134 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 
liar features of the breed, is of great importance as to size and 
‘shape, and I confess that if the body is only of a satisfactory shape 
as to form and speed, I can hardly think the brain can be over- 
done. Size, therefore, without heaviness, is to be regarded as 
without limit, but a heavy head, as indicated by expression, is 
almost sure to be attended by a bad temper and a slow pace. If, 
however, a large head is accompanied by a cheerful, lively coun- 
tenance, I should value it highly, but unfortunately this combination 
is by no means common. By all means, however, prize a large 
head per se, but attend to the expression of the countenance the 
more carefully in proportion. There should be a marked brow and 
occipital protuberance, but the latter should not be so raised as 
in the bloodhound, and the top of the skull should on no account 
‘be. domed, as in that breed, but, on the contrary, flat, excepting 
a slight furrow down the middle, separating it into two slightly 
rounded halves. The skull of the pointer is somewhat wider than 
that of the setter. “ 
The nose is the organ on the lining hem emis of which the 
nerves of smelling are spread out, and consequently it is of equal 
importance with the skull. Neither of the two is of any use 
without the other, for a clever dog of the best temper cannot find 
game if he has a bad nose, while a keen sense of smell is useless 
if he will not display his powers from obstinacy or laziness. It 
should be of full size to allow of nerve surface, long and broad, 
with, nostrils large and open to allow of the air entering readily. 
For health’s sake, the end should feel cold and moist, and, as 
indicating hardness, it is better dark in colour, a pink nose being 
a mark of softness, except in the lemon and whites, who generally 
have it. The end should be square and not pointed (known as 
“snipey ” or “pig jawed ”) or underhung. 
Ears, eyes, and lips—The ears should be moderately long in 
leather, but flat and filbert-shaped, not folding like those of the 
hound. They should be set on low, and any tendency. to. prick 
them is an. abomination. The leather should be thin and flexible, 
and the coat covering them very soft. Eyes of middle size and 
depth, soft in expression, and of the various shades of brown, 
according to colour of coat. Lips full, but not showing any flew 
frothing when at work. 
