208 WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 



fortunately, some of the most enthusiastic and ser- 

 viceable dogs have little discretion or forethought; 

 and unless lie is trained to perfect quiet, and broken 

 to eitire immobility at the most exciting moments, 

 he in apt to interfere sadly with the sport. 



In spite of these inconveniences, however, the loss 

 of many of his birds amounting, amid the dense 

 reeds of the western lakes, to nearly one-half of the 

 whole number will satisfy the sportsman that the 

 retriever, with his devoted and wonderful sagacity, 

 to say nothing of his delightful companionship, is a 

 most desirable acquisition. Where the sportsman 

 is forced to pursue his calling solitary and alone, so 

 far as human associates are concerned, he will find 

 the presence of his four-footed friend a great satis- 

 faction, and, amid the solitary and unemployed mid- 

 day hours, a pleasant resource. 



The dog is the natural companion of the sports- 

 man the partaker of his pleasures, the coadjutor of 

 his triumphs ; and whenever his peculiar gifts can 

 be used to advantage, it is a gratification to both to 

 call upon him. The knowledge that he will acquire 

 in time is truly marvellous. Not only does he pos- 

 sess the power of smell, but his eyesight and hear- 

 ing far surpass those of man ; he will often discern 

 a flock long before it is visible to human eyes, and 

 his motions will warn his master of its approach. 



His training can be carried on beyond limit ; his 

 knowledge increases daily, and his devotion is un- 

 bounded. Of all the "race, the retriever is probably 

 the most intelligent ; as, in fact, intelligence is one 



