132 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



own unhindered manner. The distinction between 

 self-hunting, under the trainer's supervision, and in- 

 dependent self-hunting should be noted. Dogs there- 

 by acquire great skill and confidence in the applica- 

 tion of methods, developing their intelligence and 

 knowledge to an astonishing degree. 



The unrestrained pursuit of prey is the dog's 

 greatest pleasure. Once he learns independent self- 

 hunting, on opportunity he will steal away from 

 home to indulge in it. He seeks the companionship 

 of vagrant boys or dogs which are inclined to hunt 

 like himself, which gives him the freedom from re- 

 straint which he so much values. When on an inde- 

 pendent self-hunt the duration of his absence is 

 sometimes measured by the degree of fatigue which 

 he can suffer, at other times by the degree of hunger, 

 or by the degree of hunger and fatigue combined. 

 Sometimes he may be absent a few hours ; sometimes 

 several days, returning thereafter in a state of skin 

 and bone, worn, weary and famished. When seek- 

 ing thus for himself he will plod cheerfully through 

 mud and snow; will swim cold streams of water; 

 will work in brush and brier ; will gallop bravely into 

 woods and open, ever eager to find and capture, 



