The Pointer 289 



pointer is serviceable in light coverts, as coppices, cars or broom, with a 

 bell on his collar to direct attention to the right quarter. I neither commend 

 nor recommend this method, only signify the possibility of the thing. 



"I once had such a Proteus, as many gentlemen in the vicinity will 

 remember, who would stand for a gun at one bird, drop for a net at another, 

 and so on as I thought fit. In covert he would do the work of a brace of 

 spaniels. Take him into field directly, he was as clean and regular in his 

 hunting as if he had never acted in a lower character. This supports 

 my assertion of general utility. Some will set the springing spaniel in 

 opposition to the pointer, arguing that more chances are had from the 

 former than the latter, because they pass nothing, and so consequently 

 find more game. Allowing the first datum, the conclusion is by no means 

 deducible. Suppose both on a parity of goodness in their different kinds. 

 The spaniel must not hunt faster than a man can walk up to him. A 

 rating pointer, moderately speaking, will beat four times the ground; 

 and if he springs or misses half (which is in a decent dog not to be imagined), 

 still the balance of find will be on his side. The only advantage a spaniel 

 can have is in strong furze; and there he must spring his game at great 

 uncertainty of shooting, unless constitution and resolution drive in up to 

 the middle; in which situation non equidom invideo. There are many 

 pointers, which, by use, will stand woodcock very well. And I know one 

 of a very eminent physician (Dr. Bigsbye) that, if she found in covert, 

 unperceived, would give tongue for discovery, and that repeatedly, till 

 she was relieved from her point. 



"It is not my intention to depreciate the springing spaniel, as being 

 of little or no consequence, for I am really a great advocate for that knot of 

 slavery. And when I say a pointer may be made to do, and has done, 

 such a variety of works, I still think it acting out of character, whenever 

 he represents his superior or inferior. 



"There was a breed of rough pointers introduced to Suffolk by the late Earl 

 of Powis, from Lorraine, of which I remember a very few capital. Novelty, 

 and the little satisfaction of deceiving and surprising strangers, were their chief 

 recommendation. Sullenness, and a violent attachment to mutton, brought 

 them into disgrace, and they have been discontinued for many years." 



The rough pointer is the dog shown in Sydenham Edwards's illustration 

 of the pointer, and is variously named Russian pointer, Russian setter and 

 Russian retriever. We remember seeing some of these dogs at the Chicago 



