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DOGS FOE THE GUN. 



Mr advice on the subject of dogs must begin with the caution 

 never to lay too much stress on their general appearance. 

 For my own part, I must confess that I am not very partial 

 to the exceedingly fine-coated, silken-eared, tobacco-pipe-tailed 

 canine aristocracy ; for, even if their noses and style of hunting- 

 be good, they are invariably much affected by cold and wet wea- 

 ther, and can seldom undergo the fatigue requisite for the moors. 

 The most necessary qualifications of a dog are travel, last- 

 ingness, and nose. The two first are easily ascertained ; but 

 the other may not be found out for some time. I have seen 

 dogs shot over for a season without committing many mis- 

 takes, and on that account thought excellent by their masters : 

 their steadiness, of course, has been shown, but they have 

 given no proof of first-rate nose. Even a good judge may be 

 unable to form an accurate estimate of a dog's olfactory 

 powers until he has for several days hunted him against 

 another of acknowledged superiority. The difference may 

 then be shown, not by the former putting up game, but by 

 the latter getting more points. Should there be no tip-top 

 dog at hand to compete with, the only other criterion, though 

 not at all an infallible one, is the manner of finding game. 

 The sportsman must watch most narrowly the moment when 

 the dog first winds : if he throws up his head, and moves 

 boldly and confidently forward before settling on his point, 



