Dog Distances

An article on sheep dog trials (“Dog Days Cherished in the English Countryside,” Aug. 4), giving a very lopsided view of English life, was written in Manchester about Alnwick and gave the impression that they were near to each other. The distance between the two is the best part of 200 miles, and the cultural difference is probably close to 200 light years. I was interested to note that your correspondent found the activity confusing, which would be in common with 55 million other residents of the U.K. The point that I am trying to make is that sheep dog trials are an esoteric pastime pursued by very few people.

ROB McKAY

Northampton, England