Burpee’s Farm Annual for 1891

ROUGH-COATED SCOTCH COLLIES.

THE MOST FAITHFUL, MOST INTELLIGENT AND MOST USEFUL OF DOGS.

Descriptive of these popular dogs, which we are breeding extensively, we cannot do better than republish the following, condensed from an article in The Century Magazine:—

“The outer coat is long and rough, expanding into a frill or ruff about the neck, while a second or under coat is soft and woolly, very warm, and, like seal-skin, impervious to moisture. The coat is weather-resisting; for the Collie’s duties compel him to be out on the windy moors and bleak hillsides in all sorts of rough weather. The head is long and sharp, not domed in skull or snipy in muzzle; ears small and semi-erect; chest deep, with plenty of lung room; back broad and muscular; fore-legs well under him, and should be strong and straight, not heavy; hind-legs well bent; tail bushy and carried low; in general form lithe, symmetrical and graceful, and fairly light, giving one the idea of great pace; altogether a handsome dog— one that poets have celebrated in their verse and artists loved to paint. His carriage is dainty and natty, as that of a fox; nor does the likeness end there. Take the human-like intelligence ascribed to the hero of the old romance of ‘Reynard the Fox,’ let the craft and duplicity be refined and transmuted into devotion to his master, and you have the characteristics of the Collie’s nature. Beauty, intelligence and usefulness are all to be counted in the highest degree to his credit. In sagacity he excels all others of the dog family… A well-trained and experienced Collie appears to rule a flock of sheep by the force of his dominant nature, just as a good horseman controls a horse. He is often equally successful in managing unruly cattle,
and sometimes exercises the same supremacy over other dogs… Of late years the Collie has been brought into public notice by the sheep-dog trials held in various parts of Great Britain. In such competitions the best working dogs have been entered to exhibit their skill in herding and folding sheep, and their wonderful displays of sagacity have been witnessed by many thousands of spectators who would never have the opportunity to see the dog in his native home.
“The natural and direct result of thus making his merits known is that the Collie has been taken up by society as a pet; he has exchanged the pasture for the parlor, and where once he had kicks now finds caresses; his lines have fallen in pleasanter places, and with all his good fortune his coat is growing more glossy, and his disposition sweeter. His amiable traits make him especially fitted to be a companion for ladies and children… If the American
tanner had a better understanding of the Collie’s usefulness as a protector of his property, gentle, affectionate and faithful guardian and playmate for his children, and assistant in the care of his stock, I am persuaded that many a worthless, sheep-worrying cur of uncertain breed would speedily end his days, to give place to the worthier shepherd dog.”

Scotch Collie Pedigrees and full information given on application.

FORDHOOK KENNELS

In the illustration above is shown a portion of the Kennels at Fordhook Farm devoted to the breeding of ROUGH-COATED SCOTCH COLLIES. Descriptive of these Kennels we take pleasure in reprinting the following article from The Fanciers’ Journal, Philadelphia September 27th 1890:—

Last Monday we visited the Fordhook Kennels of Messrs. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., near Doylestown, Pa., and will ever have pleasant recollections of the enjoyable trip. Mr. Burpee’s genial manager, Mr. H. L. Holmes, met us at the station, and getting into the wagon behind his trotter, we were speedily carried to the farm, which is about a mile from town.

Most of our readers are aware that Burpee & Co. have one of the largest seed houses in America. The Fordhook Farm is almost entirely devoted to the growing of seed and bulbs. Although our visit was rather late in the year to see the flowers at their best, still what we did see was the grandest horticultural display we ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

As we approached the farm a large field of salvia appeared in view, looking like a rich red velvet carpet. Then plots of phloxes, tuberoses and gladioli were passed. The variety of brilliant colors was a most attractive sight. Upon our arrival at the farm Mr. Burpee showed us over the place, pointing out the numerous new and beautiful plants, how the new varieties were made, the manner in which seeds were tested and separated.

But it was the dogs we went to see; so we reluctantly leave the flowers and pass by the poultry yards on the way to the kennels. These poultry houses, by the bye, are models of cleanliness and convenience. In the numerous yards we noticed nearly all the leading varieties of fowls, particularly some fine specimens of Indian Games, Light Brahmas and Black Minorcas. We also saw a new breed, secured a photograph of the birds, and an illustration and description of them will be given later in our paper.

The Fordhook Kennels are devoted exclusively to Collies, good, big, intelligent working Collies, with stamina and pluck that enables them to endure fatigue and hard work.

The kennel buildings are detached and scattered about over considerable ground, which is fenced off by wire into runs. The lying-in hospital was the first building entered. We found it partitioned off to hold six bitches, each having her private run. Daisy Dean, whose acquaintance we made in 1886 at Boston and New York, where she took first prizes, we found nursing a fine litter of puppies by the well-known Champion Scotilla. In an adjoining stall was Miss Constance, closely related to the renowned Metchley Wonder, with a nice lot of pups by Fordhook Squire. The hospital for sick dogs, an isolated building, we found empty, and Mr. Holmes did not seem anxious to have these quarters occupied.

