American Variations g 



formance at work, the best bird dogs and hounds 

 ever seen. If this seems a broad statement, I 

 must refer to English sportsmen of my acquaint- 

 ance who have done hunting and shooting on 

 both sides. 



That being the fact, it becomes worth while 

 to inquire into the history of our sporting dogs 

 and to formulate some of the methods we use in 

 handling them. 



The reader will understand that the American 

 modification here considered is not accepted by 

 all Americans. There has been a conflict, some- 

 times bitter, between those who would adhere 

 strictly to English ideals and standards and those 

 who would press into recognition the American 

 changes. The East, generally speaking, is the 

 conservative section, supported by many Cana- 

 dian sportsmen. 



English setter men have conducted the factional 

 contest most sharply. Soon after the introduc- 

 tion of bench shows, the American school, led by 

 bench and field judges like Major Taylor, now of 

 New York, Mr. P. T. Madison of Indianapolis, 

 Mr. P. H. Bryson of Memphis, General Shattuc 

 of Cincinnati, and Mr. W. S. Bell of Pittsburg, 

 insisted on awarding bench prizes to the lighter 

 type. Twice a club has been organized to formu- 

 late a new written standard. The first was fifteen 

 years ago, the second in 1 900-1 901. These new 



