CHAPTER XV. 



SPORTING DOGS BREEDING AND BREAKING. 



IN my time I have bred and broken many 

 dogs for the sports of the field, and always with 

 a view to simple utility in the field. I think I 

 have had some of the best dogs that a man ever 

 shot over, and my system of breaking has always 

 answered my purpose well ; but I do not pretend 

 to be a dog-breaker in regard to the particulars 

 which many sportsmen hold to be necessary, but 

 which 1 do not regard as essential in the light 

 of my own experience. Therefore what I am 

 about to say on this point is more for those 

 who keep a dog or two of~ their own than for 

 adepts in breaking dogs, or gentlemen who can, 

 afford to pay high prices in order to secure the 

 results of high education in their pointers and 

 setters. 1 propose to state on this subject what I 

 know, and to mention some few facts in regard 

 to dogs which I have bred, broken, and shot 

 over which may serve to point the matter. 



For the prairie country, where, as 1 believe, the 



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