THE SETTEE. 149 



bling those of the , cat ; and I am by no means sure that when 

 so formed there is not an advantage. 



The flag differs from that of all other dogs, being fringed with 

 long hair falling like, the teeth of a comb, and without the bushi- 

 ness of other hairy tails. The. bones themselves should taper 

 from the root, and should be curved like a scimitar when at rest, 

 rising a little above the level of the back when " oh the point," 

 and then displaying the comb-like appearance to which I have 

 alluded, with a very slight curve only. The feather * should 

 be free from curl, silky in texture, and about 6 or 7 inches 

 long in the middle, tapering to half an inch at the extreme 

 point. 



Texture and feather of coat. — The texture is an indication of 

 breed, and should be silky, with a slight wave, but no curl. In 

 the best breeds the coat looks and feels greasy without being 

 really so, at least no grease is left on the hand when patting it. 

 The feather should fringe the fore and hind legs thinly but 

 .regularly, and also the flag, as above remarked. 



The colour varies greatly, and is valued according to the 

 following scale : — ( 1 .) Black and white ticked with large splashes, 

 known as the " blue Belton ; " (2.) orange and white freckled, 

 known as "orange Belton;" (3.) orange or lemon and White without 

 ticks ; (4.) liver and white ticked ; ( 5 .) black and white, with 

 slight tan' markings, which, though the colour of the. Gordons 

 is met with in many pure-ibred English strains ; (6.) black and 

 white ; ()!.") liver and white without ticks ; (8.) pure white ; (9.) 

 black ; i/td.) liver ; (11.) red or yellow. 



Symmetry and. quality are displayed by the setter as much as 

 or more than any other breed. There is a very elegant outline 

 with- artistic proportions; and even when no longer used r lis an 

 aid to the gun, this dog delights the eye as much as the. grey- 



