40 MODERN TRAINING. 



the pointer begins to lose his dash and range after the third 

 or fourth year, and as a matter of course, loses correspond- 

 ingly in hunting qualities. The breed, however, is under- 

 going rapid improvement, and without doubt these objec- 

 tionable qualities will be bred out in the near future. The 

 improvement embraces the form; and by the establishment 

 of more correct racing lines in the physical structure, and 

 more will-power in his mental qualities, an animal of more 

 endurance and dashing capabilities will be produced. 



Setters, when thoroughly fatigued and worked down, 

 even if overworked for weeks, simply need resting a suffi- 

 cient length of time to recuperate, and they will then resume 

 work with unabated ardor. They rarely lose their speed or 

 vim except from accident, old age, or excessive breeding, 

 the latter cause having a positive reducing effect on the 

 working capacities of either setter or pointer, even if the 

 use exists within a short period. 



In both breeds the adverse conditions of life to which 

 they are often subjected may have an injurious effect on 

 their working powers. The food, kenneling and general 

 care given, good or ill, may affect the dog accordingly. 



In thick cover, heavy grass or briers, the setter has a 

 decided physical advantage over the pointer, his longer coat 

 serving as a protection ; he can also endure cold and wet 

 better than the pointer. Individual pointers will frequently 

 take the most punishing cover quite as well as the best setters, 

 yet it is demanding too much of them even if they have the 

 courage, for, from the scratching and tearing suffered, they 

 receive much .punishment ; thus, while they may have the 

 courage they have not the requisite capabilities ; however, 

 in cockle-burrs, Spanish needles, beggar lice, etc., the pointer, 

 from his short coat, suffers no particular inconvenience, 

 while they cause the setter constant annoyance and distress, 

 the cockle-burrs particularly. They get under his armpits, 



