THE PARTRIDGE. 107 



mals to him, and, consequently, makes them the more sub- 

 servient to his will, and therefore the more anxious to do 

 that which will merit his caresses and kind treatment. This is 

 really far more important than many careless owners of Dogs 

 suppose ; it is a feature in Sporting, however, that should not 

 be overlooked, and we wish particularly to call the attention of 

 our friends to its operation. For, after all, the pleasures re- 

 sulting from the field are almost entirely dependent upon the 

 good and gentle behavior of our Dogs ; for without their exhila- 

 rating presence and cheerful assistance, the hunting of most 

 game would be not only very tame, but very uncertain amuse- 

 ment. 



Having partaken of our supper, smoked our regalia, and 

 sipped perhaps a glass of warm punch, but only one, and that 

 very light, we retire to our room at an early hour, unpack our 

 carpet-bag, and arrange all the shooting apparatus ready for 

 the morrow's expedition. This being done, we go to bed, sleep 

 soundly, and get up at the first dawn of day, big with expecta- 

 tions, and ready for action. Everything being arranged over 

 night, we find all our shooting accoutrements at our very finger 

 ends, and consequently, are enabled to dress very leisurely, 

 without bustle or confusion. Breakfast being dispatched — 

 which, by the by, should be a very substantial repast — we call 

 our Dogs around us, give them a light feed without flesh, and 

 then, with a chosen companion, away to the fields 



"Soon as the Eastern skies display 

 The rosy tints of welcome day." 



Do not be in too great a hurry for the first half hour. Go 

 along leisurely, and give the Dogs an opportunity to empty 

 themselves, clear their nostrils, and tune their olfactory appa- 

 ratus to a fine degree of nicety by snufiing the untainted morn- 

 ing's breeze. 



It is always better to engage the services of a person to act 

 as Marker. He can also carry on his arm a small basket con- 

 taining extra ammunition, and a few nicely-prepared sandwiches 

 for luncheon. 



