THE POINTER. 101 



pointing dog, closely resembling the modern Pointer in 

 form and color, existed in England prior to the advent of 

 the Spanish Pointer, and may have been utilized in the 

 breeding development of our present excellent varieties of 

 the Pointer family. 



In this connection, it may prove interesting to the 

 reader to consider the question of the 



COMPARATIVE ANTIQUITY OF THE SETTER AND POINTER. 



In touching upon this subject, it must be remarked that 

 much discussion has taken place among sportsmen regard- 

 ing the question of origin and antiquity of these two valu- 

 able breeds. Some writers have firmly maintained that the 

 Setter is clearly indebted to the Pointer for his existence 

 as such; while others have, with equal force of logic and 

 skill of rhetoric, maintained the exact opposite to be the 

 case. These discussions have usually been carried on by the 

 respective friends of each breed, oftentimes with considera- 

 ble virulence. The writer, being a firm friend of both of 

 these noble varieties of dogs, Avill endeavor to present the 

 question in as clear and impartial a manner as possible. 



All recognized authorities on the dog, unite in ascribing 

 an early existence to that one known as the Spaniel. They 

 also agree in the opinion that the name was conferred upon 

 this variety because it originated in Spain, from whence it 

 was brought into Great Britain. The exact date of the 

 importation of the Spaniel is not known; nor do we know 

 what his appearance and character were at the time. He 

 may have been a short-haired dog when first introduced into 

 England, and the climate may have subsequently induced 

 the growth of his protective coat ; or he may have originally 

 been a long-haired dog. 



Doctor Caius classifies them into Land and Water 

 Spaniels, and says of them, whether used for the hawk, the 

 net, the falcon, pheasant, or partridge : 



The common sort of people call them by one generall word, namely. 

 SpanielK As though those kiude of dogges came originally and first of all 



out of Spain. 



