INITIATORY LESSONS CONTINUED. 499 



are that he will double back on the exact line by which 

 he came. They should be high-mettled, as regardless 

 of the severest weather as of the most punishing cover, 

 and ever ready to spring into the closest thicket the 

 moment a pointed finger gives the command. 



67. A comprehension of the signal made by the finger 

 which is far neater than the raising of the hand de- 

 scribed in 30, but not so quickly understood might 

 with advantage be imparted to all dogs trained for the 

 gun, in order to make them hunt close exactly where 

 directed. It is usually taught by pointing with the 

 fore-finger of the right hand to pieces of biscuit, pre 

 viously concealed, near easily recognised tufts of grass, 

 weeds, <fec. It is beautiful to see how correctly, 

 promptly, yet quietly, some spaniels will work in every 

 direction thus indicated. 



68. Breasting a strong cover with cockers, is more 

 suited to young, than to old men. The gun must follow 

 rapidly, and stick close when a dog is on the road of 

 feather. A shot will then infallibly be obtained, if a 

 good dog be at work ; for the more closely a bird is 

 pressed, the hotter gets the scent. If a pheasant found 

 in thick cover on marshy ground near water a locality 

 they much like in hot weather is not closely pushed, 

 he will so twist, and turn, and double upon old tracks 

 that none but the most experienced dogs will be able to 

 stick to him. 



69. The preceding observations respecting spaniels 

 apply to all descriptions employed on land-service, 



