166 EDUCATION BEFORE GAME-BAG. [CH. x. 



shooting. He had no older dog to set them a good example, and as 

 they were wholly unbroken, he feared they would bolt for home the 

 moment he squibbed off his gun ; but, though they seemed much 

 astonished and extremely nervous at the report, great caressing and 

 encouragement induced them to remain. After awhile the dog 

 went forward, and sniffed about, then he began to hunt, at length 

 he did so very assiduously ; but his sister not so keenly, for she did 

 little more than follow in his wake. Generally it is otherwise, 

 bitches being usually the earliest in the field. At length the dog 

 came to a stiff point at the edge of some turnips. The bitch per- 

 ceived him and timidly backed. Mr. M 1 hastened up birds 



arose one fell, fortunately killed outright the dog dashed at it, 

 and, tremulous with a world of new and pleasurable emotions, 

 nosed and fumbled it about in a very excited manner, but did not 



attempt to gripe it. Mr. M 1, lest he should damp the youngster's 



ardour, refrained from rating, or even speaking to him, but left 

 him entirely to himself. After a time, singular to say, for he had 

 not been taught as a puppy to " fetch," he lifted the partridge, 

 and carried it to his master, a practice he was afterwards allowed to 

 pursue. Is it not clear that, if he had been well instructed in the 



initiatory lessons, Mr. M 1 would have found him perfectly made 



with the exception of having no systematic range ? He turned out 

 extremely well, and constantly showed himself superior to his sister, 

 who always wanted mettle. 



As in the present instance, it often occurs that a dog 

 is less inclined to dash in at first than when he is more 

 acquainted with birds. He is suddenly arrested by the 

 novelty of the scent, and it is not until he is fully 

 assured from what it proceeds that he longs to rush for- 

 ward and give chase. In autumnal breaking the dog 

 gets his bird it is killed for him he is satisfied arid 

 therefore he has not the same temptation to rush in as 

 when he is shown birds in the spring. 



281. If you find your dog, from excess of delight and 

 exuberance of spirits, less under general command than 

 from his initiatory education you had expected, and that 

 he will not " toho " steadily at the exact spot at which 

 you order him, at once attach a checkcord to his collar. 

 It will diminish his pace, and make him more cautious 

 and obedient. The moment you next see him begin to 

 feather, get up quickly, but without running, to the end 



