THE FIELD SPANIEL. 



BY J. F. KIIIK. 



>HE Field Spaniel is the modern name given to the 

 larger breed of Land Spaniels, or Springers, to dis- 

 tinguish them from Water Spaniels and the smaller 

 Land Spaniel, or Cocker. The name is not especially 

 happy as to choice, inasmuch as his work is principally 

 confined to cover-shooting, where he is particularly useful 

 in finding and raising, or " springing," the woodcock, par- 

 tridge, or pheasant, and his raison d'etre and popularity 

 consist in his special excellence and adaptability for such 

 work. 



In the English Kennel Club Stud Book, under the head 

 of Field Spaniels, are included Springers and Cockers, ex- 

 cept such as have special classes assigned to them, viz.: 

 Clumbers and Sussex Spaniels. Thus there are many 

 varieties, having distinct and separate characteristics, 

 admitted and recognized under the comprehensive cogno- 

 men of Field Spaniel; but the intention and scope of this 

 article is to treat of that most popular and handsome variety 

 known as the Black Spaniel. 



Before going particularly into the points and qualities 

 of this engaging and beautiful breed, a short glance into 

 his history and elements will enable the reader to trace the 

 fact that, as he is at present displayed on our show benches, 

 to the admiration of all lovers of sporting dogs, he is of 

 comparatively modern origin. A stupid prejudice, as it 

 seems to the writer, exists in the minds of many worthy 

 old sportsmen, that deterioration is the most evident fact to 

 them in comparing modern Spaniels with the wonderful 

 dogs of their day. This is pure nonsense, and arises from 

 a kind of halo of glory with which we are all apt to sur- 



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