CH. v.] GAIN AFFECTION. 79 



hunting that your patience becomes exhausted, let an 

 old dog accompany you a few times. When lie finds 

 birds, gradually bring the young one upon them from 

 leeward, and let him spring them. Encourage him to 

 sniff the ground they have quitted, and allow him to 

 run riot on the haunt. After that enjoyment, the 

 example of the old dog will most likely soon make 

 him range, and employ his nose in seeking a repetition 

 of what has afforded him such unexpected delight. If 

 it does not, and the old dog is steady and good-humoured 

 enough to bear the annoyance cheerfully, couple the 

 young one to him. Before this he should have learned 

 to work kindly in couples (48) . But I am getting on 

 too fast, and swerving from the track I had marked for 

 myself. By-and-by I will tell you how I think you 

 should instruct your youngster to quarter his ground to 

 the best advantage. (173, &cv) 



134. Common sense shows that you ought not to 

 correct your dog for disobedience, unless you are certain 

 that he knows his fault. Now you will see that the 

 initiatory lessons I recomnieiid r must give him that 

 knowledge, for they explain to him the meaning of 

 almost all the signs and words of command you will 

 have to employ when shooting. That knowledge, too, 

 is imparted by a system of rewards, not punishments. 

 Your object is not to break his spirit, but his self-will. 

 With his obedience you gain his affection. The greatest 

 hardship admissible, in this early stage of his education, 

 is a strong jerk of the checkcord, and a sound rating, 

 given, wlien necessary, in the loudest tone and sternest 

 manner ; and it is singular how soon he will discrimi- 

 nate between the reproving term "bad" (to which he 

 will sensitively attach a feeling of shame), and the 

 encouraging word " good," expressions that will here- 



