576 DOG-BREAKING. 



being accustomed to the restraint of having first to run 

 up to the gun. 



187. To prevent your pupil ever behaving so badly, 

 often adopt the plan of not " seeking dead " immediately 

 after loading, especially if the birds are lying well. 

 Mark accurately the spot where your victim lies, and 

 closely hunt for others, endeavoring to instil great cau- 

 tion into the dog, much in the manner being guided by 

 his disposition and character described in 144, 145, and 

 228. As long as any of the covey remain unsprung, you 

 ought not to pick up one dead bird, though you should 

 have a dozen on the ground. Your dog ought not even 

 to " down charge " after you have fired, if he is fully 

 aware that more birds are before him. To impart to 

 him the knowledge that, however important is the "dvwn 

 charge^ his continuing at his point is still more so, you 

 may, when the birds are lying well and he is at a fixed 

 point, make your attendant discharge a gun at a little 

 distance while you remain near the dog, encouraging 

 him to maintain his " toho." If you have no attendant, 

 and the birds lie like stones, fire off a barrel yourself 

 while the dog is steadily pointing. He will fancy you 

 see birds which he has not noticed, and, unless properly 

 tutored and praised by you, will be desirous- to quit 

 those he has found, to search for the bird he conceives 

 you have shot. 



188. It is a fine display of intelligence in the dog, and 

 of judicious training in the breaker may it be your 

 desert and reward ere long to witness it in your pupil, 



