238 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



of our country, more particularly early in the season, when the 

 coverts are so very thick. We would recommend to those having 

 a fancy to try them, to put a small ring to the dog's collar, to 

 which they might attach the bell by means of a spring-hook, simi- 

 lar to those now so generally used for fastening the guard-chain to 

 the vest button-hole. Arranged in this way, the bell can be re- 

 moved or put on at a moment's notice, according to circumstances. 



We are certainly an admirer of the little cocker spaniel, and 

 would advise gentlemen, more particularly those residing in the 

 country, who pursue shooting as a pastime, and not for the mere 

 wanton gratification of bagging large quantities of game, to try 

 their hands with these active little creatures, as we are sure they 

 will be delighted with their boisterous and exciting style of hunt- 

 ing, giving subdued tongue when on the scent of game, and then 

 bursting forth with joyous acclamations when the bird is flushed 

 and on the wing.* 



If the reader should ever be so fortunate as to possess a cocker 

 spaniel to whom he can, in good faith, address the following four 

 lines of an epitaph, he may consider himself thrice fortunate 

 indeed : 



" Alike the woodcock's dreary haunt, 



Though keen to find amidst the shade, 

 Ne'er did thy tongue redoubled chant, 



But mark quick echoed through the glade." 



* For the tuition and management of spaniels, see our edition of Touatt on thi 

 Dog. 



