POINTERS AND SETTERS. 291 
But the real lover of the dog, who understands his capabilities, 
knows that for perfect ranging the whole field ought to be beaten 
systematically, and in such a way as to reach all parts in succes- 
sion, the dog being always as near to the gun as is consistent 
with the nature of the ground, the walking powers of the man, 
and the degree of wildness of the game. All these varying points 
of detail in the management of the dog while beating his ground 
will, however, be better considered at a future stage of the in- 
quiry ; so that at present, taking it for granted that-what I have 
assumed is the real desideratwm, we will proceed to inquire how 
this mode of ranging is best taught. It must be understood 
that what we want is—first, that the puppy should hunt freely, 
which soon comes if he is ‘walle bred; secondly, that he should 
range only where he is ordered, and that he should always be on 
the look-out for his master’s hand or whistle to direct him. This 
also is greatly dependent on breed, some dogs being naturally 
wilful, while others from their birth are dependent upon their 
master, and readily do what they are desired. Thirdly, great 
pains must be taken to keep the puppy from depending upon any 
other dog and following him in his line, and also from “ pottering” 
or dwelling on the “ foot-scent,” which, again, is a great deal 
owing to defective blood. Now, then, how are these points to be 
attained? By a reference to the annexed diagram, the principle 
upon which two dogs should beat their ground is laid down; the 
dotted line a a a a representing the beat of one, and the plain line 
bbb b that of the other dog. But, with a raw puppy, it is useless 
to expect him to go off to the right while his fellow proceeds to 
the left, as they afterwards must do if they perform their duty 
properly ; but, taking an old dog into a field with the puppy, the 
former is started off with the ordinary words “ Hold up” in either 
line laid down, which, being properly broken, he proceeds to follow 
out, accompanied by the puppy, who does not at all understand 
what he is about. Presently the old dog “finds,” and very pro- 
bably the young one goes on and puts up the birds, to the intense 
disgust of his elder companion, but to his own great delight, as 
shown by his appreciation of the scent, and by chasing his game 
till out of sight. At the present stage of breaking the. puppy 
should by no means be checked for this,.as he knows no ‘better, 
