustle23 up promptly24, just sufficiently25 and no more. That I was watchful26 on my side needs no telling; an occasional tap or whipcrack kept them going. Even fat cattle know when the stockwhip is absent. We—I say it advisedly—yarded them safely that night, when a well-managed hostelry consoled me for the frightful27 anxiety I had undergone. Next day they travelled more resignedly, and the third night saw them delivered to 'the man of flesh and blood' in Portland, and, what was better still, paid for.
In the Port Fairy district, then chiefly devoted28 to cattle, were many famous cattle collies. Old Mr. Teviot at Dunmore had three I remember, their peculiarity29 being that they understood nothing but Lowland Scotch, in which dialect they had, though Australian by birth, been trained. 'Far yaud' (as Dandie Dinmont says), and other mysterious commands, wholly unintelligible30 to us youngsters, they understood and obeyed promptly. But it was amusing to watch the air of surprise or indifference31 with which they regarded the stock-riders, who sometimes in time of need suggested 'Fetch 'em along, boy!' or 'Go on outside.' Like most people to whom dogs are wildly attached, Mr. Teviot was austere32 of manner towards them, feeding regularly, but permitting no familiarity. How they loved him in consequence! If returning from a trip to the township after dark, they would listen for the footfall of his horse, and long before human ear caught the far, faint sound, would rise up solemnly and walk half a mile or more along the road to greet him. These dogs were popularly credited with being able to do anything but talk, and were renowned33 throughout the country-side for their obedience34 and thorough comprehension of their owner's wishes.
I once owned a cattle collie of great intelligence, by name Clara, the daughter of a one-eyed female of the species, celebrated35 for her 'heeling' propensities36. The mother was uncertain as to temper, and was often soundly chastised37 by her owner for erratic38 work or short-comings. After a good flogging she jumped up and fawned39 upon him with the fondest affection, thus verifying the ancient adage40. But Clara was a gentle and kindly41 creature though a good driver, and in all respects strangely intelligent, a handsome black and tan as to colour. 469In yard work she showed out to the greatest advantage. Always keenly observant at such times, and curiously42 eager to assist—leaving a very young family on one occasion. One day in particular a panel of the stock-yard was broken; there was no time for repairs. But Clara was on guard, and there she stayed, never letting a beast through till the drafting was over.
Poor Clara! she met with an early death. Coming back from a muster43, she was forgotten in the hurry and bustle10. The weather was hot; the distance greater than usual. It was supposed that she died of thirst, or was killed by the dingoes, for she was never seen alive afterwards.
Peter, a Sydney-side dog, brought down by his owner before 1840 or thereabouts, with some of the early herds, was probably one of the cleverest animals in his way that ever followed a beast. His owner was a Sydney native of the 'flash gully-raking sort,' from whom probably Peter had received his education in indifferent company. We judged this from the cautious and unobtrusive way in which he went about his work. He was a medium-sized, dark-coloured dog, wiry and active. He was not fond of working for any one but his master, who could make him do all sorts of queer things. When he came into the kitchen and the maidservants chaffed him, he had only to whisper 'Heel 'em, Peter!' and the next minute the girls would be screaming and scampering44, with Peter's teeth very close to their ankles. When tired—and they often travelled far and fast—he would come to the horse's fore-leg and beg to be taken up. Pulled up to the pommel of the saddle, he would sit upright, quite gravely, leaning against his master until he was sufficiently rested; then, when dropped to earth, he would go to work with amazing vigour45. If any particular beast kicked him, he would wait till there was a crush at a gate, and 'heel' that very animal to a certainty at a time when it was impossible to retaliate46.
The collie, on the other hand, whom fate had destined47 to a less romantic association with sheep, was trained and exercised differently. He was expected to guide and intimidate48 his timorous49, delicate, though often frantic50 and obstinate51 charge chiefly by the sound of his voice and a threatening manner. Biting was forbidden under severe penalties. 470'Working wide'—that is, continually running beyond, ahead, outside of the flock, which was therefore turned, stopped, or directed—was inculcated in every possible way. It is to be noted52 that the fashion is chiefly inherited, the untrained puppy of pure blood doing most of it as naturally as the pointer puppy lifts his fore-leg. A slight nip now and then in driving weary or obstinate sheep is permitted, but nothing approaching injury to the easily-hurt flock. It is an interesting sight to mark a trained collie walking back and forward in the rear of a large flock, intimating to them as plainly as possible without speech that they are to move along steadily53 in a given path, and, though permitted to nibble54 as they go, by no means to straggle unduly55.
