162 DEAFv BIRDS LEFT ON GROUND. [CH. ix. 



other birds out of shot is generally attributable to the 

 dog's having be$n allowed to rush at the fallen bird, 

 instead of being^ accustomed to the restraint of having 

 first to run up to -the gun. 



274. To prevent your pupil from ever behaving so 

 badly, often adojt the plan of not " seeking dead" im- 

 mediately after loading, especially if the birds are lying 

 well. Mark accurately the spot where your victim lies, 

 and closely hunt for others, endeavouring to instil great 

 caution into the dog, much in the manner (being guided 

 by his disposition and character) described in 196, 197, 

 and 329. As long as any of the covey remain unsprung, 

 you ought not to pick up one dead bird, though you 

 should have a dozen on the ground. Your dog ought 

 not even to " down charge " after you have fired, if he is 

 fully aware that more birds are before him. To impart 

 to him the knowledge that, however important is the 

 " dmvn charge" his continuing at his point is still more 

 so, you may, when the birds are lying well and he is at 

 a fixed point, make your attendant discharge a gun at 

 a little distance while you remain near the dog, en- 

 couraging him to maintain his " toho." If you have no 

 attendant, and the birds lie like stones, fire off a barrel 

 yourself while the dog is steadily pointing.* He will 

 fancy you see birds which he has not noticed, and, un- 

 less properly tutored and praised by you, will be desirous 

 to quit those he has found, to search for the bird he 

 conceives you have shot. 



275. It is a fine display of intelligence in the dog, 

 and of judicious training in the breaker (may it be your 

 desert and reward ere long to witness it in your pupil), 

 when a pointer (or setter) in goodly turnips or strong 

 potatoes draws upon birds which obligingly rise one 



* Ofteiier practicable on heather than on stubble. 



