12? THE FIELD. 53 



liable 1 1 lie close than when they are walked up by the hunt- 

 er. Th's is a'so the case, although in less degree, with the 

 q'iail. With the woodcock we do not believe that it makes 

 much difference, yet we would advise under all circumstan- 

 ces, no matter how great the temptation, your dog be not 

 allowed to flash his bird, for many really good dogs are 

 ruined by this practice, besides, as a rule, the more kill- 

 ing, as well as sportsmanlike way, is to walk up your 

 bird. This practice you will fiud will soon make you a 

 better shot than you can ever hope to be if you constantly 

 keep in ihe openings and trust to the chances there to be 

 obtained. Your dog will also improve much faster if you 

 pursue this course, for he will instinctively realize that you 

 are with him body and soul, and consequently he will 

 put fo-th his best efforts and soon learn the graad secret of 

 " working to the gun." This very valuable trait is rarely 

 found in a dog unl< S3 the gun has first set the example by 

 working to him. Ponder this well and try to realize what 

 the thoughts of your dog must be when you leave him on his 

 point and, sneaking off to one side, or perhaps to his rear 

 cut of sight, bid him put up the bird which he knows full 

 well by experience will fly into the cover instead of out. We 

 rlwa} s require our dog while young to staunchly hold his 

 point until ordered on. He will easily learn to do this if you 

 steady him a few times and do not allow him to stir until 

 you are beside him. This, if rightly managed, will prove a 

 very killing trait, but unless the proper course is pursued 

 your dog is apt to acquire the very bad habit c f making false 

 pcints. Great good judgment is required to so conduct his 

 training in this that it may prove a source of pleasure instead 

 of disappointment. Your knowledge of his disposition will 

 aid you in adopting the right course to accomplish the de- 

 sired result. 



As soon as you observe that he has scent command him 

 to To ho, and keep him on point until you are nearly beside 

 him, when, without stopping, you must cluck to him to go 

 on, accompanying the cluck with a wave of the hand, and 

 walk ju3t behind him until he again stops. Should he be 



