70 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



and cleverness of the collie, but feel certain that the 

 great majority of gamekeepers will bear us out when 

 we state that the average sporting dog, pointer, re- 

 triever, or spaniel, is capable of a higher education than 

 their much- vaunted canine brother, and that, as a rule, 

 under more adverse conditions. Still, the average collie 

 is better trained than the average sporting dog. The 

 explanation is not far to seek. More work is put on 

 him, and so gradually that his brain can absorb and 

 remember he is kept up to the mark by having to do 

 certain things daily, and not allowed to forget he is 

 not taken out on a string half a dozen times a year 

 and expected to do a dozen different things of which 

 he never learnt the rudiments. Many readers may 

 suggest : " But we have not the shepherd's time to do 

 this, with so many other duties." Quite true, but it is 

 not necessary. Much can be done at odd times in the 

 spring before the nesting season, and again in the early 

 autumn before shooting begins. A few lessons during 

 ordinary exercise and at odd times have a wonderful 

 effect, and these, as is a mistake often made, not left 

 till the shooting day, when the excitement caused by 

 the appearance of game and the shooting is sufficient 

 to absorb the dog's whole mind. However, later on 

 we refer to this subject more fully. 



Exhibition of Dogs 



It is not necessary in a work of this kind to discuss 

 the vexed question of the influence of canine exhibi- 



