THE RETRIEVER 111 



colour may of course be inferred from the name. 

 Mr. Harcourt got his kennel together from the strains 

 which Lord Tweedmouth had at Guisachan, in Scot- 

 land, Lord Portsmouth at Hurstbourne, and other 

 sources. They breed true to type and colour, and 

 have the reputation of being fine workers, very tract- 

 able and easily broken. They have very soft mouths, 

 and are delightful companions. 



The education of a Retriever is a comparatively 

 easy matter to any one blessed with a little patience. 

 It is well to remember that one lesson a day 

 thoroughly implanted in the pupil's mind is far better 

 than a dozen perfunctory ones, which only tend to 

 cause confusion. As a first step the puppy should 

 be given something soft to carry in his mouth, and 

 any disposition to bite it must be at once corrected, 

 and he should be taught to give up the article im- 

 mediately you say '' Dead." Do not let him get 

 in the habit of fetching things which you have thrown, 

 or he may grow too eager, and you will find him 

 rush into birds which have been merely flushed. If 

 he has learnt to carry, place the article on the 

 ground and send the youngster back to retrieve it, 

 making him bring to hand quickly, for by accustom- 

 ing him to this he will not be likely to mouth his 

 birds or hare. If he is rewarded with a piece of 

 biscuit or meat it will be an inducement for him 

 to hurry himself. Next throw something from you, 

 but prevent the dog from running in until you have 

 told him to " Seek dead." You may best use him 

 to the live bird by making him retrieve a pigeon 

 whose wings have been either pinioned or clipped. 

 If he is tender-mouthed the bird will go unharmed. 

 A wild duck pinioned is an admirable means p_f 



