6 it) DOG-BREAKING. 



take him to the Lowlands, where they are plentiful. 

 By then killing a good many over him, and severely 

 punishing him whenever he attempts to follow, a cure 

 is often effected in two or three days. In the yet higher 

 ranges, the mountain-hares, from possessing a peculiarly 

 strong scent, and not running to a distance, are a severe 

 trial to the steadiest dog. 



238. Killing a sitting hare to your dog's point will 

 wonderfully steady him from chasing ; but do not fire 

 until he has remained stanch for a considerable time. 

 This will show him that puss is far more likely to be 

 bagged by your firing than by his pursuing. 



239. For the same object, I mean to make your 

 young dog stanch, I would recommend your killing a 

 few birds on the ground to his point were it not that 

 you rarely have the opportunity. 



240. When you have made your dog perfectly steady 

 from chasing you may supposing you have no retriever 

 at hand, naturally enough, inquire how you are to 

 teach him to follow any hare you may be so unlucky as 

 merely to wound. I acknowledge that the task is dim- 

 cult. I would say, at once resolve to give up every 

 wounded hare during his first season.* The following 

 year, provided you find that he remains quite steady, on 

 your wounding an unfortunate wretch, encourage your 



* This appears extremely cruel ; remember, however, that I en- 

 treated you to abstain entirely from shooting hares ; but if you 

 would not make this sacrifice, at least " only to fire at those which 

 you were likely to kill outright" 231. 



