14. 



THE SETTER. 



THE Setter is the handsomest and perhaps the most generous 

 of the canine race ; but by what peculiar cross he originated, is 

 not well known; and all conjectures on this head, though very 

 interesting to the sportsman, are too much involved in uncertain- 

 ty, to be much depended on. An ingenious friend is of opinion, 

 that the setter was produced by crossing the talbot or blood 

 hound with the small land spaniel or springer ; and certainly the 

 appearance of some of these animals seem to warrant such an 

 idea ; while others, equally good or superior, seem altogether 

 at variance with such a conjecture. Even if we admit this 

 position, we are still unable to trace the primeval stock pre- 

 cisely, as the springer exhibits an almost endless variety, while 

 its origin appears to be buried in oblivion. 



It may be safely asserted that the setter or large land spaniel 

 was known in this country long before the introduction of the 

 present more fashionable dog, known by the appellation of the 

 Spanish Pointer. The large land spaniel or English setter is 

 not more eminently distinguished for the beauty of his form, 

 than for his vivacity, unwearied perseverance, and sagacity, as 

 well as for his generous and ardent attachment to man. His 

 body is formed much like that of the greyhound, his countenance 

 is very expressive, he has large pendant ears, a long, brushy, 

 kandsome tail, and covered all over with long wavy hair; his 

 speed is very great ; and as his feet are small, and much pro- 

 tected with hair, he has thus a decided advantage over his 

 more delicate rival, and will run with indifference on hard 



