TRAINING DOGS FOR THE GUN. 117 



dependance can be placed on the offspring of the very best ani- 

 mals thus obtained. The most valuable dogs are, unquestionably, 

 those produced between the Spanish pointer and the deep-flewed 

 fox-hound or deep-flewed harrier, particularly if the progeny in- 

 cline much to the pointer ; unless, indeed, speed be more the ob- 

 ject than acute olfactory nerves, when the lighter kind of hounds 

 will be found to answer best. The Spanish pointer has been 

 already so judiciously crossed, and is arrived at such a degree of 

 perfection, as to leave little to be desired in the way of experi- 

 ment ; good pointers are now to be met with in all parts of the 

 kingdom. Pointers are very susceptible of education, are easily 

 broke or trained, and not so apt to forget their lessons as the 

 setter. 



Having offered these preliminary remarks on the varieties of 

 the dog, I will now proceed to a consideration of the subject more 

 immediately under discussion. A very mistaken notion (as be- 

 fore observed) has obtained currency, namely, that those dogs 

 which it is difficult to reduce to the required subordination, ul- 

 timately prove, when thoroughly subdued, superior to all others- 

 How such an idea could have become prevalent 1 am at a loss 

 to conjecture ; but I have not the least hesitation in pronouncing 

 it erroneous. That there have been good dogs of this descrip- 

 tion I am willing to admit, one, perhaps, out of a hundred ; 

 but it must be acknowledged, after all, that the steadiness of the 

 very best of these hardy, headstrong dogs is seldom to be de- 

 pended on ; they are always apt to spring the game, particularly 

 when hunted in company ; and it is only by hard labour, or ex- 

 cessive correction, or both, that their mischievous impetuosity 

 can be restrained. 



The first object to be considered in training a dog is the anz- 

 maTs temper : some dogs require frequent and severe correction, 

 while, with others, mild treatment, and even encouragement, are 

 indispensable. The most philosophic patience is an admirable 



