LESSONS IN " FETCHING." 523 



peared little inclined to quit " heel." Of course a train- 

 er's trouble is decreased by not breaking to the " down 

 charge," which may induce some to recommend the 

 plan ; though it is to be observed, that this class of dogs 

 is more easily than any other perfected in it, because the 

 breaker nearly always possesses the power of treading 

 upon or seizing the checkcord the instant a bird is sprung. 



103. The nature of your shooting will much influence 

 you in deciding which of the two methods to adopt ; 

 but should you select the one which the generality of 

 good sportsmen consider to be most according to rule, 

 and to possess the greatest beauty, viz., the " down 

 charge," rather lose any bird, however valuable, so long 

 as your retriever remains young, than put him on the 

 " foot " a second before you have reloaded. Undoubtedly 

 it ought to be taught to every dog broken for sale, as the 

 purchaser can always dispense with it should he judge it 

 unnecessary it can soon be untaught. It is clear that 

 not "quitting heel " until ordered is tantamount to the 

 regular " down charge," but I think the last is the easiest 

 to enforce constantly. It is the more decided step. 



104. Large retrievers are less apt to mouth their 

 game than small ones : but very heavy dogs are not 

 desirable, for they soon tire. And yet a certain medium 

 is necessary, for they ought to have sufficient strength 

 to carry a hare with ease through a thicket, when 

 balanced in their jaws, and be able to jump a fence with 

 her. They should run mute. And they should be 

 thick coated: unless they are so, I do not say long 