Then observe that shepherd with his flock of, say, two or three thousand. If strong and in good order, the 'head' will string out fully56 half a mile in advance of the 'body' and 'tail.' If left alone they will soon be out of sight at the rear-guard. Then a division would follow, and once away, after nightfall, wild dogs and dangers are on every side of them. Nor could the shepherd on foot, as he is always, run round ahead and turn them. By the time he reached the head, the tail would be marching in a different direction. When he turned them, the head would be gone again, etc. etc.
But mark the dog! Despatched by a wave of the hand, he races off at full speed. He flies round the scattered57 sheep, keeping wide, however, and so consolidating58 them, until he reaches the leaders, which, directly they see him, scurry59 back to the centre of the flock. Returning, he walks dutifully behind, with the air of one who has fulfilled his mission. In half an hour perhaps the same performance is repeated. In the middle of the day, if warm, the flock indulges in a 'camp' by a water-hole or other suitable locality. As it feeds home to the yard, very little of the morning activity is observed. Our collie, while watchful and ready for a lightning dash at a moment's notice, walks soberly behind, evidently contented60 with the day's work.
As the New Zealand shepherd, a man in his best years of strength and activity, is a different man from the elderly and often feeble shepherd of Australia, so the collie of Maoriland, having to climb rock-strewn defiles61, and search amid glacier62 471plateaux and savage63 solitudes64, for the scattered, half-wild flocks, has an air of seriousness and responsibility. There is but little frolic and gamesomeness about him. The dogs of Ettrick and Yarrow, accustomed to snow and the blasts of an iron winter, claim kinship with him. Compelled to act on his own discretion65, he tracks outliers, finds and collects his flock in all weathers.
'Sirrah, ma mon, they're awa!' says James Hogg to his wonderful collie, the 'dark-grey puppy' that he bought for a pound, if I mistake not. The dog, in the drear darkness of a snowstorm, goes forth66, and hours afterwards is found guarding the four hundred lost lambs, not one being missing.
So when muster-day comes, the New Zealand collie makes for the mountain peaks: on the lonely plain far above the snow-line, where in severe seasons a hundred sheep may be found dead and frozen, he beats and quarters his country, till he finds and brings down to the appointed place all the straggling lots that may have summered there.
Independently of the qualities necessary for the successful mobilisation of sheep, the collie is, perhaps, of all the sub-varieties of the canine race, the most faithful and sympathetic. Time after time has one observed the tramping shepherd or swagman and his dog. Poor and despised, 'remote, unfriended, melancholy67, slow,' the forlorn wayfarer68 had one staunch friend—one faithful ally—that regarded not his poverty, his lowly condition, his lack of self-denial. Who has not marked the tramp asleep sub Jove at daylight, with scant69 shelter or covering, his watchful dog sitting near, prepared to show his teeth, or indeed do something more, at the nearer approach of the stranger? The dog of the imprisoned70 shepherd, immured71 by Sir Hugo de Pentonville for inebriety72, lies stretched disconsolately73 before the prison gate, howling at intervals74, apparently75 in deepest despair, betraying on the other hand the most frantic joy at his release. The railway favourite goes heavily, mourning as unmistakably as a Christian—more sincerely than some—in abstracted gloom, melancholy gait, and aimless daily search for his master, untimely slain76 by the remorseless Juggernaut. A hundred times has one caught the watchful eye of affection with which the collie regards his ragged77 owner, as if fearing to lose the least word or gesture.
472And though the recipients78 of this unstinted devotion rarely appear to appreciate the gift so lavishly79 bestowed80, it must be recorded, for the honour of human nature, that instances of the contrary do occur. But the other day, a lonely pilgrim, who had been ailing81 few weeks past, was found by the good Samaritan, cold in death, with his arm round his dog's neck. A shepherd will carry the young family of his (female) collie, born during a journey, tied in a handkerchief, at much expenditure of toil82 and trouble. In many an instance blood feuds83, savage conflicts ending in manslaughter—suicides even—have occurred, connected with injustice84, real or fancied, to the 'dawg.' 'Love me, love my dog,' is an ancient adage by no means without force in Australia. But recently a farmer deliberately85 shot a neighbour whom he accused, wrongfully or otherwise, of killing86 his dog. Prior to that occurrence a shepherd, noticed to be despondent87 for days past, telling one inquirer that some one had poisoned his dog, hanged himself.
