THE POINTER. 141 



he is flew-jawed, or short-headed. His eyes should 

 be full, his poll rising to a point ; his ears long and 

 well hung ; that is, falling between his neck and 

 jaws. His neck and head must be set on straight, 

 so that, when he points, his nose may turn up rather, 

 than otherwise. Let his shoulders be deep, and well 

 let down ; and his elbows well in. He should have 

 large straight legs ; small feet, a little pointed, stand- 

 ing fair, and the balls small and open. His withers 

 should be narrow, his back slightly curved, his loins 

 broad. He should be deep in the fillets and gaskins ; 

 short from the hock to the postern joint ; with flat 

 sides ; fine, marked veins ; his croup straight ; and 

 a fine stern, or tail, set on high, and straight. 



Having chosen a dog according to these sugges- 

 tions, take him into the field, and observe how he 

 behaves. Mark if he be a gallant beater : ranging 

 high, going within himself, his head well up, and to 

 the wind, as endeavouring to catch a flying scent; 

 making his casts, turns, and offers, dashingly ; neither 

 hanging on the haunt, nor puzzling for a ground 

 scent. See that he quarters his ground regularly 

 and independently of any other dog hunting in com- 

 pany, without leaving the corners of his fields un- 

 tried. He must neither skulk, shirk, break-field, 

 follow, watch, blink, nor point at sight. He shall 

 not be hard nosed, nor near scented, but wind his 

 birds at long distances ; keep his point stanchly ; 

 back without jealousy ; crouch to bird, dog, or gun, 

 at a signal from the hand, or the word " To-ho ! " 



