THE SETTER. 51 



of their dogs ; but on this important subject I shall 

 refer my readers to the valuable works of Blaine, 

 Youatt, jNIayhew, and " Stonehenge." 



I am going to speak chiefly of those dogs which are 

 absolutely necessary for the sportsman. By sports- 

 men I mean those who are not entirely devoted to 

 battue shooting, but who range the moors, fields, 

 and woods accompanied by their setters, pointers, and 

 spaniels, and who take much delight in seeing these 

 animals exert themselves to show their master good 

 sport. Of all our domesticated animals, none can cer- 

 tainly be compared to the canine race for the variety of 

 excellent qualities they are well known to possess. How 

 rarely can we find so disinterested a friend as the dog, 

 and how many examples we have in which this animal 

 has displayed the most daring courage in the defence of 

 his master, and an equally persevering watchfulness of 

 his property by day and night ! this endearing animal 

 is so exempt from malice or resentment, that when he 

 is fondly attached to his master he even licks the hand 

 that has just chastised him ; and it is a well-known fact, 

 thoroughly authenticated, that from their strong attach- 

 ment to their masters, they have been known to pine 

 away and die when death has separated them for ever 

 from their beloved object. Of their extraordinary saga- 

 city and instinct we have numerous and wonderfid 

 examples, some of which I shall relate hereafter. 



In the choice of sporting dogs, some sportsmen prefer 

 setters, and others pointers, for grouse, blackcock, and 

 partridge shooting. I always preferred the well-bred 

 smooth pointer to the former, but the best dog I ever 

 possessed was a first cross between a pointer and setter, 

 and so highly did I prize her, that I verily believe no 

 sum of money would have tempted me to part with her. 



