CH. VIL] HOK F. C- H'S RETRIEVED. 127 



more inclined to commit this error from the rivalry of 

 companionship, an additional argument is presented in 

 favour of breaking them separately, and giving them 

 their own time, quietly and methodically, to work out 

 a scent, provided the nose be carried high. I am satisfied 

 most of us hurry young dogs too much. Observe the 

 result of patience and care, as exhibited in the person 

 of the old Dropper, noticed in 228. 



215. But, doubtless, there are mysterious influences and instincts 

 of which the wisest of us know but little. 



216. An old brother-officer of mine, the Hon. F. C h, has a 



very handsome black retriever that possesses the extraordinary gift 

 of being able to run direct to any game, or even glove, you may 

 leave behind you, however tortuous may be your subsequent path. 



C h told me that he has, in the presence of keepers, frequently 



dropped a rabbit within sight of the dog, and then walked in a 

 circle, or rather semicircle, to the other side of a low hill a distance, 

 possibly, of nearly a mile before he desired the dog to fetch it ; 

 yet, on receiving the order, the animal invariably set off in an un- 

 deviating line straight to the rabbit, unless his attention had been 

 drawn away by playing with other dogs a license C h some- 

 times designedly allowed. The retriever would then shuffle about a 

 little before he went off, but when he started it would be in as direct 

 a line to the object as usual. 



217. No one could explain by what sense or faculty he performed 

 this feat. It appears not to have been by the aid of his olfactory 



powers, for C h (who is a keen sportsman, and capital shot, by 



the bye) would often purposely manage that the dog, when he was 

 desired to " fetch " the object, should be immediately to windward 

 of it : and in the most unfavourable position, therefore, for deriving 

 any advantage from the exercise of his nasal organs. 



218. Capt. G g, K.N. mentioned to me, that a ship, in which 



he had served many years ago in the Mediterranean, seldom entered 

 a port that the large Newfoundland belonging to her did not jump 

 overboard the instant the anchor was dropped, swim ashore, and 

 return, after an hour or two's lark, direct to his own ship, though 

 she might be riding in a crowd of vessels. He would then bark, 

 anxiously, until the bight of a rope was hove to him. Into this he 

 would contrive to get his fore legs, and, on his seizing it firmly with 

 his teeth, the sailors, who were much attached to him, would hoist 

 him on board. 



219. Mr. W b, of S a, had a young Newfoundland that 



from very puppyhood took fearlessly to water, but acquired as he 

 grew up such wandering propensities on land, that his master deter- 

 mijied to part with him, and accordingly made him a present to his 



