THE RUSSIAN POINTER. 



Within a few years, a rough-coated dog, of the water-span- 

 iel breed, has been introduced to the notice of the sportsmen of 

 this country, under the denomination of the Russian Pointer. 

 Whether he be originally Russian is very doubtful ; but he is 

 evidently the ugliest strain of the water-spaniel species ; and, 

 like all dogs of this kind, is remarkable for penetrating thickets 

 and bramble bushes, runs very awkwardly, his nose close to the 

 ground (if not muzzle-pegged), and frequently springs his game. 

 He may be taught to set, and so may a terrier, or any dog that 

 will run and hunt, and even pigs, if we are to believe the story 

 of Sir Henry Mildmay's black sow ; but to compare him with 

 the animals which have formed the subjects of the two preced- 

 ing chapters, would be outrageous ; nevertheless, I am not 

 prepared to say, that out of a hundred of these animals, one 

 tolerable could not be found ; but I should think it madness to 

 recommend the Russian pointer to sportsmen, unless for the pur- 

 pose of pursuing the coot or the water-hen. 



