108 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



MODE TO HUNT DOGS. 



Having already given a very minute and detailed account of 

 the Partridge, as well as carried the Sportsman into the field, 

 and conducted him to the spots where he would most likely 

 find the game, it now remains for us to talk with him upon a 

 subject of the utmost importance, namely, " the proper manner 

 to hunt his Dogs." 



In the first place, let me warn you against venturing into the 

 field for a day's hunt with half-broke Dogs, more especially if 

 in company, as you will only worry yourself and annoy your 

 friends ; but rather stay at home, or go alone attended by such 

 torments. If you go in company, you will not be able to teach 

 them anything, owing to the ill temper either of yourself or 

 friends ; whereas, on the other hand, if you go alone, you will 

 soon break them in, after a few disappointments, and perhaps 

 have a fine day's shooting. An old stanch Pointer is the best 

 field Mentor for young Dogs, far preferable to a Setter, no 

 matter how superior he may be, as the Pointer makes a far 

 more honest and unmistakable stand than the Setter, and at 

 all times is more certain in his behavior. 



Young and heedless Dogs at all times are great pests in the 

 field, and we are often led to suppose that they ought to be 

 broken thoroughly before taken out ; at all events, they should 

 be under perfect control, so far as coming and going, before 

 we force them into the company of our friends' Dogs to run 

 and caper over the fields, flushing and tearing after the Birds, 

 perfectly reckless of the consequences. However, we have not 

 much fear of a well-bred Dog, while under our tuition, disturb- 

 ing the sport of our friends while in the field, after we have 

 once made him understand the gross impropriety of running 

 after Birds ; for we are satisfied that few or none will ever 

 repeat the offence a second or third time after he has escaped 

 from our perhaps cruel hands. If he does, we are willing to 

 pass him over to the keeping of some one else far more patient 

 and tender than we pretend to be with an obstinate and reck- 

 less animal. 



Good Dogs should be procured by provident Sportsmen 



