THE MODERN ENGLISH POINTER. 137 



arched loin is a mark of strength, and if there is a trifling droop 

 to the root of the tail, that strength is not likely to be less. 

 Wide ragged hips are preferred by most pointer judges. Usually 

 the stifles are straight, but if well bent the dog can command 

 himself much better and stop to a scent more rapidly. 



Legs, elbows, and hocks. — Without good legs the best nose is 

 comparatively useless, because the dog either cannot go at all or 

 soon tires. Hence they should be straight and strong in bone, 

 especially below the knees, in order to enable the animal to stop 

 himself suddenly when on the point. They must also be well 

 clothed with muscle on the fore-arm and lower thigh. The elbows 

 and hocks should be well developed and set straight, neither turn- 

 ing in nor out, but especially the former, as the turned-in elbow 

 cramps the action most unmistakably. 



The feet are generally expected to be round and cat-like, but 

 the quality of the horn covering the pads is of the most im- 

 portance, for if thin the dog soon becomes footsore. When the 

 pointer is wanted for grouse-shooting, he should be selected with 

 as much hair between the toes as possible. It is in this point 

 especially that the setter has the advantage over him, as a bare 

 foot soon becomes sore on heather. Cceteris paribus, a cat-foot is 

 better than a bare foot in this dog. 



The stem should come out of the back of full size, immediately 

 after which it begins to taper, and ends in a decided point like 

 the sting of a bee. The straighter it is the better, but there is 

 generally a very slight curve. It should be carried low, and when 

 at work should lash the sides merrily. 



The coat should be soft in texture, but not silky. 



As to colour, I have dilated on it above to a full extent. In 

 the present fashion I should range them as — ( 1 .) liver and white, 

 (2.) lemon and white, (3.) black and white without tan, (4.) whole 



