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disappointment, as above noted, lays the foun- 

 dation of much possible mischief. Even to put 

 him on the footing out of his own find, it is now 

 too late : the bird perceiving that it was inter- 

 cepted, has been making a circuit as well as 

 you, with a view of getting back to its com- 

 panions; and seeing them now at distance on 

 the wing, you will presently observe it steal off 

 on one side of you, far enough out of your 

 reach, to follow them. If you can mark a bird 

 down, and obtain a direct point at it, you will 

 not fail, upon every occasion where the ground 

 and circumstances will any how admit of it, to 

 seize the opportunity of making this wheeling 

 movement to the challenge of "TAKE HEED!" 

 &c. as being the most certain method of teach- 

 ing patience, and of confirming stanchness : but 

 on the first break into a haunt, it is for the above 

 reasons a very dubious practice ; and however 

 it may forward him in the great lesson of self- 

 command, it adds little to sagacity; and it 

 ministers not at all to the attainment of that 

 invaluable faculty of perceiving, and following 

 up, the progress of a haunt, which, with so 

 many ulterior views, I am solicitous to call 

 forth and to establish ; and which is more 

 immediately taught by leading him up from a 

 direct find, under close command, in a regular 

 advance on point (much in the way that has 



