160 rPLAXD SHOOTIJ^^G. 



moment, as does the epicure who presses some savory- 

 viand to Ms palate, or the connoisseur of wine, as he 

 leisurely enjoys the rich bouquet and fruity flavor of some 

 ancient vintage; or even as the strong, vigorous man who 

 feasts his eyes on the delicate beauty and refined grace of 

 purest womanhood. This is the sijirit with which the 

 sportsman should enter into his pleasures. Secure such a 

 man for your companion if y^ou can, and strive hard that 

 he may have such a one in you. 



The next essential is not the gun, but the dog. The 

 gun is merely a machine or insensate instrument in your 

 hands, but the dog is more. He not only contributes to 

 your sport, but he enjoys it himself. A good dog is more 

 than a servant; he is a pleasant companion, a tried and 

 trusted friend. For the pursuit of Bob Whites, sports- 

 men are di^dded in their choice. !Many prefer the 

 pointer, others the setter, while some are admirers equally 

 of both. I, like others, have my preference, but I 

 believe that the best of either strain are of about equal 

 merit, and are good enough for any man. In selecting 

 a bird-dog, the prime requisites are, of course, intelli- 

 gence, disposition, nose, endurance, speed, and courage; 

 but there is another quality which he should possess to a 

 high degree, and that is the one commonly called "style" 

 — a quality peculiar to the dog that is graceful in motion 

 and handsome on point; whose drawing on game is in 

 itself a display of beauty, and which, while working 

 single birds, will spring from point to point in a quick, 

 accurate manner; who retrieves with an api)earance of 

 absolute pleasure, not going after the dead birds like a 

 lazy boy sent on a disagreeable errand. This ti-ait can 

 be had in either the pointer or the setter. He may not 

 give any more points than an ugly brute, who, full of bird 

 sense, goes with wonderful accuracy from covey to covey, 

 and trots around among the scattered birds in a slouch- 



