THE SCIENCE OF BREEDING. 65 



value iii proportion to its degree. Style means the beauty of the 

 dog's action when at work. Practically, it does not add to or de- 

 tract from his efficiency, but it certainly adds to the sportsman's 

 pleasure, as the appearance of a stylish dog beating his ground, 

 drawing to birds, or pointing, is much more attractive than that 

 of a slovenly though equally efficient performer. Stanchness is a 

 sine qua non. Without tenacity of point other work, however bril 

 liant, is rendered useless, as the dog, pointing the birds far in advance 



"SPECIAL" (6055). 



" PAX," " ROMP." 



Owner, G. Thorpe Bartram, England. 



of the gun, will by breaking point flush them before the sportsman 

 can come up. Keenness of scenting powers, commonly called 

 u nose," is also a quality which can never be excessive. It is one 

 of the most important attributes of a field-dog, and may indeed be 

 placed in the front rank, as upon it depends the success of the dog's 

 work. Without it there can be no point, as the dog will receive no 

 warning of the birds' presence, and consequently will gallop into 

 them instead of stopping. First-class noses are as rare as brilliancy 

 in other of the higher faculties, but being so desirable they must be 

 bred for, and thus made as common as possible. Love of hunting 



