RETRIEVER. 161 



her own mate, and being guided by caprice, without reference 

 to the fitness of the match in reference to the progeny resulting. 

 Hence we see the monstrosities which disgrace our streets, 

 animals which might pu/zle the most learned in dog-lore to say 

 in what proportions they are allied to recognised varieties of the 

 species Ccini.-<, but which are sometimes highly valuable in point 

 of utility, and are often broken by the poacher to perform the 

 most difficult feats. Indeed, it often happens that a poaching 

 labourer, wlio is the worst kind of poacher, selects some mongrel 

 in preference to a better-bred dog, in order to escape notice ; but 

 the gamekeeper should never despise the most wretched-lookino- 

 animal on his beat, if the cur has size and strength to do what 

 is required. 



THE RETRIEVER.* 



In speaking of the retriever, it is generally understood that 

 the dog for recovering game on land is meant, the distinct kind 

 known as the water spaniel being already alluded to at page 115. 

 With regard to the propriety of using a separate dog for retrieving 

 in open or covert shooting, there is a great difference of opinion, 

 but this subject will be better considered under the next division 

 of this book, and I shall now confine myself to a description 



* See also Frontispiece. 

 M 



