2&2 MODERN TRAINING. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



FIELD ETIQUETTE. 



There is no recreation which has more wholesome, pleas 

 urable, health-giving properties than those which appertain 

 to the dog and gun, or has, in its reminiscent phases, more 

 pleasant memories when the surroundings were pleasant and 

 companions agreeable ; on the other hand there is none 

 more repulsive if marred by the presence of a selfish, aggres- 

 sive or noisy companion. Many accessory details contribute 

 to the pleasure of the sport the superb performances of an 

 intelligent dog ; the skill and knowledge necessary with 

 respect to a gun ; the beautiful in nature ; the exhilaration 

 from pure air and freedom all have their full share in mak- 

 ing a sum total of pleasure which redounds to the health 

 and happiness of the sportsman. 



Nevertheless, to derive the highest enjoyment from the 

 sport when hunting in company, certain elementary princi- 

 ples of meum et tuum must be rigidly observed, otherwise the 

 sport is stripped of its elegance and highest enjoyment. In 

 no place are conventionalities more necessary than where 

 the selfishness of all is directly appealed to by a common 

 pursuit. 



From an experience with all sorts and degrees of sports- 

 men, and a close observance of the individual peculiar 

 excellences of each, the author has confidence in his ability 

 to frame a code of etiquette wherein will be aggregated all the 

 perfections which constitute the refinements of ideal sports- 

 men. To him who diligently observes them will come all 



