28 



Quadrupeds. 



THE POINTER 



Is docile in its disposition, and when trained, is of the 

 greatest service to the sportsman who delights in shoot- 

 ing. It is astonishing to see to what a degree of obe- 

 dience these animals may be brought. Their sight is 

 equally acute with their scent, and they are enabled to 

 perceive at a distance the smallest sign from their 

 master. So admirably have they been trained, that 

 their acquired propensities seem as inherent as a 

 natural instinct, and appear to be transmitted from 

 parent to progeny. When they scent their game, they 

 fix themselves like statues, in the very attitude in 

 which they happen to be at the moment. If one of 

 their fore feet is not on the ground when they first 

 scent, it remains suspended, lest, by putting it to the 

 ground, the game might be too soon alarmed by the 

 noise. In this position they remain, until the sports- 

 man comes near enough, and is prepared to take his 

 shot ; when he gives the word, and the dog immediately 

 springs the game. This attitude has often been selected 

 by the artist, 



