THE DOG 27 



canine animals trust rather to furious chase than to the cau- 

 tious form of assault by stealthy approach and a final spring 

 upon their prey, as is the habit with the cat tribe. Granting 

 this somewhat doubtful claim that the induced habits of these 

 dogs which have been specially adapted to the fowling-piece 

 rest upon an original and native instinct, the amount of spe- 



Pointer and Setter, Flushing Game 



cialization which has been attained in about thirty genera- 

 tions of care remains a very surprising feature, and affords 

 one of the most instructive lessons as to the possibilities of 

 animal culture. 



It is an interesting fact that the variation of a spontaneous 

 sort, which is now taking place in our pointers and setters, is 

 considerable. It is, perhaps, more distinctly indicated here 

 than in any other of the breeds which are characterized by 

 peculiar qualities of mind. All those familiar with the behav- 



