THE ENGLISH SETTEE. 23 



Whether the modern Setter has been produced from the Spaniel by care- 

 ful selection, or by a cross with the Pointer or some other breed, it is difficult 

 to decide. 



In the American Kennel and Sporting Field, the late 

 Arnold Barges voiced the common belief in the following : 



The best of modern writers, among whom I may mention Stonehenge, 

 Laverack, Idstone, all say that the Setter is a- direct descendant of the Land 

 Spaniel, and speak of a Setting Spaniel as the first Setter. There is no doubt 

 that this is the correct theory, and that our Setter is a pure, unadulterated, but 

 improved Spaniel. 



Briefly, nearly all modern writers, owners, and breeders 

 hold these opinions in the main, there being some variation 

 here and there; but however much these beliefs may vary 

 one from another, they all have their inspiration in the facts 

 that the Setter was in ancient times called a "Setting 

 Spaniel," and that he has some analogies in common with 

 the Spaniel. 



A few of the objections against the theory that the 

 aboriginal ancestry of the Setter was in the Spaniel may 

 be mentioned: 



First. The arguments and proofs adduced are founded 

 on such imperfect data, with no contemporaneous support, 

 that they could be applied with equal force in proving that 

 the Spaniel is a variation of the Setter. "Setting Span- 

 iel" might be a localism, as was calling the Pointer a 

 "Smooth Spaniel." 



Second. Those who assert that the Setter is an improved 

 Spaniel are not positive or consistent in the assertion, and 

 depend more upon the numerous repetitions of matters of 

 hearsay, all of which center more to the inconclusive fact 

 that some centuries ago the Setter was called a "Setting 

 Spaniel," than upon any absolute knowledge. 



Third. If the Land Spaniel had such an inherent tend- 

 ency to variation, it would undoubtedly have multiplied 

 the variations, thus forming numerous sub- varieties, or dis- 

 tinct breeds. It is well known, however, that the Setter 

 breeds true to race-forms, as does also the Spaniel. 



Fourth. If the Spaniel did throw off a variety for 

 "without some variation there could not have been any 



