BACKING. 461 



the cord attached to his collar, allowing it to trail after him as he 

 moves about ; it will impede him but little, especially if you select 

 a strong- one, about the diameter of an ordinary lead pencil, and 

 point the end with thread to keep it from fraying. You will find 

 it will greatly add to the control you may have to exercise over 

 him, and have the effect of impressing him while at liberty, that 

 you are still master. During these walks, accustom the animal to 

 the sound of the whistle, summoning him from time to time that 

 he may become perfectly familiar with it. Practice him, while you 

 are out, in the same lessons you began at home, until each and 

 every one is obeyed promptly ; when at the down charge walk 

 away from him, each time extending the distance, meantime, in- 

 sisting that this posture be retained until ordered to hold up. 



No doubt he will notice, and perhaps show an eagerness to hunt 

 sparrows and other small birds you may meet in your walks, and 

 his natural instinct will probably lead him to point, when he 

 scents them. This need not be checked, but rather encouraged 

 for a short time, as it will give a greater desire for the chase, 

 and when his education is sufficiently complete to work him on 

 game, and it is once shown, he will readily distinguish between 

 the two, and choose the latter. 



These walks should be more frequent as the shooting season 

 approaches, when you will desire to enter the field, to confirm and 

 put to practical use the lessons taught. 



On taking the field with the beginner, it is desirable for the first 

 day or two, that you have the companionship of a fellow sports- 

 man with a thoroughly broken and experienced animal. Attach 

 the cord as before to the collar of the youngster, allowing it to trail 

 after him. He will naturally watch the movements of the old dog, 

 and when the game is scented will be eager, and perhaps head- 

 strong. When the old dog draws on the birds and points, the 

 youngster may of his own accord back at once ; if he does not, 

 endeavor to be near enough to have command of the cord, and 

 check him with a sharp jerk and an emphatic " to ho ! " holding 

 him firmly. Have your companion flush the birds, and as they 

 rise at the report of the gun, check him down smartly, saying 

 charge! and see that he obeys. If the bird is killed, and the 

 youngster has previously been taught to retrieve in-doors, com- 