Touching88 the price of a really good dog, it may range from two pounds to twenty—an owner often declaring that he would not part with his dog for the last-named sum. Within the present month, indeed, two legal processes, to the writer's knowledge, have been put in force in the collie interest. In one case ￡10 was sued for as being the value of a cattle dog, alleged89 to have been illegally poisoned. The other was nothing less than a 'Search-warrant for stolen goods and chattels,' commanding the Sergeant90 of Police and all constables91 of Bundabah to make diligent92 search, in the daytime, at the residence of the man referred to, whose name is not known, but who can be identified, for the said black collie slut, named in the information as 'feloniously stolen, taken, and carried away as aforesaid, and if you find the same, that you secure the said black collie slut, and bring the person in whose custody93 you find the same before me, or some other justice of the peace.—(Signed) John Jones, J.P.'
At the annual pastoral and agricultural shows, the trial of sheep dogs has never-failing interest for the spectators. Most curious is it to note the gravity with which each competing collie essays to drive three wildish paddocked sheep into a very small fold of hurdles94.
473The free exhibition of strychnine, rendered necessary by the incursions of the dingo, and, 'sorrow it were and shame to tell,' by the increase of foxes, has led to the death of many a valued collie. But good animals are now carefully looked after. Greater attention is paid to breeding. Dogs of the best strains are annually95 imported. And as the ranks of Australian collies are thus recruited with pure blood and high-class animals, it is not too much to assert, that as a stock dog, our Australian collie is not inferior to his British ancestors, while he may claim even a wider range of accomplishments96 and experience.
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1
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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canine
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| adj.犬的，犬科的 | |
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superseded
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| [医]被代替的，废弃的 | |
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deterioration
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| n.退化；恶化；变坏 | |
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potency
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| n. 效力，潜能 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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bustled
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| 闹哄哄地忙乱，奔忙( bustle的过去式和过去分词 )； 催促 | |
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impartially
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| adv.公平地，无私地 | |
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dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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16
diplomacy
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| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
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vendors
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| n.摊贩( vendor的名词复数 )；小贩；（房屋等的）卖主；卖方 | |
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18
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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surmised
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的过去式和过去分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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20
diverged
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| 分开( diverge的过去式和过去分词 )； 偏离； 分歧； 分道扬镳 | |
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21
dodge
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| v.闪开，躲开，避开；n.妙计，诡计 | |
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expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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23
hustle
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| v.推搡；竭力兜售或获取；催促；n.奔忙(碌) | |
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24
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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30
unintelligible
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| adj.无法了解的，难解的，莫明其妙的 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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32
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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propensities
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| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
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chastised
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| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的过去式 ) | |
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erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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fawned
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| v.（尤指狗等）跳过来往人身上蹭以示亲热( fawn的过去式和过去分词 )；巴结；讨好 | |
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40
adage
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| n.格言，古训 | |
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41
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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42
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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43
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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44
scampering
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| v.蹦蹦跳跳地跑，惊惶奔跑( scamper的现在分词 ) | |
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45
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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46
retaliate
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| v.报复，反击 | |
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47
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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48
intimidate
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| vt.恐吓，威胁 | |
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49
timorous
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| adj.胆怯的，胆小的 | |
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50
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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51
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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52
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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53
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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54
nibble
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| n.轻咬，啃；v.一点点地咬，慢慢啃，吹毛求疵 | |
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55
unduly
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| adv.过度地，不适当地 | |
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56
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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57
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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58
consolidating
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| v.（使）巩固， （使）加强( consolidate的现在分词 )；（使）合并 | |
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59
scurry
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| vi.急匆匆地走；使急赶；催促；n.快步急跑，疾走；仓皇奔跑声；骤雨，骤雪；短距离赛马 | |
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60
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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61
defiles
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| v.玷污( defile的第三人称单数 )；污染；弄脏；纵列行进 | |
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62
glacier
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| n.冰川，冰河 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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64
solitudes
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| n.独居( solitude的名词复数 )；孤独；荒僻的地方；人迹罕至的地方 | |
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65
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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66
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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67
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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wayfarer
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| n.旅人 | |
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69
scant
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| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
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70
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
immured
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| v.禁闭，监禁( immure的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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72
inebriety
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| n.醉，陶醉 | |
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disconsolately
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| adv.悲伤地，愁闷地；哭丧着脸 | |
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intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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recipients
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| adj.接受的；受领的；容纳的；愿意接受的n.收件人；接受者；受领者；接受器 | |
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lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ailing
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| v.生病 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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feuds
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| n.长期不和，世仇( feud的名词复数 ) | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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86
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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constables
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| n.警察( constable的名词复数 ) | |
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diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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hurdles
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| n.障碍( hurdle的名词复数 )；跳栏；（供人或马跳跃的）栏架；跨栏赛 | |
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annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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