25 MARCH 1893, Page 15

COLLIES AT WORK.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—At 6 o'clock this morning, I saw a mountain-shepherd stand at a gate on the hill-top. Seven sheep were on the out- side of the gate,—six of the shepherd's flock, the other a strayer. The man wanted his own sheep in; so, before open- ing the gate, he quietly said : "'Rob,' catch the strayer." In an instant 'Rob' pinned the sheep, holding him, strong and wild as he was, as though he were in a vice; and then, by another word, 'Gled' was told to bring the others in through the gate now opened for them. Although 'Gled brought his six wild sheep right over 'Rob' and his strayer, the sheep was held securely till the gate was closed, and the order given to "let it gang."—I am, Sir, &c.,