THE SETTERS 133 



forward, that which carries the most presumptive evidence 

 must go to the credit of the old Spanish Pointer. Where else 

 could they inherit that wonderful scenting power, that style 

 in which they draw up to their game, their statuesque attitude 

 when on point, and, above all, the staunchness and patience 

 by which they hold their game spellbound until the shooter 

 has time to walk leisurely up, even from a considerable 

 distance ? 



But, apart from the question of their origin, the different 

 varieties have many other attributes in common ; all perform 

 the same kind of work, and in the same manner ; consequently 

 the system of breaking or training them varies only according 

 to the temper or ideas of those who undertake their schooling. 



Few dogs are more admired than English Setters, and those 

 who are looked upon as professional exhibitors have not been 

 slow to recognise the fact that when a really good young dog 

 makes its appearance it is a formidable rival amongst all other 

 breeds when the special prizes come to be allotted. 



Seen either at its legitimate work as a gun dog or as a 

 domestic companion, the English Setter is one of the most 

 graceful and beautiful of the canine race, and its elegant form 

 and feathery coat command instant admiration. Twenty 

 years ago it was known by several distinct names, among the 

 more important being the Blue Beltons and Laveracks, and 

 this regardless of any consideration as to whether or not the 

 dogs were in any way connected by relationship to the stock 

 which had earned fame for either of these time-honoured 

 names. It was the great increase in the number of shows 

 and some confusion on the part of exhibitors that made it 

 necessary for the Kennel Club to classify under one heading 

 these and others which had attained some amount of 

 notability and the old terms have gradually been dropped. 



Doubtless the English Setter Club has done much since its 

 institution in 1890 to encourage this breed of dog, and has 

 proved the usefulness of the club by providing two very 

 valuable trophies, the Exhibitors' Challenge Cup and the 



