INITIATORY LESSONS OUT OF DOOES. 529 



a day ; for be assured a good method of ranging can 

 only be implanted when he is young. 



112. Should your pup be so long before taking to 

 hunting that your patience becomes exhausted, let an 

 older dog accompany you a few times. When he finds 

 birds, gradually bring the young one upon them from 

 leeward, and let him spring them. Encourage him to 

 sniff the ground they have quitted, and allow him to run 

 riot on the haunt. After that enjoyment, the example 

 of the old dog will most likely soon make him range, 

 and employ his nose in seeking a repetition of what has 

 afforded him such unexpected delight. If it does not, 

 and the old dog is steady and good-humored enough 

 to bear the annoyance cheerfully, couple the young one 

 to him. Before this he should have learned to work 

 kindly in couples 44. But I am getting on too fast, 

 and swerving from the track I had marked for myself. 

 By-and-by I will tell you how I think you should instruct 

 your youngster to quarter his ground to the best advan- 

 tage 12V, &c. 



113. Common sense shows that you ought not to cor- 

 rect your dog for disobedience, unless you are certain 

 that he knows his fault. Now you will see that the ini- 

 tiatory lessons I recommend must give him that know- 

 ledge, for they explain to him the meaning of almost all 

 the signs and words of command you will have to em- 

 ploy when shooting. That knowledge, too, is imparted 

 by a system of rewards, not punishments. Your object 

 is not to break his spirit, but his self-will. With his 



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