12 2 A Book of the Snipe, 



nature of the country over which you intend 

 to shoot ; and, finally, the temperament and 

 capabilities of your dogs themselves. 



A brief consideration of each of these 

 chances may be of use in guiding the young 

 sportsman as to whether or not he should 

 steel his heart Into turning his back on those 

 pleading eyes In the stable-yard. If he is 

 worth his salt, he will find it very hard not 

 to release his brother sportsmen from their 

 chains ; but, believe me, it is much better 

 to leave well -trained dogs behind than to 

 take them out uselessly. They will not 

 think any the worse of you, but, watching 

 you disappear, will swallow their disappoint- 

 ment with that dignity which is the most 

 beautiful thing in all the beautiful dog nature. 

 There is something conscience-striking in the 

 way dogs, and especially shooting-dogs, give 

 their masters credit for always knowing best 

 about everything. Remember this when 

 perhaps you are about to insist angrily on 

 your retriever searching again for a bird you 

 more than suspect is not down at all, and 



