256 MANUAL FOE YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



marked, he can, in nine cases out of ten, be found without 

 aid of the pointer. 



Of course, no dog is steady, or, indeed, worthy to be 

 called a dog at all, which will not instantly stop, or drop, 

 to the motion of the hand or the report of the gun, with- 

 out a word spoken ; much less one which will rush in and 

 flush his bird from the point, from over eagerness, or 

 break in, instead of down-charging, when a bird falls to 

 the gun. 



So much for steadiness, necessary for all shooting, most 

 indispensable for snipe-shooting. 



By caution, I understand care not to flush game by 

 either of two errors ; by the coming upon it ; unexpected, 

 with such speed as to be unable to recover, so as to point 

 before the bird shall be alarmed ; or after scenting it, and 

 displaying consciousness of its vicinity, by the drawing in 

 too closely upon it, in order to make assurance doubly sure. 



But these points of caution are attainable by all good- 

 nosed and practised dogs, and both are compatible with 

 the highest degree of dash, speed and courage. The neg- 

 lect of either is a grave error. 



The latter can be taught by any, should be taught by 

 every breaker before the dog is allowed to go out as thor- 

 oughly broken. It is taught by use of the check cord, by 

 which the dog is jerked forcibly back from his point so 

 soon as he exhibit the least inclination to run in ; by cau- 

 tioning him with word " toho ! " and by punishing him 

 for disobedience. 



The former cannot be taught except by long practice, 

 although some dogs se«m to possess it, as if by nature. 



