216 WILD -FOWL SHOOTING 







dog for this work is a cross between a water-dog and 

 large terrier ; the terrier gives nose, and the water-dog 

 coolness and steadiness. I should say, that, before you can 

 procure one which upon trial may prove worth the great ' 

 trouble of thoroughly training, you may have to destroy 

 half-a-dozen. You should begin your training when the 

 dog is very young ; and, if you find he is not turning out 

 as you could wish, seal his fate at once. The dog you 

 want must be mute as a badger, and cunning as a fox : 

 he must be of a most docile and biddable disposition ; the 

 generality of this breed are so : they are also slow and heavy 

 in their movements, and phlegmatic in their temper great 

 requisites ; but when fowl are to be secured, you will find 

 no want either of will or activity, on land or water. The 

 accompanying woodcut may serve to show the sort of dog 



allowed it; but there it lay, still as a stone. So, throwing off my shooting- 

 jacket and shoes, I plunged in, waded up to the neck, and struck out for 

 my prey. By the time I reached the bird, it had floated fully a hun- 

 dred yards ; but getting its leg between my teeth, I wheeled about for the 

 land. My difficulties now began, for the waves were very high, and 

 dashed right into my face. Several times, during my slow progress, I 

 determined to leave the golden-eye to its fate, and as often braced myself 

 up again, unwilling to have so cold a bath for nothing. At last I nearcd 

 the shore, got into calm water, and, after sounding once or twice, struck 

 gi'ound, and reached terra firma with my prize, the leg of which I had 

 nearly bitten through during my exertions. It was an intensely cold day 

 about the end of December, with frequent snow-showers ; and had the 

 golden-eye not been the most valued of the diving race, I should never 

 have made such a fool of myself. I arrived at home quite benumbed, 

 determining no more to act the part of a retriever. 



Another stormy mid- winter day, a farmer sent to let us know that a 

 flock of wild-swans had appeared off the shore. My brother and I instantly 

 started with our duck-guns. When we had reconnoitred with our glasses, 



