THE spoutsman's vade mecum. 31 



field where there is no game, and suffered to run at large 

 without control until they are well practised in ranging. 

 Too much stress cannot be laid on this point, as on this first 

 step in a great measure depends the future ranging pro- 

 pensities of the dog. Where a youngster sees the old one 

 galloping about as hard as he can, he soon takes the hint 

 and follows. After a few days, the old one may be left 

 behind, when the pups will gallop about equally as 

 well. These lessons should never bo too long as to time, 

 else the effect is lost. Another good plan also is to 

 accustom them to follow you on horseback at a good rate. 

 They will learn by this to gallop, not to trot, than which 

 nothing is more disgusting in a dog. When you have your 

 pup well " confirmed in ranging," take the cord, as above 

 directed, peg him down. Probably he will attempt to follow 

 you as you leave him, in which case the cord will check him 

 with more or less force, according to the pace he goes at. 

 The more he resists the more he punishes himself At last 

 he finds that by being still he is best off. Generally he lies 

 down. At all events, he stands still. This is just what you 

 desire. Without your intervention he punishes himself, and 

 learns a lesson of great value, without attributing it to you, 

 and consequently fearing you, to wit : — that he is not to 

 have his own way always. After repeating this lesson a few 

 times, you may take him to the peg, and "down" or 

 " charge," as you like the term best, close to the peg in the 

 proper position. Move away, but if he stirs one single inch, 

 check him by the cord and drag him back, crying "down" 

 or " charge." For the future I shall use the word " down." 



