DOGS FOE THE GUN. 169 



of the sire and dam, but also that their breeding is unexcep- 

 tionable 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 ex- 

 cellent ; but the progeny of such dog or bitch hardly ever do 

 so. This double caution is therefore most necessary, as other- 

 wise 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 so good, 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. 



Except in driving game with beaters, there can be neither 

 comfort nor pleasure in any kind of shooting without efficient 

 and thoroughly-trained dogs. Immense prices are therefore 

 freely given for a pup, or even a cross, from any distinguished 

 kennel. Probably a man would be supplied with a really 

 valuable article by applying to any of the celebrated canine 

 dealers ; but there are numbers of young and promising gun 

 sportsmen who are eager for the aid of good dogs without pay- 

 ing a " perfect ransom " for them, and to such I may be 

 allowed to write a few words on the subject. 



I do not wish to be dogmatical in the matter, although to 

 the sticklers for high-caste dogs I must appear dog-democratic 

 in recalling old Hawker's advice viz., " to procure a pup of 

 the best dog and bitch in your own neighbourhood," and the 



