FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN COMMENCED. 539 



from an unusually dry season there be but little scent, 

 that he may not be attracted by the taint of hares of 

 rabbits. Take him out alone, if he evince any disposi- 

 tion to hunt, which, at the age we will presume him to 

 have attained next season, we must assume that he will 

 do, and with great zeal. Be much guided by his temper 

 and character. Should he possess great courage and 

 dash, you cannot begin too soon to make him point. 

 You should always check a wild dog in racing after 

 pigeons and small birds on their rising; whereas you 

 should encourage a timid dog one who clings to 

 "heel" in such a fruitless but exciting chase. The 

 measures to be pursued with such an animal are fully 

 detailed in 111, 112. 



126. I may as well caution you against adopting the 

 foolish practice of attempting to cheer on your dog with 

 a constant low whistle, under the mistaken idea that it 

 will animate him to increased zeal in hunting. From 

 perpetually hearing the monotonous sound, it would 

 prove as little of an incentive to exertion as-a continued 

 chirrup to a horse ; and yet if habituated to it, your 

 dog would greatly miss it whenever hunted by a stranger. 

 Not unregarded, however, would it be by the birds, to 

 whom on a calm day it would act as a very useful 

 warning. 



127. Though you have not moors, fortunately we can 

 suppose your fields to be of a good size. Avoid all 

 which have recently been manured. Select those 

 that are large, and in which you are the least likely to 



