POINTERS AND SETTERS 121 



It is a confirmation of this theory, that the birds that in 

 incubation secure safety by watchfulness, such as the lapwings, 

 retain their scent neither in incubation nor at any other time, 

 but exude it while they are hatching. 



THE PURCHASE OF POINTERS AND SETTERS 



Most people have to buy their dogs for the moors, or to 

 hire them. During June and July large numbers are annually 

 sent up to Aldridge's, in St. Martin's Lane. There are a 

 very few general rules which may save a buyer from dis- 

 appointment. 



In nearly all cases the vendors offer to show dogs on game 

 before the sales. It is obviously the best way to go, or send, 

 and have them viewed upon game. The first question always 

 to be asked about young dogs is whether they are gun-shy, 

 and in a trial when no game is being shot it is wise to use the 

 gun, but not fair to use it over much. A dog that has been 

 used to having a shot or two fired over it during an hour's 

 breaking is not necessarily ready to undergo the bewildering 

 experience of a dozen discharges in close proximity and 

 in quick succession when no intention is obvious. Even on 

 the moors, on the I2th of August, the use of the gun should 

 be tempered with discretion, whether the puppies are inclined to 

 be nervous or not. Besides, this is obvious wisdom from another 

 point of view. Your puppy will do as much work as an equally 

 well-made old dog if you " nurse " him ; but if, on the contrary, 

 you allow him to run himself out at the first start, he will soon 

 do it, and will not " come " again that day. 



Probably the best way is to make a rule, for the few early 

 days, always to take every puppy up after the first find and 

 killing of grouse. Allow him to point dead and make a fuss 

 over the birds killed, but then have him led away 300 yards 

 behind the firing line, where every shot heard will add to his 

 anxiety to make more acquaintance with the gun, provided your 

 dog-boy knows how not to be severe. In an hour, probably, the 

 young dog will be made for life by this treatment ; but, as one 



