20 THE DOG; AND HOW TO BREAK HIM. 



distant breed of pointers may be effective^ but is 

 not so mucli to be depended on as having recourse 

 to the foxhound or large harrier. It is well 

 known that the foxhound is possessed of power* 

 of endurance equal to those of any known dog ; 

 and these very valuable properties are frequently 

 transmitted to his progeny in breeding with the 

 pointer. It is fortunate when such is the case : 

 the ne plus ultra of pointers is thus obtained. 



Colonel Thornton's celebrated pointer (sold for 

 tAvo hundred guineas) was a direct cross from the 

 foxhound; Captain ^Vliite's dogs possess many 

 characteristics of the same breed; and the best 

 pointer I ever had was the second remove from a 

 foxhound^ and third from a pointer imported 

 direct from Spain. 



But^ as previously stated^ well-bred pointers are 

 easily to be procured without the delay or trouble 

 of having recourse to any cross ; and if care be 

 taken to avoid too near relationship in breeding, 

 little apprehension need be entertained but that 

 the produce will be in every way satisfactory. 



The colour of a dog is not of much moment ; 

 but I have frequently heard and seen it stated 

 that dark-coloured dogs have better feet than 

 light ones — the same remark has been applied to 

 race-horses — and I think correctly in both in- 

 stances. Certainly, as far as pointers are con- 

 cerned, my own experience goes to prove that 



