524 DOG-BREAKING. 



coated, they cannot be expected to dash into close 

 cover, or plunge into water after a duck or snipe when 

 the thermometer is near zero. 



] 05. It is usually allowed that, as a general rule, the 

 best land retrievers are bred from a cross between the 

 setter and the Newfoundland or the strong spaniel 

 and Newfoundland. I do not mean the heavy Labrador, 

 whose weight and bulk is valued because it adds to his 

 power of draught, nor the Newfoundland, increased in 

 size at Halifax and St. John's to suit the taste of the 

 English purchaser, but the far slighter dog reared by 

 the settlers on the coast, a dog that is quite as fond of 

 water as of land, and which in almost the severest part 

 of a North American winter will remain on the edge of a 

 rock for hours together, watching intently for anything 

 the passing waves may carry near him. Such a dog is 

 highly prized. Without his aid the farmer would secure 

 but few of the many wild ducks he shoots at certain 

 seasons of the year. The patience with which he waits 

 for a shot on the top of a high cliff until the numerous 

 flock sail leisurely underneath would be fruitless, 

 did not his noble dog fearlessly plunge in from the 

 greatest height, and successfully bring the slain to 

 shore. 



106. Probably a cross from the heavy, large headed 

 setter, who, though so wanting in pace, has an exquisite 

 nose; and the true Newfoundland, makes the bes^ 

 retriever. Nose is the first desideratum. A breaker 

 may doubt which of his pointers or setters possesses the 



