Varteties of the Dog. 11 
the original colour was black, white, and tan, these being 
derived from the collie, bloodhound, and the English or 
Irish setter, each of which contributed to the genesis of 
the breed. On the other hand, it is averred that the 
breed was determined in the Gordon kennels, by crossing 
the collie with an English setter or spaniel, while the 
evidence of the bloodhound is not forthcoming. Again, 
it is urged that the breed was not the outcome of special 
design or selection in the first instance, but the result of 
numerous as well as various crosses conducted on the 
principles ‘above named. Careful in-breeding has since 
secured the distinctive characteristics of this, as in all 
other breeds. A true Gordon setter is said to possess in 
almost equal proportions, the main qualifications of the 
collie, bloodhound, and the setter. This breed is 
eminently distinguished by a remarkably acute intelligence 
and scenting power, combined with great endurance, 
as a glance at the construction of the head will clearly 
indicate. A beautiful feature in this dog is his straight 
and slightly wavy coat of jet black, and the well defined 
mahogany tan of the muzzle and inside of the thighs, and 
downwards from the front of the stifle and knees to the 
ground. 
As observed in the field, the essential characteristics of 
the English and Irish setters are great speed, activity, 
and endurance, especially in the cold and wet during 
rough work on the moors. In this respect the Irish 
setter is more suitable than the English; but both are 
extremely sensible of the heat of the sun without water. 
Some dogs of both breeds are quite incapable of work 
under a hot sun unless they can plunge into a pool; on 
this account, in the south the pointer, well up to partridge 
shooting, is generally preferred to the setter, while in the 
northern moors the setter will range wider and faster, do 
more work, and endure the vicissitudes of weather, as 
well as the strong heather, which proves so irritating to 
the feet and legs of the high-bred pointer. It is supposed 
that the pointer is also superior with respect to nose, but 
it is probable that when both are in condition, neither 
being distressed by heat, but little if any difference will 
