DOGS 485 
eth near to the place where the bird is, he lays down 
and with a mark of his paws betrayeth the place of 
the bird’s last abode, whereby it is supposed that this 
kind of dog is called Index-setter, being, indeed, a 
name both consonant and agreeable with his quality.” 
Numerous other ancient writers refer to the set- 
ting dog as a land spaniel, but it appears that the term 
spaniel was generic in its application, being applied 
indiscriminately to several distinct breeds, thereby 
hopelessly beclouding the subject. The term, as used 
at the present day, frequently may have a distinctly 
different meaning from that of the same term as used 
centuries ago, and confusion and inaccuracy are sure 
to arise in any discussion which does not take cog- 
nizance of that fact. On this point, the following, 
taken from “The Gentleman’s Recreation” (1697), is 
specially pertinent: ‘The dog which you select for 
setting must have a perfect and good scent, and be 
naturally addicted to the hunting of feathers; and the 
dog may be either Land Spaniel, Water Spaniel, or 
mongrel of them both; either the Shallow-flewed 
Hound, Tumbrel, Lurcher, or small bastard mastiff.” 
To the ‘Field Book,” a sportsman’s encyclopedia, 
published in London in 1833, is ascribed the following 
definition: “The English setter (Canis index, Variety 
B) is a breed between the Spanish pointer and the large 
water spaniel, and was famous for his steadiness and 
exquisite sense of smelling. The hair on his body was 
much more curled than the present breed, which has 
been lengthened by the additional cross of the springer. 
