POINTERS AND SETTERS. 



common ; but their instincts are somewhat limited 

 or not called forth. It is only in its domesticated 

 state that we find the various qualities which 

 render the dog so useful a servant to man. Wild 

 dogs are, in comparison with domesticated dogs, 

 what savages are to civilized society ; for where- 

 ever savages are found, they bear some resem- 

 blance to each other, and are engaged in similar 

 pursuits. 



England is not less famous for its horses than 

 for its sporting dogs. Our grey-hounds, fox- 

 hounds, and harriers are unequalled, and that they 

 are so results from the care that has been taken 

 to keep each breed distinct. All our pointers are, 

 in some degree, of Spanish extraction ; and such 

 of them as have most Spanish blood in their veins 

 are unquestionably the best. The Spanish pointer 

 is about twenty-one inches in height. He has a 

 large head, is heavily made, broad-chested, stout- 

 limbed, with a large dew-lap ; his eyes are full, 

 and widely apart, and his nose is broad ; his tail 

 is straight, short and thick, and his ears large, 

 pendulous, and fine ; he should have a round- 

 balled and not a flat foot.* Notwithstanding, how- 



* " The most essential point about the dog," says General Hanger, 

 " is a good foot ; for, without a good firm foot, he can never hunt 

 long. I never look at a dog which has a thin, flat, wide, and spread 

 foot." He relates the advice given him by a gamekeeper in Suffolk 

 for keeping the dog's foot in working condition. " As long as the 

 ground is dry and hard, I always wash my dog's feet with warm 

 soap and water, and clean them well, particularly between the toes 

 and balls of the feet ; this comforts his feet, allays the heat, and pro- 

 motes the circulation in the feet. In the more advanced period of 

 the season, when the ground is very wet, then salt and water may be 

 proper." 



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