The Pointer 317 
very slightly from them. These last must be full of firm muscle, and the 
stifles should be well bent and carried widely apart, so as to allow the hind 
legs to be brought well forward in the gallop, instituting a form of action 
which does not tire. : 
Legs, Elbows and Hocks.—These must be strong enough to bear the 
strain given them. Substance of bone is therefore demanded, not only in 
the shanks, but in the joints, the knees and hocks being especially required 
to be bony. The elbows should be well let down, giving a long upper arm, 
and should not be turned in or out, the latter being, however, the lesser fault 
of the two, as the confined elbows limit the action considerably. The 
reverse is the case with the hocks, which may be turned in rather than out, 
the former being generally accompanied by the wideness of stifles insisted on. 
Both hind and fore pastern should be short, nearly upright and full of bone. 
Feet.—All-important; for, however strong and fast the action may be, 
if the feet are not well shaped and the horny covering hard, the dog will soon 
become footsore when at work. Preference is given to the round or cat foot, 
with the toes well arched and close together. The main point, however, is 
the closeness of the pads, compared with the thickness of the horny covering. 
Stern.—Strong in bone at the root, but should at once be reduced in 
size as it leaves the body, and then gradually taper to a point. It should be 
very slightly curved, carried a little above the line of the back, and without 
the slightest approach to a curl at the tip. 
Symmetry and Quality—The pointer should display good propor- 
tion, no dog showing more difference between the ‘gentleman’ and his 
opposite. It is impossible to analyse the essentials, but every judge carries 
the knowledge with him. 
Texture.—The coat in the pointer should be soft and mellow, but 
not absolutely silky. 
ScaLE oF PoINTs 
Skully hei ots ceteeeses 10 Legs, elbows and 
Muzzle and nose............ 10 hocks. 2 cic ccvayeses 12 
Ears, eyes and lips............ 4 Feet: seg lu segodey 8 
INecles secre sehesaesacaees 6 SSC vamainerscsetian x. OG 
Shoulders and chest........ 15 Symmetry and quality. 10 
Back, quarters and stifles.... 15 Texture of coat........ 5 
Wotal vin caveeurexe LOO 
