1 66 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



simply are high-class pretenders. There is a dis- 

 tinction between a dog running merrily, as he would 

 in a park, and a dog ranging properly in search of 

 game. 



A dog may be so intent in the use of his eyes to 

 pick out the easiest going that he gives no attention 

 to the practical use of his nose. In a country known 

 to contain birds he may work over great areas with- 

 out finding other than the birds which he happens to 

 run directly across. He on the other hand may have 

 the speed and good finding intention which are 

 shown by continuous industry and judgment, and 

 yet, from functional dullness of the nose as an organ 

 of scent, be incapacitated as a finder. 



Before a dog can range in the best manner he 

 must have had sufficient experience to learn what 

 sections of ground and cover the birds prefer for a 

 habitat and a food supply; what are their general 

 habits of life, and what peculiar devices they exercise 

 to evade pursuit. In a manner it is much the same 

 knowledge that a shooter himself should possess. 



Of two shooters, the one knowing at a glance 

 what section of certain grounds the birds seek for 

 food and shelter, the other ignorant or heedless of 



