FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. 243 



be as short as is consistent with effecting the desired 

 purpose. If used beyond a certain length, which is 

 variable, according to the special matter to be ac- 

 complished, it is more or less cumbersome and un- 

 manageable. When not in use it should be coiled 

 carefully, so that when one end is fastened to the 

 dog's collar the rest of it will play freely without 

 tangling or kinking. 



The whistle serves as a great aid in handling the 

 dog when he is seeking for prey. It should have a 

 good tone, of medium pitch. Metallic whistles have 

 a tendency to make the mouth sore, and when full 

 of frost in cold weather are painful to the teeth and 

 lips. For use, it is best suspended from near the 

 hunting-coat collar in front by a string of sufficient 

 length. 



The senseless and continuous whistling practiced 

 by some trainers and shooters should be studiously 

 avoided. To the dog, the blasts have a meaning 

 only when they are associated with definite ideas, 

 and such he cannot have if the whistling is continu- 

 ous. If the whistle is carried habitually in the mouth 

 there is a great temptation to blow it unnecessarily, 

 therefore it is better to keep it in the pocket until it 



