134 DOGS FOR THE MOORS. 



firing, however small the chance of hitting the bird. Also 

 change the dogs they hunt with as often as possible. 

 Young dogs, with this treatment, will very soon acquire 

 confidence, and never keep staring at their companion, 

 unless he is settling upon a point. 



When the sportsman rears his own puppies, he should 

 be most particular, not only about the acknowleged 

 excellence of the sire and dam, but also that their breeding 

 is unexceptionable and well known especially that there 

 is no cross of the rough, however remote, when breeding 

 pointers, and no smooth blood when setters are the object. 

 It sometimes happens that a dog, though not well bred, 

 may turn out first-rate ; but the progeny of such dog or 

 bitch hardly ever do. This double caution is therefore most 

 necessary, as otherwise much time and trouble might be 

 spent upon a dog that never would be worth it, from a 

 mistaken idea that, as his parents were excellent, he must 

 in the end turn out well too. 



To cross pointers and fox-hounds, or setters and spaniels, 

 for the sake of improving the noses of the former or the 

 travel of the latter, seldom answers. The one qualification 

 may be gained, but the dog generally loses in every other. 



In choosing young puppies, it is no bad plan (as the 

 free-tempered and high-couraged generally turn out the 

 best) to whistle out the litter, then strike your hands 

 smartly together above their heads : the timid will at once 

 shrink back. Give the preference to those who show least 

 alarm. A timid sulky dog often grows worse as years 

 increase ; but a bold free one improves. 



