474 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



of pointing, and of stanchness to the point till the gun 

 arrives in position, are also self-evident. 



By feathering, and a general change of manner and 

 intensity of action, the spaniel indicates his recogni- 

 tion of the foot scent or the whereabouts of the birds. 

 By the observation of similar mannerisms, displayed 

 when he catches the body scent, the shooter discerns 

 when the spaniel is close to the birds or is about to 

 spring on them. Thus, while his preparation for effi- 

 cient field work requires but a moderate degree of 

 training, as compared with the more complex educa- 

 tion required for the setter and pointer, it is impera- 

 tive that his education, so far as it goes, shall be 

 complete. It is obvious that in the interest of good 

 sport he must conform to the gun's requirements. 



He should promptly obey the commands, "Heel," 

 "Go on," "Drop," "Fetch," "Come in," "Seek dead," 

 or "Find," and "Steady," the latter command being 

 of special importance, since it comes into frequent use 

 in many relations, as when the spaniel is roading too 

 fast, or is intent on a premature flush, or when he is 

 disposed to become riotous and generally disobedient. 

 A proper observance of this order makes in many ways 

 for the better success of the gun and the pleasure of 

 the shooter; therefore, the importance of establishing 

 thorough obedience to it. 



As to methods of finding the birds, the spaniel, as a 

 rule, follows the foot scent, differing in this respect 

 from the best working pointers and setters, which carry 

 a high nose to catch and follow the body scent direct to 



