Field Sports in Minnesota. 711 



judgment of her on the bench. Not much behind her, in either 

 pace or style, were the two black-and-white setters, as with heads 

 well up they dashed over the prairie; ranging in perfect accord 

 with each other, yet entirely independent, they cast furtive and 

 anxious glances in Fan's direction, evidently fearful lest she should 

 secure a "point" before them or they lose an opportunity to "back." 

 Now Fan is slackening her pace, and is investigating a narrow 

 strip of corn, which from neglect has become lodged. E 's quick 



has detected the presence of game by the change in Fan's pace 

 and manner. The two setters are down wind from her about forty 

 yards distant, and are evidently scenting the same birds, for they 

 come trotting up with their black noses high in the air, and with the 

 peculiar elastic step seen only under these circumstances. Fan, in 

 the meantime, proceeds with more caution, the scent becoming 

 stronger; a moment or two of suspense on our part and the little 

 beauty comes to a stand. We prepare to jump out, guns in hand, 

 but desist as she makes a few steps in advance, every motion indica- 

 ting her intense and increasing excitement. Presently, she is rigid ! 

 The setters have approached within a few yards, and the instant she 

 makes her final stand become rigid also, backing her point stanchly. 

 The trio form a picture no sportsman could fail to regard with 

 pleasure : Fan is erect, yet exhibiting the characteristic point looked 

 f<»r in her species (not much does it resemble in its intensity of action 

 the vacillation of a "puppy point"); her two companions, who seem 

 to have attained an unnatural length, appear to be crouching for a 

 spring, their usually kind faces showing lines and wrinkles indicative 

 of strong excitement. "Are you all ready?" is B's question when 

 we have ranged ourselves in position back of the dogs. Even as he 



tks he makes one step forward, and a cock grouse flushes before 

 him. He throws his gun quickly to his face; with the sharp report 

 the bird drops into the corn, and a long stream of feathers drift 

 down the wind, their number showing his perfect aim. Fan drops 

 to " wing.' instantly followed by Fuller and his mate. A step for- 

 ward by our party and a pair flushing before VV gives him an 



opportunity for a right-and-left, which he fully improves. Still the 

 dogs maintain their recumbent attitudes, though it is easy to see 

 tlnir growing impatience. Another pair has bit the dust in response 

 to a quick doul>l« fmm my gun. and poor J . who seems to be 



