032 DOG-BREAKING. 



I could not have approached within gun-shot had the 

 dog not properly backed the gun when signalled to, 

 and cautiously crept after me, still remaining far in the 

 rear. 



TO RETREAT PROM A POINT AND RESUME IT. 



279. Amidst coppices, osiers, or broom indeed, some 

 times on a rough moor you will occasionally lose sight 

 of a dog, and yet be unwilling to call him, feeling assured 

 that he is somewhere steadily pointing ; and being vexa- 

 tiously certain that, when he hears your whistle, he will 

 either leave his point, not subsequently to resume it, or 

 which is far more probable amuse himself by raising 

 the game before he joins you. There are moments when 

 you would give guineas if he would retreat from his point, 

 come to you on your whistling, lead you towards the 

 bird, and there resume his point. 



280. This accomplishment and in many places abroad 

 its value is almost inappreciable can be taught him, 

 if he is under great command, by your occasionally 

 bringing him in to your heel from a point when he 

 is within sight and near you, and again putting him 

 on his point. You will begin your instruction in this 

 accomplishment when the dog is pointing quite close 

 to you. On subsequent occasions, you can gradually 

 increase the distance, until you arrive at such perfection 

 that you can let him be out of sight when you call him. 

 When he is first allowed to be out of your sight, he 

 ought not to be far from you. 



