The Irish Setter. 365 



his admirers, and the formation of the Red Setter 

 Club have, however, wrought a change, and 

 naturally an improvement in the dog both in work 

 and appearance. 



At the present time there are more good show 

 specimens extant than at any previous period in their 

 history, and in work the Irish setter is steadier and 

 better than he was once upon a time. This, no 

 doubt, arises from the greater pains taken in his 

 breaking ; moreover, most of the best modern dogs 

 are produced from animals whose ancestors for two 

 or three generations have been highly trained. This 

 continued for a few years longer, and, may be, the red 

 setter will be the shooting dog of the future. He is 

 fortunate in having so many enthusiasts to work for 

 his good, and, so long as they breed for a combina- 

 tion of working capabilities and good looks, 

 abstaining at the same time from introducing 

 strains other than so far pure and tried ones, we 

 may look for a continued improvement in this 

 favoured dog. 



I have said that, for work on the moors and 

 mountains, a red and white dog is better than the 

 deep, bright red, which is difficult to discern amid the 

 brown heather on the hillside. But, if the breeders 

 like the whole colour, let them stick to it by all 

 means, and allow their failing sight to be assisted 



