POINTS OF THE IRISH SETTER. 387 



As a field-trial dog the Irish Setter has not, as a breed, shone conspicuously, and very 

 probably this is due to his headstrong nature and tendency to run riot. A brilliant exception 

 to this rule, however, is to be found in the record of the doings of Mr. Macdona's Plunket, 

 a grand workman, who was bred by the Rev. R. O'Callaghan, R.N., by Beauty, from his 

 Grouse. His style of going at Shrewsbury was so far above the average that Mr. Purcell- 

 Llewellyn gave the large sum of one hundred and fifty guineas for Plunket, and we believe 

 never repented of his bargain. 



The Marquis of Waterford's, Lord Rossmore's, Lord Lismore's, and Lord Dillon's strains 

 have all been famous in bygone days ; whilst amongst modern breeders and exhibitors, Mr. 

 Milliard (who showed Palmerston), Major Hutchinson, Dr. Kennedy (owner of Dick), Mr. Macdona, 

 Mr. J. J. Gilltrap (who shows Garry Owen), Mr. ^Eneas Nuttal (owner of May-be), and the Rev. 

 R. O'Callaghan (breeder of Plunket), are eminently conspicuous. First-rate specimens have 

 been shown or bred by all these gentlemen, who have invariably adhered to the best type of 

 Irish Setter, and have not been led into exhibiting indifferent specimens. At the time of 

 writing (1880), Mr. Macdona is in the possession of some remarkably fine-coloured and pro- 

 mising young Irish Setters, which were successful at Bristol dog show, though only nine 

 months old. The colour of one of them, Lady Roberts, is almost perfect, and her stock in 

 years to come should be valuable on this account. 



In appearance the Irish Setter differs somewhat from the English. His 



Head should be longer and narrower. 



Nose, deep-red or dark flesh-colour, to match his red jacket. 



Eyes, brown and intelligent. 



Ears, set on far back and low, light and feathered. A heavy "saddle-flap" ear is 

 particularly suggestive of the Gordon cross, and is particularly to be avoided in an Irish Setter. 



Flews, rather deep. 



Neck, light and gracefully set on the shoulders, which should have a good slope. 



Chest, deep and narrow. 



Body, rather arched at loin and inclined to. be flat-sided. Back ribs short, which tend to 

 give a true Irish Setter a rather " tucked-up " appearance. 



Fore-legs, very straight and well feathered longer than in the English Setter. 



Fore-feet, long, and not nearly so round as in the English Setter. 



Hind-legs, bent at stifles, with strong hocks. 



Stern, set on rather low and well feathered, particularly on the middle portion of it. 



Colour, a deep blood-red. White is not liked in show dogs ; but though undesirable, is 

 not a proof of impure breeding. The colour of the feathering is paler than that of the body. 



Coat, somewhat thinner than that of the English Setter, though coarser in texture. 



General appearance in an Irish Setter goes for a good deal. A good specimen is the 

 beau uie'al of strength and activity. He should seem a trifle leggy ; no doubt his tucked-up 

 loins increase this appearance, which his extra length of leg naturally develops ; and an Irish 

 Setter should look all wire and whipcord. In fact he looks what he is, a thorough work- 

 man, and ready to gallop for ever. 



The dog we have selected for illustration in our coloured plate as being typical of this 

 famous breed is Grouse II., who is the property of the Rev. R. O'Callaghan, R.N., before 

 alluded to as one of the great breeders of his national Setter. This bitch is by the old 

 champion Palmerston out of Quail, and has been successful on the bench. In 1879, at 

 Dublin show, she won first prize and silver medal and challenge cup. Palmerston, her 



