The Station.

Otago Witness, Issue 1355, 17 November 1877, Page 18

The Station.

SHEEP DOG MATOH. A sheep-dog match came off at Messrs Kutledge Brothers' estate, Warrnambool, Victoria, on the 11th of October, which Attracted a good deal of interest. Eleven dogs were entered, the conditions being that each dog should fetch two sheep from a marked place, 800 yards from the hurdles, within 20 minutes, the man working the dog being allowed to go 100 yards from the hurdles in sending the dog on his journey, otherwise no assist- \ ance whatever was to be given the dog, except by word of command. Fire prizes Vere offered, the first being £10, which Iras awarded to Maggie, an imported slut, j trho, in the hands of her owner, Mr W. "Kennedy, who worked her, did splendid work. ; Maggie was also awarded a gold medal, presented by Messrs Wilson Bros., lor the best field dog on the ground. The performances of the dogs which obtained tfe first, second, and third prizes are thus recorded in the local paper : — ',Mr W. Kennedy's Bint Maggie. The fclnt made an unusually wide cast, going tight over to the fence, and keeping out of sight of her sheep. She made for the %ack of the paddock till she squatted a inomehfyto revise her work. Up to this time she had not disturbed the animals, 'Which were quietly grazing. She then came in view of the sheep, and they moved off, being driven at a fairly smart pace straight for the pens, the Blut working wide, but having her sheep perfectly under control, as could be seen if the animals attempted to move out of the line. She steadied them on approaching the pens, and after making a few circles found the pen, the sheep and dog stood feeing each other. She then went to work most "cunningly," getting them in quietly, and showing the highest sagacity. Great cheering took place at the finish. Time, ll£min. Messrs A. and R. Urquhart's dog Glen went away in good style, andbrought his fcheep home in fast time. The animals appeared quite satisfied with the performance, for after a little dodging at the hurdles they popped in and were secured before the dog had a chance of showing many points. Time, 6min. Mr Robert Hood's dog made a very wide east, and worked his sheep wide all through. He kept his sheep going for •pme time at a good pace, the animals being pretty fresh. After being rounded tip at. the pens several times, the, sheep turned and faced the dog, who stood perfectly still, and taking matters very ©ojblly waited the pleasure, of the sheep with a great deal of patience.' He then moved them Blowly towards the pen and yarded them very cleverly, after showing the best work of the day bo far. Time. l%un. - : *