180 BIRD RUN TO WINDWARD. [CH. XL 



and then instantly call out "Toho." After a few times 

 lie will, to a certainty, understand you. 



307. You should kill outright the few first birds at 

 which you fire. I would infinitely prefer that you 

 should miss altogether, than that one of the two or three 

 first birds should be a runner. Afterwards you have 

 full leave to merely wing a bird; but still I should wish 

 it not to be too nimble. This is a good trial of your 

 judgment as well as the dog's. I hope he is to leeward 

 of the bird, and that it will not catch his eye. See he 

 touches on the haunt. Do not let him work with his 

 nose to the ground. "Up, up," must be your encouraging 

 words (or " On, on," according to circumstances), whilst 

 with your right hand (iv. of 141) you are alternately 

 urging and restraining him, so as to make him advance 

 at a suitable pace. From his previous education, not 

 being flurried by any undue dread of the whip, he will 

 be enabled to give his undisturbed attention, and devote 

 all his faculties to follow unerringly the retreating bird. 

 But from inexperience he may wander from the haunt. 

 On perceiving this, bring him, by signals, back to the 

 spot where he was apparently last aware of the scent. 

 He will again hit it off'. If you view the bird ever so 

 far ahead, on no account run. I hope you will at length 

 observe it lie down. Head it, if possible, and strike it 

 with your whip, if you think you will be unable to 

 seize it with your hand. Endeavour to prevent its 

 fluttering away ; it is too soon to subject the youngster 

 to such a severe trial of his nerves and steadiness. Then, 

 (having put the poor creature out of its misery, by 

 piercing its skull, or rapping its head against your gun,) 

 as before (266), show your dog the gratifying prize which 

 your combined exertions have gained. 



308. Should he unluckily have caught sight of the 



