THE SETTER. 145 
the junction with the ribs. Ragged hips are often met with 
in the best strains, and, with a proper allowance of muscle, 
should be valued instead of the reverse. A slight. arch falling 
to the root of the tail is a beauty in my eyes, but not set as 
in the “wheel-back.” Wide stifles, well bent, should be looked 
for; and, in fact, the propellers must be attended to in every 
respect. 
Legs, elbows, and hocks.—Setters are almost always straight 
on their legs, with elbows well let down and strong hocks. The 
absence of these points is, therefore, to be regarded as unpardon- 
able. Strong lower thighs are very important. 
The feet are the strong points of the setter, and without hard 
soles and plenty of hair between the toes he loses half of his 
recommendations. The toes are often hare-like, instead of resem- 
bling those of the cat; and I am by no means sure that when so 
formed there is not an advantage. 
The flag differs from that of all other dogs, being fringed with 
long hair falling like the teeth of a comb, and without the bushi- 
ness of other hairy tales. The bones themselves should taper from 
the root, and should be curved like a scimitar when at rest, rising 
a little above the level of the back when “on the point,” ‘and then 
displaying the comb-like appearance to which I have alluded, with 
avery slight curve only. The feather should be free from curl, 
silky in texture, and about 6 or 7 inches long in the middle, 
tapering to half an inch at the extreme point. 
Texture and feather of coat.—The texture is an indication of 
breed, and should be silky, with a slight wave, but no curl. In 
the best breeds the coat looks and feels greasy without being really 
so; at least no grease is left on the hand when patting it. The 
feather should fringe the fore and hind legs thinly but regularly, 
and also the flag, as above remarked. 
The colour varies greatly, and is valued according to the follow- 
ing scale:—(1) Black and white ticked with large splashes, 
known as the “blue Belton;” (2) orange and white freckled, 
known as “orange Belton ;” (3) orange or lemon and white with- 
out ticks; (4) liver and white ticked ; (5) black and white, with 
slight tan markings, which, though the colour of the Gordons, 
is met with in many pure-bred English strains; (6) black and 
K 
