THE PARTRIDGE. 163 



Do not be in too great a hurry for the first half hour. Go along 

 leisurely, and give the dogs an opportunity to empty themselves, 

 clear their nostrils, and tune their olfactory apparatus to a fine 

 degree of nicety by snuffing the untainted morning breeze. 



It is always better to engage the services of a person to act 

 as marker. He can also carry on his arm a small basket con- 

 taining extra ammunition and a few nicely-prepared sandwiches 

 for luncheon. 



MODE OF HUNTING DOGS. 



Having already given a very minute and detailed account of 

 the partridge, as well as carried the sportsman into the field and 

 conducted him to the spots where he would most likely find the 

 game, it now remains for us to talk with him upon a subject of 

 the utmost importance, namely, " the proper manner in which to 

 hunt his dogs." 



In the first place, let me warn you Against venturing into the 

 field for a day's hunt with half-broken dogs, more especially if in 

 company, as you will only worry yourself and annoy your friends ; 

 but rather stay at home, or go alone attended by such torments. 

 If you go in company, you will not be able to teach them any 

 thing, owing to the ill-temper either of yourself or friends; 

 whereas, on the other hand, if you go alone, you will soon break 

 them in, after a few disappointments, and perhaps have a fine day's 

 shooting. An old stanch pointer is the best field mentor for 



