PREFACE 



This little volume is written to fumisli an up- 

 to-date book confined exclusively to the breeds of 

 American hunting dogs in use to-day. Without a 

 dog, sports afield nowadays are apt to prove 

 rather barren in results in the game bag. Never 

 before have American sportsmen relied so much 

 on the dog as a finder of game. Our coverts, while 

 holding their own and somewhat increasing, are 

 far depleted compared to the abundance that ob- 

 tained thirty years ago. It takes the fine, sensi- 

 tive gift of a dog's instinct to locate game nowa- 

 days. Without him the day is likely to be one of 

 exasperation, due to game flushing without warn- 

 ing or good covers hunted without starting any- 

 thing. With him a satisfactory day's bag can be 

 had in any part of our country where there is wild 

 land, even quite near the great cities. 



The love of a dog is a fine and noble thing. 

 There is no quid pro quo in his affection. He has 

 no thought of service for hire, nor reward for his 

 invaluable aid, save that you love him as he loves 

 you. All the rest is service, given freely and loy- 



