264 THE NEW FOREST 



Therefore he must stand, not attempting to draw, 

 on the instant he acknowledges the scent of a 

 snipe at from 80 to 100 yards. This wary quarry 

 will allow of no nearer approach by him. But if 

 he stands firm till his master joins him, the quiet 

 approach of the two should result in a shot. 



There come a few days in most winters when 

 heavy rains or a sudden thaw swell the rivers 

 Test and Avon, to the width of their respective 

 valleys. Then everything, the snipe included, is 

 driven out of those extensive water meadows, and 

 the snipe flock up in great numbers to the wet 

 healthy uplands of the Forest. Then, for just a 

 few days, a shooter, with a careful setter such as 

 I have described, may do very well indeed. I 

 have often known ten couple to be killed by one 

 gun in the day, but that number is not very 

 often exceeded. 



But whatever the weather, all depends on the 

 dog, and he must be selected for the particular 

 kind of game that is to be sought on any day. 



A clever, well broken old retriever, that 

 really understands the management of sporting, 

 is a very valuable assistant. If he has become 

 steady and knowledgeable enough, he may be 

 used as a close -ranging spaniel, not tied to his 

 master's heels as in his earlier days, but allowed 

 liberty enough to use his nose. 



