5f> THE SHOOTER'S GUIDE. 



The pointer generally to be recommended is of 

 the middle size ; well made, active, light, and strong. 

 It will easily be perceived, that a dog of this descrip- 

 tion will bear a vast deal of hunting; whereas a 

 small one, however good he may be, is by no means 

 calculated for a piece of strong turnips or potatoes, 

 long and stiff stubbles, or mountains where the heath 

 is strong and long : on the contrary, it is generally 

 supposed, that a large dog is much sooner tired by 

 his own weight than one of the middle size : conse- 

 quently the latter are in general to be preferred, and, 

 i deed, I would by all means recommend them ; but 

 at the same time, 1 would not refuse a large dog for 

 no other reason than his size; as, however large a 

 dog may be, it often happens that he has strength 

 according to his bulk; and I have seen some in- 

 stances of very large dogs, whose strength has sup- 

 ported long-continued exertion, not to be borne by 

 one of a smaller size, and whose good qualities have 

 placed them at the summit of excellence. 



With respect to colour, much perhaps may depend 

 on fancy; and no doubt there are very good dogs of 

 all colours : however, those 1 would recommend are 

 the liver or brown, and white. A white dog is to be 

 preferred on account of his good temper, and being 

 naturally less subject to disease than others, which 

 arises from the predominancy of phlegm in his con- 

 stitution ; he has an excellent nose, is a curious hun- 

 ter, is full of stratagems and cunning, and may be 

 seen at a great distance. Pointers of a brown or 



