io6 THE GUN: AFIELD AND AFLOAT 



land shooting where thick reed-beds abound these dogs 

 are in their true element. A really well-broken, good- 

 tempered dog of this breed forms a most perfect retriever, 

 facing icy-cold water again and again ; in duck-flighting 

 sitting quietly at one's feet with icicles hanging from his 

 shaggy coat without murmur or look of discontent. 



The subject of sporting dogs requires special treat- 

 ment, and far more space than I can devote to it in the 

 present work. It has already, however, an extensive 

 literature of its own, many writers with far more 

 technical knowledge of the subject than I lay claim 

 to having made this especial theme their own. 



