BKEAKING. 89 



better than the " fetch," which is used in yard-breaking, as the 

 former is more distinctive in character. The breaker must watch 

 closely to see that the dog does not seize the bird roughly, or crush 

 it in carrying, and must be careful to make him sit up and deliver 

 into hand, thus insuring stylish work, and what is even more 

 important, the possible escape of a wounded bird when, after a 

 time, the dog is allowed to retrieve such. 



BACKING. 



We do not believe in working a young dog in company of 

 others till fully established in his own work, for the reason that 

 if he finds his companion by greater experience finds more birds, 

 he will be apt to depend upon him instead of hunting independ- 

 ently. It is essential, however, that he be worked in company 

 after a time, not only to overcome or prevent jealousy, but also to 

 teach him to back, or, in other words, point his companion when 

 pointing. This is not merely a stylish performance, as it is of 

 practical value. If a dog does not back, but, on the contrary, rushes 

 up to the pointing dog, the latter will, unless very steady, be made 

 jealous, and may be induced to break his point. Birds too, if at 

 all wild, are very apt to rise when the second dog comes up, thus 

 destroying all chances for a shot, except in those exceptional cases 

 when the sportsman happens to be near the dogs. It is very 

 necessary, therefore, that the back be as prompt and steady as the 

 point, and no dog can be considered properly broken that is not 

 thoroughly reliable " before and behind." 



Backing is taught by stopping the dog the instant it is evident 

 he notices his companion's point, and keeping him standing till the 

 birds have been flushed, fired upon, and retrieved if killed. If the 

 dog has been taught to drop to shot he should of course drop, and 

 remain down till ordered up, otherwise the standing position must 

 be maintained. It is often difficult to keep the backer steady while 

 the sportsman advances and shoota. It is well, therefore, to give 

 the first lessons with the help of another man to do the shooting. 

 By all means, also, the pupil should be worked in company of the 



