NAMING SHEEP

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1780, 8 July 1926, Page 6

NAMING SHEEP

An old shepherd of my acquaintance has a way with his sheep that is distinctly reminiscent of Bible times. He literally calleth them by name and they follow him, writes "J.\MiW." in the Aberdeen Press and Journal. The first time I noticed his quaint methods was one sultry afternoon when I met him on the low road through the glen. He wa's walking in front of his flock, and just as I approached one of the sheep fell behind,' obviously oppressed by the heat of the day. His attention being arrested by its feeble bleating, he looked round sharply, and then shouted "Martha, Martha!" at which most of the flock looked round also, apparently wondering what had happened to Martha! No sooner had he thus called than the lagging sjheep trotted up somewhat wearily and rejoined the others. The incident as being bio's t curious, but after a moment's reflection I concluded that the sheep had merely recognised the general purport of the shepherd's call, the name itself meaning nothing to it. But later I was to learn that my conclusion was altogether wrong. About a week later I happened) on him again, thi s time at a small enclosed pasture that was known locally as the Low Pen. Here about 30 special sheep were kept by the shepherd's employer, and upon these the shepherd devoted his most attentive care and skill. They were bred and reared solely for exhibition purposes, and were taken up to the farm periodically to be dipped. It was upon such an occasion that, I happened on the scene, and I saw at a glance that the shepherd was following some sort of rotation system; for he called six sheep at a time, took them up to the farm, and then returned' for six more. As he came for the second lot I think he must have detected an element of incredulity in my expression, for before beckoning the sheep he came forward and recited to me. the names he was going to call, at the same time indicating the particular sheep that bore the names he mentioned. He then opened the gate, round which the flock had once more gathered, and called out the names. Sure enough the six sheep he had pointed out to me came running out at the gate as their names were called, not one of the others making the slightest move! It was to me an extraordinary feat, and! quite justified the obvious pride which the old shepherd had in the intelligent intimacy of his relations with the dumb creatures.