(;0 EEMINISCEXCES OP A SPORTSMAN". 



hatli lent him, but also brings such a tendernesse and 

 chillnesse over all his body, that the water will in the 

 ende grow yerksome unto him." Markham's system of 

 training the water-spaniel is so particularly recom- 

 mendable that I shall transcribe it.* " Now for the 

 trayning, or bringing up of your water dogge ; it is to 

 bee understood that you cannot begin too early with 

 him ; that is to say, even when you first wheane him, 

 and teach him to laj^pe, for even then you shall teach 

 him to couche and lie close, not daring to stirre or move 

 from that posture which you place him in, without your 

 special licence, cherrishing it ever when it doth your will, 

 and correcting it ever when it doth the contrary ; and 

 always observing this maxim in the first teaching him, 

 that you never let your dogge eat or taste any meate 

 but when she doeth something to deserve it. That cus- 

 tom may make knowe food is a thing which cometh 

 not by chance, but for reward or merit when he doth 

 your command ; and this will not onely make him willing 

 to learn, but apt to remember and retayne what he 

 learneth, and diligently to perform your pleasiu-e with- 



* Wliilst two gentlemen were passing ovei' that magnificent structure 

 the railway viaduct which spans the river Boyne, followed by a water- 

 spaniel eighteen months old, the owner commenced to expatiate on its 

 intrepidity. The other inquired jocosely whether he thoxight the dog 

 would follow his walking-stick, if thrown from the lattice-work where they 

 stood. The owner replied by a grave shake of the head, when imme- 

 diately the stick was thrown oiit, and in a moment the spaniel dashed 

 after it through the bars, and disappeax'ed. The dog fell into the water, 

 102 feet beneath. The astonished owner looked almost bewildered, 

 thinking, as a matter of course, he woiild hear no more of his faithful 

 animal ; but, strange to say, the dog was shortly afterwards observed 

 upon the beach, carrying the stick in his mouth, and awaiting the 

 arrival of his master. The animal had not suiFered the slightest injury 

 from this extraordinary leap. 



