164 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



young dogs, far preferable to a setter, no matter how superior 

 he may be, as the pointer makes a far more honest and unmis- 

 takable stand than the setter, and at all times is more certain in 

 his behavior. 



Young and heedless dogs at all times are great pests in the 

 field, and we are often led to suppose that they ought to be broken 

 thoroughly before taken out; at all events, they should be under 

 perfect control, so far as coming and going, before we force them 

 into the company of our friends' dogs to run and caper over the 

 fields, flushing and tearing after the birds, perfectly reckless of the 

 consequences. However, we have not much fear of a well-bred 

 dog, while under our tuition, disturbing the sport of our friends 

 while in the field, after we have once made him understand the 

 gross impropriety of running after birds ; for we are satisfied that 

 few or none will ever repeat the offence a second or third time after 

 they have escaped from our perhaps cruel hands. If they do, we 

 are willing to pass them over to the keeping of some one else far 

 more patient and tender than we pretend to be with obstinate and 

 reckless animals. 



Good dogs should be procured by provident sportsmen before 

 the shooting season comes around ; they can be had far cheaper at 

 such times, will become familiar with their new master, and learn 

 to understand his every look and gesture. Always purchase young 

 dogs in preference to old ones, even if they should not be so well 

 broken. Old dogs are contrary, or rather self-willed, and if they 

 have perchance any vices, they are difficult to be got rid off. 

 Young dogs are far more pliable, and if intelligent will soon 

 accommodate themselves to your peculiar habits and modes of 

 hunting, and, what is very important, will not require replacing as 

 soon as old dogs. You should not expect the dog to study your 

 character alone, but recollect that it is equally the duty of the master 

 to strive to understand the disposition and temper of his faithful 

 coadjutor. If timid and wanting in confidence, he must be cheered 

 rather than reproved ; if bold and full of action, he must be restrained 

 within proper bounds ; if negligent of commands and regardless of 



