234 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. 



that on getting int.) covert tlicy shall cross and re-cross their 

 o-round fifty times, never budging twenty yards from the feet of 

 their master, and working as slowly as the slowest Cock-dog. 



It will be seen at once that such a combination of opposite 

 qualities must needs be very rare ; and so rare is it, that for 

 o.yevy hundred of good Woodcock-dogs which I have seen 

 in this country, I have not seen ten equally good on Quail. 



I shall not touch here on the comparative and much disputed 

 excellence of the Pointer or the Setter, except to observe that 

 personally I greatly prefer the latter ; while I admit that for 

 persons who shoot but rarely, and who do not like the trouble 

 of constant supervision of their dogs, I had almost said constant 

 dog-breaking, the Pointer is the more suitable companion. 



I have, however, seen, indeed have owned Setters, which in 

 all points of steadiness might have competed with the staunch- 

 est Pointers, and which were as careful and under as good 

 command on the first, as on the last, day of the season. 



I will now suppose that the sportsman has arrived at his 

 shooting ground, and taken up his quarters in his snug country 

 tavern for the night, previous to commencing operations in the 

 early morning over a brace of good dogs, Pointers or Setters, 

 at his own option. 



First then, let him see his dogs, which we will suppose have 

 run some part of their journey afoot, well suppered on mush, 

 or suppawn of Indian-meal, or oatmeal, seasoned with a little 

 salt, but no meat, which injures the nose ; and well bedded on 

 clean wheaten straw. Next let him sup lightly, limit his pota- 

 tions to the second glass, and eschew a second pipe or cigar. 

 Let him to-bed early, that he may sleep well and rise refreshed 

 and with steady nerves. 



These are small matters doubtless — but it is the obsei-vance 

 of small matters that makes great men in any line, and in our 

 case, good sportsmen. 



Lastly, let him assure himself before retiring to rest, that his 

 sheets are dry and well aired, no inconsiderable matter to him 

 who would avoid rheumatism. If he be the least in doubt, and 



