106 TRAINING RANDOM CROSSING. 



of exultation, and under such circumstances, it would be even more difficult to stop 

 the clack of a cry of spaniels, than that of a score of the Ladies of Billingsgate* or of 

 those at a Rout of the haul ton ! 



The training of Spaniels is comparatively easy ; and in the field, the chief object 

 is to keep them within bounds and call, as much as possible, and to repress in due 

 degree, their incessant activity, to keep pace with which, the Sportsman had need 

 partake somewhat of their active nature. 



The largest Springers were, some years since, and probably may at present, be 

 found in Sussex. The Cockers are supposed to have originated in a cross between 

 the Springer, and the small Water Spaniel, and are distinguished from the 

 large Spaniel, by a more compact, shorter and rounder head, deeper and more 

 curly flew, and longer ears. The Spaniel colours are various, yellow, liver-coloured, 

 red, brown, white ; black-tan with tanned legs and muzzle : these last hues denote 

 a Terrier cross. The Springer is often crossed and deteriorated by the Hound and 

 Pointer : in fact, the whimsical, random and injudicious crossing the breeds of our 

 domestic animals in general, is the lamentable cause of the Country being over- 

 burthened with such numbers of profitless and useless mongrels of every descrip- 

 tion. They who are not qualified systematic breeders, had far better adhere 

 to the settled races which they find, and endeavour to convince themselves of the 

 foolery of dabbling, and that it is no light undertaking to raise a new animal Variety 

 which shall merit and experience permanence. 



Twenty years ago, His Grace the Duke of Marlborough was reputed to possess 

 the smallest and best breed of Cockers in Britain : they were invariably red and 

 white, with very long ears, short noses and black eyes. 



