474 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 
of pointing, and of stanchness to the point till the gun 
arrives in position, are also self-evident. 
By feathering, and a general change of manner and 
intensity of action, the spaniel indicates his recogni- 
tion of the foot scent or the whereabouts of the birds. 
By the observation of similar mannerisms, displayed 
when he catches the body scent, the shooter discerns 
when the spaniel is close to the birds or is about to 
spring on them. Thus, while his preparation for effi- 
cient field work requires but a moderate degree of 
training, as compared with the more complex educa- 
tion required for the setter and pointer, it is impera- 
tive that his education, so far as it goes, shall be 
complete. It is obvious that in the interest of good 
sport he must conform to the gun’s requirements. 
He should promptly obey the commands, “Heel,” 
“Go on,” “Drop,” “Fetch,” “Come in,” “Seek dead,” 
or “Find,” and “Steady,” the latter command being 
of special importance, since it comes into frequent use 
in many relations, as when the spaniel is roading too 
fast, or is intent on a premature flush, or when he is 
disposed to become riotous and generally disobedient. 
A proper observance of this order makes in many ways 
for the better success of the gun and the pleasure of 
the shooter; therefore, the importance of establishing 
thorough obedience to it. 
As to methods of finding the birds, the spaniel, as a 
rule, follows the foot scent, differing in this respect 
from the best working pointers and setters, which carry 
a high nose to catch and follow the body scent direct to 
