REASON IX TlIK DOG. 257 



ordered to cross a stream, for the ice projecting 

 from- the banks was of sufficient dm^ability to 

 support liim till he came near the edge, when 

 it let him in over head and ears, and then, on the 

 ojDposite side, he had to face the keen edge of 

 the same obstacle from a more difficult point of 

 view. I killed a jack snipe, and he fell — or it 

 or she fell, as the sex, save by anatomical in- 

 vestigation, cannot be determined — on the other 

 side of the brook. My retriever saw it fall, and 

 simply stared upon the event, without stirring a 

 step to fetch it. Observing this unusual hesitation, 

 I ordered him to cross the water and bring back 

 the snipe, when, as he still hesitated, I put into 

 my look and manner — I never beat a dog — enough 

 to show him that I expected the most prompt 

 obedience, and that he had no choice left. Very 

 reluctantly, then, he obeyed me, and consumed 

 several minutes in trying the strength of the 

 ice, and looking for the easiest place. At last he 

 let himself into the water, swam across, and broke 

 his way to land through the ice on the other 

 side, picked up the jack snipe, and then stood 

 stock-still, and regarded me Avith a mournful and 

 sullen expression, as if asking me how I could 



VOL. I. »s 



