BREAKING AND HANDLING. 37 



evenly and closely, there is an astonishingly close resem- 

 blance to a pointer, and many supposed distinctive charac- 

 teristics are then clearly attributable to the difference in 

 coat; however, there are some minor differences of physical 

 structure and instincts which, while common to both breeds, 

 vary in intensity in them. We will consider these pecu- 

 liarities in a general way, for no hard and fast rule can be 

 laid down in respect to relative peculiarities but what will 

 have many exceptions, neither breed possessing a uniform 

 fixedness of type or characteristics that admits of positive 

 class comparison, barring the difference in coat. 



The instinct to point appears at an earlier age in the 

 pointer than in the setter, is more intense, and more uni- 

 formly present in the same degree of intensity in each 

 individual; hence, there is not the same labor in perfecting 

 them to work to the gun as there is with the setter; how- 

 ever, a few pointers, and, in a lesser number of instances, 

 some setters, have the pointing instinct more strongly pres- 

 ent than is necessary or desirable, since they will point on 

 scents other than that of game, particularly when fatigued, 

 and are content to back in place of pointing when working 

 with another dog. This abnormal development of the 

 instinct is rarely present in dogs which are properly bred. 

 Setters as a class exhibit the instinct in a more irregular 

 manner both with respect to the age when it appears and 

 the intensity of it, although it is, in the greater number of 

 instances, sufficient for the purposes of the hunter. 



Certain particular points of superiority are claimed res- 

 pectively for each breed by its admirers; but many of them 

 have but a slight foundation in fact, while others are wholly 

 fanciful. It is claimed that the pointer, owing to the short- 

 ness of his coat, can endure extreme heat with less distress 

 and requires less water, and less frequently than the setter. 

 After an extensive experience with setters and pointers, 



