We can hardly see the man in the picture. He is walking along the river bank farther back. Perhaps he is walking slowly so as to give the cows time to wade out into that cool little pond, where they can drink and refresh themselves. But the dog feels that he must look after them, so he tries his best to keep them out of the water. That one dark cow has just about made up her mind to follow the others into the water, and the dog is barking at her, trying to persuade her not to go. The cow just leaving the water turns around to call the rest, half wishing to go back herself. When the man comes along they will know it is time for them to be on their way again.
The dog has an anxious time of it, for he never knows when the sheep, too, may see a green field and start away from the road in spite of him. Even now one is looking away from the leader.
The donkey seems to be following along very quietly. It may be that the man has stayed behind to look after him, or perhaps there are more cattle coming around the curve in the road, or stopping to rest in the deep shade of those heavy trees.
This picture was painted in France, but it might well have been done in our own country, for we have all seen grass-covered, shady roads like this one, and just such a group of animals. Is it not strange that, although all the animals in the road are coming toward us, no two are in the same position?
The Return to the Farm
The sun is steadily going down; soon all the animals will be at home, the cows will be milked, the sheep safe in the fold, and the donkey in his stall. Then the good old dog will be glad to have his supper and lie down and rest. It is wonderful how much a dog can help on a farm, and how many steps he saves the farmer by his willing, cheerful help. It is very unusual indeed to find a farmer without a dog.
If you look at the long shadows on the road of the sheep and the cows you can tell easily in what direction they are going so late in the afternoon.