264 The Sporting Dog 



see-Mississippi line. Just after the United States 

 trial, usually about the first of February, what its 

 members call " the " championship has been com- 

 ing off. This is the event which has been won 

 by Tony's Gale, Joe Gumming, Lady's Gount 

 Gladstone, Sioux, and Geneva. It is a special 

 club, not under any other body, but the win- 

 ning of the stake has so far been esteemed the 

 crowning performance of each season. The title 

 of this body is now the National Ghampionship 

 Association. 



Lately there has been a movement to consoli- 

 date the American, — Interstate, — the Ganadian, 

 and the National championships, so that an un- 

 disputed winner may be crowned each year. But 

 some differences of opinion and some incon- 

 veniences of travel will probably operate against 

 any stable plan of concentrating on one field dog 

 championship. One or another championship 

 association may dissolve, — the finances being a 

 burden when entries are so limited, — and thus 

 leave a single trial supreme for a season, but 

 others will arise, for reasons of geography and the 

 convenience of owners. 



None of these associations has an extensive 

 membership or the elements of permanence. In 

 effect they are little more than agencies for the 

 owners and handlers. Their funds consist almost 

 wholly of entrance fees. Most of them consist of 



