192 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
not better than, any other variety of dog that is used in 
the field. a 
For docility, tractability, and tenacity of memory, 
never forgetting what has been once thoroughly taught 
him, he is undoubtedly superior to all dogs; and, on this 
account, he is to be recommended for all beginners, for all 
occasional shooters, who have small opportunity for keep- 
ing their dogs in constant practice, and for all persons, in 
general, who are averse to extra trouble, and who, for the 
sake of having every thing to go on smoothly and in even- 
tenor, are willing to sacrifice something of dash, spirit, 
style and show. 
The weak points of this dog, I have touched upon 
before; they are—want of endurance of cold and wet; 
which may be set off against their greater endurance of 
heat and thirst; inferior dash, impetus and ability—not 
courage—to face severe, thorny covert; which may be set 
off against superior docility, tractability and steadiness ; 
and, lastly, somewhat inferior speed and stoutness, and 
decidedly inferior beauty, sociability, and affection to the 
individual who hunts them. 
For the young shooter, however, this latter inferiority 
is, perhaps, in some sort, an advantage. 
The pointer is more apt to hunt willingly for anybody 
who carries a gun, whether he know him, or not; and 
hunts more after his own fashion, with less interference 
from, or reference to, the shooter; nor is he so apt to take 
offence at the failure of -his companion to kill the game 
which he has found for him, a habit which setters, espe- 
