96 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



from Richmond, who was stopping at the same house for a 

 few days, knowing me, went into my room to warm up 

 inside and out. The dogs let him in, but when he started 

 to go out, he was halted by them, and not until he had 

 called me from the supper- table did he get out; and if I 

 had been out of the house, he most certainly would have 

 had to await my return. 



I have seen my bitch Gypsy, on several occasions, while 

 I have had my birds and traps on the station platform 

 awaiting a train, jump into and clean up a passing dog for 

 attempting to nose my game. I always place my game in 

 the baggage-car under the care of my dogs, on the floor, 

 and you can rest assured, none will be appropriated by the 

 baggage-smasher. 



Gordons make the best of yard dogs; and why people 

 will keep a cur when they can have one of these beautiful 

 and faithful animals, is beyond my comprehension. In the 

 Gordon Setter, one may have a dog to guard his family, a 

 playmate for his children, and a dog that will help to keep 

 the larder full. 



I hope all who may read these lines will find something 

 in them that will be of service, and assist them in securing 

 a perfect American Gordon Setter. I hope that many a 

 time, ere this, they have felt that thrill from head to heel- 

 when they beheld that brace of Gordon Setters, on that 

 beautiful point on yonder hill, or have sat on that moss- 

 covered log beside that gurgling brook, and caressed them 

 fondly for that masterpiece of work, in having retrieved so 

 well that crippied bird, and without the rumple of a feather 

 that is the cream of existence to the true sportsman. I 

 hope you are all lovers of the charms of woodland scenery, 

 for no man can be a true sportsman unless he is in love with 

 all Nature, in her rural paradise. 



I hope you have enjoyed the sportsman's sleep. If you 

 have not seen and enjoyed these pleasures, I am sorry for 

 you, for you do not yet know what pleasure is. The man 

 who is troubled with insomnia, will, if he take to the field, 

 find health and sleep. 



