MAXIMS 657 



shooting ; neither let your anxiety to bag a bird in- 

 duce you to join him in a race for the possession 

 thereof. Footing out-winged birds is the finest 

 opportunity you have of developing his powers, and 

 rather lose the bird than the advantage of such a 

 lesson. 



Never permit a race after a hare ; therefore never 

 be tempted to shoot at one which rises before your 

 dog. In a case of necessity shoot her in her seat. 



Never head your dog, nor let him trifle his time 

 behind you ; but keep him ahead in his beat, and go 

 hand-in-hand with him up to his point. 



Never allow your dog to break field, that is, make 

 off into another field before his master, or to hunt out 

 of your sight at any time. Neither let him take 

 another dog's point out of his teeth, but make him 

 back up at a respectful distance ; or, which is better, 

 lie close till desired to go on. 



Never hunt a dog when tired down, lest he become 

 a dealer in false points, and lose his gallantry of 

 range. 



Do not suffer your dog to ramble when you are 

 going to or returning from the field, but keep him 

 strictly to your heel. It is not in the way of business. 



By way of preparation for taking the field (which 

 may be as soon after six months old as convenient), 

 we trust the master or keeper of young pointers or 

 setters has betimes accustomed them to know their 

 names distinctly, and answer to them, and to prostrate 

 themselves to the imperious down and uplifted hand. 

 Down charge should also be taught at home, as blink- 

 ing shot on the field is one of the worst evils which 

 can befall us. This can be accomplished at small 

 expense of gunpowder — reward and caresses with 

 puppies. Sheep and poultry should likewise be made 



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