POINTERS AND SETTEES. 227 



indeed ought to be, carried ; and are quite content if their dogs 

 " potter " about where they like, and find game anyhow. But the 

 real lover of the dog, who understands his capabilities, knows that 

 for perfect ranging the whole field ought to be beaten systematic- 

 ally, and in such a way as to reach all parts in succession the dog 

 being always as near to the gun as is consistent with the nature of 

 the ground, the walking powers of the man, and the degree of 

 wildness of the game. All these varying points of detail in the 

 management of the dog while beating his ground will, however, 

 be considered more in detail hereafter ; so that at present, 

 taking it for granted that what I have assumed is the real 

 desideratum, we will proceed to inquire how this mode of ranging 

 is best taught. It must be understood that what we want is, 

 first, that the puppy should hunt freely, which soon comes if he is 

 well bred ; secondly, that he should range only where he is or- 

 dered, and that he should always be on the look-out for his mas- 

 ter's hand or whistle to direct him. This also is greatly dependent 

 on breed, some dogs being naturally wilful, while others from their 

 birth are dependent upon their master, and readily do what they 

 are desired. Thirdly, great pains must be taken to keep the puppy 

 from depending upon any other dog and following him in his line, 

 and also from "pottering," or dwelling on "the foot-scent," 

 which, again, is a great deal owing to defective blood. Now, then, 

 how are these points to be attained ? By a reference to the an- 

 nexed diagram, the principle upon which two dogs should beat 

 their ground is laid down; the dotted line representing the 

 beat of one, and the plain line that of the other dog. But, 

 with a raw puppy, it is useless to expect him to go off to the right 

 while his fellow proceeds to the left, as they afterwards must do if 

 they perform their duty properly. But, taking an old dog into a 

 field with the puppy, the former is started off with the ordinary 

 words " Hold up" in either line laid down, which, being properly 

 broken, he proceeds to follow out, accompanied by the puppy, 

 who does not at all understand what he is about. Presently the 

 old dog " finds," and very probably the young one goes on and 

 puts up the birds, to the intense disgust of his elder companion, 



