220 THE WILD TURKEY AND ITS HUNTING 



escaped, as he could get up the high, rocky slope 

 faster than I. 



It is best to take a young dog six or eight 

 months old. The training is easy enough, pro- 

 vided the preceptor knows his part. Like edu- 

 cating a dog for quail, he must get the rudiments 

 before he ever sees the live game, for once a 

 lesson is spoiled a dog is also spoiled. Give him 

 a few lessons before taking him into the woods to 

 hunt turkeys. He must know the turkey is his 

 quest ere he is let loose; and do not loose him until 

 you have found unmistakably fresh signs; for one 

 mistake at such a time will take months to repair. 



Teach him to lie down, the same as in quail les- 

 sons, no matter if he is a pointer, terrier, or hound. 

 Having taught him to lie down, take him walking 

 where there are trees, logs, and fences, and every 

 now and then suddenly sit or squat down by some 

 tree or fence, calling him quickly to you by soft 

 words and motion of the hand. Make him lie 

 down close to your hip, better the left side if 

 you are right handed, so that by any unexpected 

 move he may not destroy your aim at a critical 

 moment. Teach him to lie on his belly or with 



