CH. xv.] RIVAL KEEPERS. 277 



Spanish pointer.* what glorious dogs we should possess ! It is, 

 however, very difficult to procure them even in Russia of a pure 

 breed ; for so few sportsmen in that country think of shooting 

 according to our system, that but little attention is paid to their 

 fine setters. 



499. If your patience is not exhausted, you shall hear (as told me 



by an old commanding officer of mine, Major S n) how, many 



years ago, a bet was decided in the Highlands, as to the perfection 

 in dog-breaking attained by two rival keepers. It was in the month 

 of August, and there was plenty of game. The dogs produced by 

 the two competitors performed so brilliantly, were hunted so noise- 

 lessly, quartered their ground so systematically and independently, 

 and worked so zealously, yet cautiously, that the awarding of the 

 palm seemed to be a difficult matter. At length one of the keepers 

 obtained the decision of the umpires in his favour by the following 

 feat. He made his three dogs, in obedience to a low whistle and a 

 sign, at a moment when all three were separately setting, retreat 

 from their several points without flushing any of the birds, and take 

 up each other's points, each dog remaining stationary until he was 

 individually shot o^er. This great command, I suppose, but I 

 cannot assert it positively, must have been gained by much such 

 kennel discipline as is described in 30. It would appear, too, as if 

 a distinct whistle or note had been employed for each dog (505). 



500. I only advocate instruction that is really useful ; therefore, 

 I merely mention this instance of excellent breaking as another 

 evidence of the great perfection to which our well-bred dogs can be 

 brought : and as it is certain they can reach such perfection, I think 

 you will admit that every high-priced dog ought to be far better 

 educated than is customary. Indeed, I trust, if you are an enthusiast 

 on the subject, that you will not only agree with me in requiring 

 that he be as fully made as I have described, and as I am of opinion 

 is absolutely necessary (393), but that occasionally you will wish 

 him to be yet further instructed in some of the still higher accom- 

 plishments or refinements which, if you are willing, we will now 

 proceed to consider. 



* Improved as regards shape and action, but not as to stanclmess 

 and nose. 



