250 DOGS. 



in ; but now they are become much more scarce, owing 



(the sailors observe) to the strictness of " those 



the tax-gatherers." I should always recommend buying 

 these dogs ready broken ; as, by the cruel process of 

 half starving them, the fowlers teach them almost every 

 thing; and, by the time they are well trained, the 

 chances are, that they have got over the distemper, 

 with which this species, in particular, is sometimes 

 carried beyond recovery. 



If you want to make a Newfoundland dog do what 

 you wish, you must encourage him, and use gentle 

 means, or he will turn sulky ; but to deter him from 

 any fault, you may rate or beat him. 



I have tried poodles, but always found them inferior 

 in strength, scent, and courage. They are also very 

 apt to be sea-sick. The Portland dogs are superior to 

 them. 



A water-dog should not be allowed to jump out of a 

 boat, unless ordered so to do, as it is not always re- 

 quired ; and, therefore, needless that he should wet him- 

 self, and every thing about him, without necessity. 



For a punt, or canoe, always make choice of the 

 smallest Newfoundland dog that you can procure ; as 

 the smaller he is, the less water he brings into your 

 boat after being sent out ; the less cumbersome he is 

 when afloat; and the quicker he can pursue crippled 

 birds upon the mud. A bitch is always to be preferred 

 to a dog in frosty weather, from being, by nature, less 

 obstructed in landing on the ice. 



If, on the other hand, you want a Newfoundland 

 dog only as a retriever for covert shooting, then the case 

 becomes different ; as here you require a strong animal, 

 that will easily trot through the young wood and high 

 grass with a large hare or pheasant in his mouth. 



