On the Borders of Dartmoor 135 



heads towering skywards, and looking weird 

 and dignified amongst the yellow and purple 

 bloom of the gorse and heather. We did 

 not now find nearly so many birds as we 

 did on the cultivated land, but those we did 

 find lay very well. It was delightful to watch 

 the work of the dogs, to note how carefully 

 and systematically they quartered their 

 ground, fair independent range, as staunch 

 on their point as possible, no jealousy, and 

 promptness in backing. Only once did I 

 notice Sam fail to instantly " back " Don, 

 and then it struck me the puppy, who was 

 carrying a high head, had winded the 

 birds without being able to exactly locate 

 them, and did not see Don, who was 

 below him, until he was almost atop of 

 him, but he dropped like a shot to hand, 

 and when he saw the old dog standing 

 as stiff as a poker, poor Sam looked most 

 wretchedly ashamed. 



