124 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



Nor are these peculiarities of method employed 

 solely by the dog. Foxes draw on rabbits and grouse 

 in a similar manner. Cats have an analogous man- 

 ner of drawing on birds and vermin ; indeed, as they 

 often venture the attempt to capture birds in the 

 most open places, they exhibit even greater degrees 

 of craft and caution. 



We may safely conclude that as it is a natural trait 

 of the pointer, it therefore is an equally natural trait 

 of the setter, as it also is more or less a trait of all 

 other dogs and animals which seek birds and small 

 animals as prey. 



Not infrequently the pointing instinct is exhibited 

 at a very early age, and in rare instances it is dor- 

 mant past the age of maturity. Usually young pup- 

 pies are profoundly affected by the scent of game 

 birds or the sight of other birds. On the latter they 

 will draw and point by sight, springing after and 

 chasing them the moment that they take wing. At 

 first, under the stimulus of their purpose, they rush 

 heedlessly in to capture, and failing it they chase 

 senselessly and riotously. 



Failure develops great caution. As they grow 

 older they use their noses more and exercise greater 



