MODERN TRAINING. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



QUARTERING. 



Quartering is simply ranging in an artificial manner. It 

 is obsolete in this country. The different field trial associa- 

 tions recognize it to the extent of giving it small value in 

 the scale of points, but in practice it is not considered. 

 The writer has seen braces, in their heats at field trials a few 

 years ago, taken into the open, after their finding qualities 

 had been determined by the dogs ranging as they pleased, 

 to test their quartering. If it had advantages, it would be 

 diligently cultivated at all times. 



In England it is said to be a very useful accomplishment, 

 the fields, cover and habits of the birds favoring this formal 

 manner of ranging. In this country it is wholly unneces- 

 sary in any section, and a downright injury to quail shooting. 

 However, there are a few who still believe in its advantages 

 for all kinds of shooting and all kinds of sections. 



No attempt should be made to teach it until the dog has 

 learned to take d.elight in hunting, and has established dash 

 and range. If he is tied down to formalities in his ranging 

 from the start, his enterprise is checked, he has no oppor- 

 tunities to independently exercise his judgment, or get the 

 experience which he should have. 



Before the trainer begins the lessons in quartering, it is 

 necessary to give the puppy at least a fair comprehension 

 of the signal of the hand waved to the right or left, and the 

 note of the whistle which signifies attention. Such prepar- 



