46 



SECOND DIVISION OF THE 



and his limbs, more developed than those of the springer, should be mus- 

 cular, his carcase round, and his hair long and closely curled. Good 

 breaking is more necessary here than even with the land-spaniel, and, for- 

 tunately, it is more easily accomplished ; for, the water-spaniel, although a 

 stouter, is a more docile animal than the land one. 



Docility and affection are stamped on his countenance, and he rivals 

 every other breed in his attachment to his master. His work is double ; 



THE WATER-SPANIEL. 



first to find, when ordered so to do, and to back behind the sportsman 

 when the game will be more advantageously trodden up. In both he 

 must be taught to be perfectly obedient to the voice, that he may be kept 

 within range, and not unnecessarily disturb the birds. A more import- 

 ant part of his duty, however, is to find and bring the game that has 

 dropped. To teach him to find is easy enough, for a young water-spaniel 

 will as readily take to the water as a pointer puppy will stop ; but to 

 bring his game without tearing is a more difficult lesson, and the most 

 difficult of all is to make him suspend the pursuit of the wounded game 

 while the sportsman re-loads. 



The water- spaniel was originally from Spain ; but the pure breed has 

 been lost, and the present dog is probably descended from the large water- 

 dog and the English setter. 



The water and land spaniels differ materially from each other. The 

 water-spaniel, although when at his work being all that his master can 

 desire, is, when unemployed, comparatively a slow and inactive dog ; but 

 under this sobriety of demeanor is concealed a strength and fidelity of 



