72 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



patience, coupled with his docility, which is not excelled 

 by any Pointer or Setter of any breed." 



My own experience and observation justifies me in 

 asserting that, in natural adaptability, speed, range, endur- 

 ance, pointing instinct, and bird-sense, the red dog is not 

 excelled by any race of Setters in the world. Those I have 

 seen were not more erratic, headstrong, or difficult to con- 

 trol than other dogs of high courage; and when properly 

 trained and handled, they are as stanch and true on point 

 and back as any Pointer. Stoddard's Friend was equally 

 good on quail and snipe, and was fond of hunting prairie- 

 chickens; and when retrieving one of those big birds, she 

 was as proud of the capture as is the novice when he brings 

 down his first bird. 



The assertion that the Irish Setter is harder to break or 

 train, and keep in field form, than other breeds of Setters, is 

 not true of the Irish Setter of to-day. I know, from per- 

 sonal experience, that a well-bred dog of this breed, prop- 

 erly brought up and trained, is the peer of any Setter in 

 the world. As companions, they are affectionate, gentle, 

 and safe with children (I never saw a sour or ill-tempered 

 dog of this breed in my life), and true to their masters. In 

 the field, they are enthusiastic, fast, and tireless workers. 

 One of the best Setters, of any breed, I ever saw in the field 

 is Mack ET. This dog is as level-headed as any Pointer; a 

 keen hunter, a fast and wide ranger, quick and positive 

 when among birds, hunting with great judgment and dis- 

 crimination, and heeding the slightest whistle or command. 



I have not seen Elcho, Junior, in the field, but am told by 

 those who have that he is an out-and-out good one indeed, 

 Doctor Jarvis has for years done his shooting over this dog; 

 and to judge from his work at the Eastern field trials, 

 where he ran in 1885, although not placed, he is able to 

 hold his own, with honor, in any company. I know that 

 no better snipe-dog than Stoddard's Bob ever lived. 



That the red dog is lacking in no characteristic or 

 faculty that is necessary in the make-up of the perfect field 

 dog, the public trials have abundantly demonstrated. As 



