SHOOTING HARES. 617 



are afraid to speak lest you should alarm the birds, and 

 before you can catch hold of the presumptuous jackanapes, 

 he not only steals close to the good old dog, but actually 

 ventures to head him; nay, possibly dares to crawl 

 on yet nearer to the birds in the hope of enjoying a 

 more intoxicating sniff. 



251. All dogs but the "finder" should stand wholly 

 by sight, just the reverse of pointing. Your dog's 

 nose ought to have nothing to do with backing. If you 

 permit it, he will get the abominable habit of creeping up 

 to his companions in the manner just described 250 

 when he observes them to be winding birds ; and though 

 he may not presume to take the lead, nay, even keep 

 at so respectful a distance as in no way to annoy the 

 "finder," yet a longing to inhale the "grateful steam" 

 as that good poet and capital sportsman, Somerville, 

 terms it will make him constantly watch the other dogs, 

 instead of bestowing his undivided attention and faculties 

 upon finding game for himself. It is quite enough if he 

 backs whenever you order him, or he accidentally catches 

 sight of another dog either " pointing" or "reading*," and 

 the less he is looking after his companions, the more 

 zealously will he attend to his own duties. 



252. If you have any fears that the old dog when he is 

 on birds will not act steadily, should you have occasion 

 to chide the young one, be careful to give the old dog a 

 word expressive of your approval, before you commence 

 to rate the other. 



253. When your youngster is hereafter hunted in 



