THE RETRIEVERS 355 



and a young dog whom he was obliged to describe as "rather 

 hard-mouthed." They were both purchased by personal friends. 

 He who had become owner of the bitch wished to return her at the 

 end of three months, as he alleged she was so hard-mouthed that 

 she bit everything to pieces; whilst the purchaser of the erstwhile 



"stone-breaker" wrote me: "Why did you describe Black 



as hard-mouthed ? He has an exceptionally tender mouth ! " 



This is one of those things which no " feller " can understand. 

 But given everything in, those who are contemplating the taking up 

 of one breed as a hobby should not hesitate to decide on the Flat- 

 coated Retriever. He is handsome, clever, faithful, and affec- 

 tionate; he breeds truer to the standard type than almost any 

 other variety of dog ; he can be taught almost anything ; and 

 combines the best qualities of a sportsman's helpmate and a 

 man's most cherished companion. 



