SPRINGERS AND COCKERS. 105 



Spaniels are generally rough coated or long- fl tied, and in probability, such is 

 one of their original characteristics, the smooth coats of some, being- the consequence 

 of a cross in the breed. The qualifications of the two principal varieties, Springers 

 and Cockers, are nearly the same, differing- but in degree, the, former being 1 of 

 most use in a Country, and on occasions, when size is required ; the latter more 

 active, perhaps having a finer nose, and threading the low and thick covert, with 

 less difficulty, than a dog which stands "higher upon the leg. These last indeed are 

 almost exclusively the kind of dogs for Covert shooting, as the poet was well and 

 experimentally aware. 



But, if the shady woods my cares employ, 

 In quest of feather'd game my Spaniels beat, 

 Puzzling th' entangled copse; and from the brake, 

 Push forth the whirring Pheasant ; high in air 

 He waves his varied plumes, stretching away 

 With hasty wing. Soon, from the uplifted tube, 

 The mimic thunder bursts, the leaden death 

 O'ertakes him, and, with many a giddy whirl, 

 To earth he falls, and at my feet expires. 



The true Spaniel is distinguished by the silkiness of \mjlue, his pendulous and 

 fringed ear, clear eye, moist nose and fringed tail. He is used both as afowter&nd 

 shunter; in Pheasant, Partridge, Cock, and Snipe shooting, and as a finder in 

 coursing and hare, /uniting, although a Cry of Spaniels is not at present thought so 

 essential to those sports, as in former days ; indeed many Sportsmen of the present 

 day, whether in shooting- or hunting, habitually attached to the Pointer and Hound, 

 affect entirely to discard the babbling- Spaniel. This however is too strong a 

 prejudice, as the utility of the spaniel is undoubted in thick and difficult coverts, 

 copses and rows, which neither Pointer nor Setter can penetrate, nor perhaps even 

 the large Springer, which partakes too much of their nature and size, for such 

 puzzling and thorny labours. The small spaniels should yet have considerable 

 substance and bone, and by no means be over legged, and granting them true bred, 

 a little harshness of the coat is no disadvantage, as such are more hardy and fear- 

 less of the thicket. The very delicate and small, or carpet spaniels, have exquisite 

 nose, and will hunt truly and pleasantly, but are neither fit for a/ long day, nor a 

 thorny covert. The grand or questing quality of the Spaniel, is well known, and 

 his bustling and constant activity. The pleasure which his nature affords him, in 

 the occupation of hunting out the game, he demonstrates by the perpetual motion, 

 or feathering of his tail, which increases and becomes more tremulous and nervously 

 affected, the nearer he approaches the object of his search. The scent of the game 

 becoming still more hot and stimulating, on a nearer approach, he begins to 

 whimper, as when playing with you at home ; and in the instant of finding, he 

 gives tongue in the loudest key, expressing by voice and action, the highest degree 



