178 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



much more closely adheres to what we now call the 

 spaniel, than does his Irish cousin. 



I am inclined to think that black, black and white, 

 pale lemon-colored and white, and perhaps though I 

 speak this doubtfully liver and white, are the true and 

 distinctive colors of the English setting spaniel. I some- 

 what doubt the liver-colored, because I observe, first, that 

 it is distinctively the water-spaniel color ; and secondly, 

 that where that color prevails, one is apt also to find a 

 greater tendency to curl another water-spaniel sign in 

 the hair. 



I also believe, that wherever orange or deep red is 

 found in the English breeds, especially coupled with the 

 black nose and palate, there is an Irish strain. 



Sure I am that, as a rule, though of course there are 

 exceptions, the red or red and white dogs are the wildest 

 and the most difficult to break. 



In choosing an English setter, the first thing to 

 examine is the head; it should be broad and expansive 

 between the eyes and across the brow, with a high bony 

 process extending upward from the base of the skull to the 

 ridge of the occiput. The nose should be rather long 

 than broad, the nostrils well opened, soft and moist the 

 latter condition being a proof of good health and a sine 

 qua non to the possession of great scenting powers. The 

 eye should be large, soft, and bland, and the whole expres- 

 sion of the face amiable and gentle. 



In this last point of physiognomy I put much faith 

 I never saw a good dog with a bad face; nor a thoroughly 

 bad one, with an intelligent, open expression of counte- 

 nance. 