We suppose Bobbie, by Napier-Fly, must have first place In speaking of the dogs at stud, not on account of his excellence but rather on that of age. Although eight years old he is still lively and active, and he retains an excellent coat of the proper texture. Fordhook Squire, by The Squire, out of Wanda, is a dark red sable in color. His head is of good length and shape, ears moderate in size and nicely carried, excellent body, legs and feet. His coat is dense and abundant for this season of the year. Clifton Chief, a dog of excellent breeding, is a nice dark sable in color. His under coat is quite dense and his outer coat is of good length and quality. Fordhook Gobbler, Fordhook Paragon and Fordhook Quality, the other stud dogs, were bred on the place, and are a credit to their breeder.

Our space is limited, consequently we cannot even mention the brood bitches and puppies. We must, however, compliment the manager on the cleanly appearance of both the dogs and their quarters. We could not detect the slightest odor in any of the buildings. Disinfectants are not used, but the kennels are whitewashed inside every three weeks and the yards are kept clean at all times.

ABOUT PRICES

We are always pleased, wherever possible, to have customers visit our Kennels and make selection personally, but rarely fail to suit purchasers when the selection is left entirely to us. Our price for first-class thoroughbred Puppies, 2 months old, full pedigreed and entitled to registry in American Kennel Club Stud Book, is $15.00 each for males, $12.00 for females, or $25.00 per pair, mated not akin. While these Puppies are first-class and give entire satisfaction to the purchasers, yet for extra choice puppies, bred direct from our finest imported stock, we charge $20.00 and $25.00 each, or $40.00 to $50.00 per pair. Every puppy sold is accompanied by a full and authentic pedigree, which entitles it to registry. Those of our customers who desire to have the puppies registered should remit $1.00 extra, and we will attend to same and return certificate signed by the Secretary and giving stud-book number of the dog. Older dogs will be a matter of special correspondence.

TESTIMONIALS

Mr. J. H. Drevenstedt, Poultry Editor Fanciers’ Journal, Jamesburgh, N. J., writes as follows:— The Collie Pup arrived safely. It is unquestionably the finest female pup I ever saw and far beyond my expectations. Mr. Pressey is simply delighted with the pup, and when he received the pedigree he was still more pleased. I certainly owe you a vote of thanks for the liberal treatment you extended to me in this transaction, and feel as if I was under obligation to you, and trust at some future time to be able to reciprocate the favor.

L. L. Hubbard, Hartford, Minn., July 10, 1890, writes: The Collie Pups which I purchased from you some time ago, registered as Fordhook Ruth and Fordhook Boaz are perfect in every particular. They are generally pronounced fine by all who have seen them. They are the first pair of thoroughbred registered Scotch Collie Pups ever brought to this country. Please accept my thanks for the fair and manly way in which you have dealt with me.

Junius W. Johnson, Edge Hill Farm, Georgetown, Ky., July 3, 1890, writes:— The Collie pup arrived safely and in good order. I am very much pleased with it.

John R. Gibson, Canton, O., May 10, 1890, writes:— The puppies came all O.K., and will say that we are highly pleased with them. They are beauties, and we will exhibit them and have no fear as to the result, as we think we have the finest dogs in this section of the country. Registration receipts came to-day. Thanks for your kindness.

John Dickey, 2104 North Broad St., Philada., Pa. writes:— I am the owner of Clifton Chief, Jr., and I wish to have another one as wise and cunning as he is. I cannot say too much in favor of Clifton Chief, Jr. He is one of the wisest dogs I ever laid eyes on. He will certainly be a credit to your place, as a great number of persons have stopped me on the street and asked me where I got him. I have always referred them to your Kennels, knowing they would be suited and well treated. as 1 have been.

John Overington, Frankford, Philada., Pa., Oct, 13, 1890, writes:—The Collie has turned out to be a perfect beauty and is greatly admired by all who see him. Any one would have to travel a long ways to find his equal.

Frank A. Elwell, Portland, Me., Dec. 29, 1889, writes: —I take pleasure in sending you a photograph of the two Collies purchased of you last spring. Both dogs have turned out remarkably well. Duke is a very intelligent dog, and Fife makes a perfect lady’s pet—very gentle and very handsome. I saw a number of Collies in Scotland, but none handsomer than Fife.

R. Y. Hellams, Greenville. S.C., March 22, 1890, writes: Scotch Collie Pups reached here all O. K. and in good condition. The dog is a little beauty; would not take anything for him. The pigs bought of you last spring are fine and hard to beat.

Levi K. Shelly, Dillinger, Pa.. March 15, 1890, writes: —The dog, Matchless, that I bought of you is doing well, and I am very much pleased with him. Of all the good Collie dogs I have had, I don’t think I have had any that is as easily trained as this one. He does very good work already considering his age.

J. Maxwell, Crown Attorney and Clerk of the Peace, L’Original, Ont., Canada, March 14, 1890, writes:—The Collie Puppy reached here Saturday all right. May say that I am delighted with him. He is a beauty and the admiration of all that have seen him; far ahead of anything that has been here for some time.

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1 Comment

  1. This SO COOL. I had no idea that Burpee, of Burpee Seed Fame, was also a breeder of old-fashioned Scotch Collies. I love the engravings. I can’t believe that more people aren’t more interested in these glimpses of history! Thanks for posting.

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