98 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



to let well alone. We have been met on this point 

 by the observation that staghounds, as they are 

 called, rarely taste the blood of deer, and yet run. 

 their game with as much apparent eagerness as 

 foxhounds follow theirs. All the hunting species 

 of dogs love a scent of some sort, which instinct 

 directs them to pursue, and in which they are 

 encouraged by their masters. The pointer works 

 all day without the least expectation of tasting the 

 blood of the game he has been taught to hunt for. 

 More, he knows punishment would be inflicted 

 upon him for ruffling a feather ; yet there is no lack 

 of spirit or courage in scouring the stubbles or 

 turnip-fields to bring it within range of his master's 

 double-barrel. Right and left the dead birds fall. 

 The dog is satisfied ! the victory won by his mas- 

 terly skill ; his own exertions have been rewarded 

 by seeing the dead game lying on the ground before 

 him. Moreover, the hand laid gently upon his head 

 with the approving smile and kind words, spoken 

 in kindly tones, " Well done ! good dog,'' are of 

 themselves a sufficient recompense ; and, with a 

 look betokening his gratified feelings, Ponto goes 

 forth with renewed alacrity and zeal to hunt for 

 the other scattered birds of the covey. Now, let 

 this dog be transferred to a bad shot, who would 

 day after day blaze away with very indifferent 

 success, and a corresponding change would soon 

 be perceptible in Ponto's deportment. He would 

 become slack in ranging ; run in, perhaps, upon 

 the birds ; and give chase to a winged one, in 



