I ■ 2, 1883. j 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



MULTA CAPITA COR UNUM. 



Mammuliu, of which the moat splendid monument is the 

 monograph on North American Rodentia, by Elliott C'oues 

 and J. A. Allen. Mr. Allen's work on North American 

 Pinnipeds, a group of which comparatively little had hith- 

 erto heen known, deserves mention, as also his magnificent 

 history of the Bison. His labors and those of Mr. Ridgway 

 iu the department of ornithology, are so well known that 

 they do not require to be particularized. 



It would be, perhaps, difficult to decide in which branch 

 of scientific research most progress has been made during 

 the period alluded to. For startling and unexpected re- 

 sults, however, we Brink that paleontology is entitled to this 

 distinction. Much, very much, however, has been done in 

 all departments, and a host of new and interesting facts 

 brought to light. 



During the pasl ten years il has been the, purpose of the 

 Natural Ilistory Department of the Forest and Stream 

 to stimulate observation rather than to deal witli abstract 

 questions of science — to induce men to see and investigate 

 for themselves things perhaps already well known to the. 

 naturalist, and thus to encourage and awaken that whole- 

 some interest in out-door study, which is so interesting and 

 SO delightful Most men and women go through the world 

 with their eyes shut, and fail to behold half its beauties, 

 simply because their powers of observation have not been 

 trained. So they overlook things which, if brought to their 

 attention, would give them a very keen pleasure. Any one 

 who goes abroad into the woods, or wanders along the lake- 

 side, ought to know something of the various forms of life 

 which meet Ids eye at every step, it is not enough that the 

 sportsman be able to east the fly with an unerring hand, or 

 that, at an instant's warning he can cut down the booming 

 cock grouse as it darts away behind the brown chestnut 

 leaves that serve it as a screen. If the wonders of nature. 



which are spread out so invitingly before him, do not attract 

 his attention, cause him to feel a thrill of curiosity, and 

 awaken in him a longing to penetrate some of her secrets, 

 he misses the greatest pleasure of his outing, and loses de- 

 lights which are more real mid more enticing than the pleas- 

 ures of the chase. The squirrels, the brown rabbits, the 

 birds in the trees above, the humming insects, the shrubs, 

 the flowers and the grass all have some tale to tell to him 

 who cares to inquire of them — some story that is well worth 

 the hearing. 



Ten years ago, if a sportsman shot a duck, it was to him 

 only and always a, duck. It might be some rare species 

 of the greatest interest to science— some form that was even 

 new to this continent— it, made no difference to him. It 

 counted one in his bag, and that fact satisfied him. It is 

 different nowadays. Our readers have learned to use their 

 eyes. They are familiar at least with the commoner forms 

 of American vertebrate life, and they are anxious to know 

 something about the unfamiliar animals which they capture. 

 We therefore receive constant inquiries on many different 

 matters in natural history, all going to show that there is a 

 constantly increasing intelligent interest taken in the objects, 

 animate and inanimate, which inhabit our streams, prairies 

 and forests. If such an interest lias been awakened and its 

 requirements supplied, great good has been done. 



THE DOG. 

 Increase in number, improvement in quality, recognition 



as property; this is in brief the history of the sporting dog 

 during these years. Ten years ago bench shows and field 

 trials were unknown, almost unheard of in America; now 

 they have become permanent institutions, to which we owe 

 very much of the progress that has been made in canine 

 matters. The bench shows have educated the public; and 



by increasing general information respecting dog's have 

 added to popular appreciation of the several breeds. Field 

 trials have more directly developed the hunting qualities of 

 field dogs, and have been of the greatest practical benefit in 

 aiding intelligent breeding. There have been many exhibi- 

 tions and trials since the. iuitial meeting at Mineola and 

 Memphis iu 1874: at Springfield, Washington, St. Louis, 

 Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New York. Boston, 

 Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Ottawa, London, and else- 

 where, all creditable bench shows; and in some of the 

 cities named these exhibitions are now well established as 

 regular annual events. 



Numerous local and national field trials have been held, 

 those of special note being under the patronage of tin- 

 National American Kennel Club and the Eastern Field Trials 

 Association. 



Field trials were held at Memphis, Tenu., in 1874, 187fi 

 andl87fi; Hampton, Iowa. 1877; Nashville, Tenu., 1877 and 

 1878; Sauk Center, Minn., 1878; Patoka, 111., 1879; Robin's 

 island. N. Y.. 1879. 188fL 1881 and 1882; Milford. Net!.. 

 1880; Lancaster. Pa., 1880; Vineeunes, Ind., 18:S0; Norfolk, 

 Neb., 1831; Gilroy, Cal., 1881 and 1882; Amite, La.. 1881; 

 Grand Junction, Tenia., 1881 and 1882; Fairmont, Miuu.. 

 1882; High Point, N. O, 1»82; Opelousas, La., 1882. 



Private individuals and clubs have expended money 

 without stint in the development of favorite strains; choice 

 animals have been imported, and the general tendency of the 

 times has been to very materially increase the number of 

 well-bred, handsome and intelligent field dogs. In many 

 instances fabulous prices have been paid ; and vlthough there 

 would now appear to be an ample supply lor all demands, 

 really good specimens of fashionable strains find ready sale 

 at 



The increased demand for dogs is not confined to pointers 



