MAXIMS. 675 



iiig' his powers, and rather lose the bird than the advantage 

 of such a lesson. 



Never permit a race after a hare ; therefore never be 

 tempted to shoot at one which rises before jour dog. In a 

 case of necessity shoot her in her seat. 



Never head your dog, nor let him trifle his time behind 

 you ; but keep him a-head in his beat, and go hand-in-hand 

 with him up to his point. 



Never allow your dog to break field, that is, make off into 

 another field before his master, or to hunt out of your sight 

 at any time. Neither let him take another dog's point out 

 of his teeth, but make him back up at a respectful distance ; 

 or, which is better, lie close till desired to go on. 



Never hunt a dog when tired down, lest he become a 

 dealer in false points, and lose his gallantry of range. 



Do not suffer your dog to ramble when you are going to 

 or returning from the field, but keep him strictly to your 

 heel. It is not in the way of business. 



By way of preparation for taking the field, (which may be 

 as soon after six months old as convenient,) we trust the 

 master or keeper of young pointers or setters has betimes 

 accustomed them to know their names distinctly, and answer 

 to them, and to prostrate themselves to the imperious down 

 and uplifted hand. Doiun charge should also be taught at 

 home, as blinking shot on the field is one of the worst evils 

 which can befall us. This can be accomplished at small ex- 

 pense of gunpowder — reward and caresses with puppies. 

 Sheep and poultry should likewise be made familiar to them 

 and respected. If a young dog makes a mistake in the flock 

 or poultry-yard, the whip will cure him ; but if an old one 

 takes to such practices, to the gallows mth. him ! he is never 

 to be trusted/"' Every sportman, we presume, wall under- 



* The foUowinjjj si/eciuieii of the *' tender mercies " of a reverend 



