80 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



that of the mature city dog which, for the first time 

 experiencing the delights of a visit to the country, 

 displays the most unbounded ignorance, though 

 overflowing with amazement and ecstasy. The com- 

 mon domestic animals excite both his predatory in- 

 terest and apprehension of danger. Even the sight 

 of a cow in the pasture, though his instinct may im- 

 pel him to make a bold front, fills him with the grav- 

 est alarms, as shown by his waverings in alert re- 

 treats and reluctant advances. Again, he romps 

 about in a foolish manner, doing a thousand trivial 

 or foolish things, at cross purposes with every hap- 

 pening, and his poor mind ever filled with wonder- 

 ment. 



If confined constantly, besides being ignorant, he 

 is mentally dwarfed, physically inferior, more or 

 less misshapen, with a soured temper and an impaired 

 capacity for companionship. In fact, if he is kept 

 in confinement till he matures, there is likely to be 

 a general lifelong depreciation of his faculties and 

 capabilities. 



On the other hand, the dog which has his liberty 

 learns the meaning of everything within his environ- 

 ment, and adjusts his deportment accordingly. 



