Feb. 2, 1893.] 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



101 



PACIFIC COAST FIELD TRIALS. 



BAKEESriELD, Jan. 17. — This morning, to the delight of 

 all, broke clear, an ideal California -svinter morning, chilly, 

 but giving promise of the ideal day that follovi ed. The 

 trials were held to-day on new gronnd, about a mile beyond 

 the grounds upon which the Derby vras run last year, and 

 although sex'enteen miles from town the move proved a 

 good one, as birds were found much more plentiful. No 

 less than 000 birds were flashed by handlers, judges and 

 spectators during the day. The recent rains had washed tlie 

 alkali from tilie sage brush and cliapparel and settled the 

 dust, making the scent lie well. All in all everything prom- 

 ised good w^ork. But, alas, for the fond hopes of man! Tlie 

 work of the dogs was, on the whole, poor, though a few 

 showed up in sharp coutrast by working splendidly. The 

 grou]]d upon which the trials ^xnre run and its surroundings 

 are hard for your Eastern readers to imagine. Fancy, if you 

 can, a party of seventy-five ladies and gentlemen followmg 

 the dogs throughout the day in oui' sunny clime, those afoot 

 going without their overcoats and none hea^ily wrapped. 

 A level plain as far as tfie eye can re:ich covered with low 

 brush and occasional patches of timber. To the east the 

 mighty Sierras, with the snow-capped peaks towering aboA'e 

 the clouds; to the west the east range nearly as lofty; to the 

 north and south an endless plain. 



Derby. 



First Series— Continued. 

 Beown Betty and Javelw.— The fir.st heat of the day 

 was fietweeu Brown Betty and Javelin, the undecided of the 

 previous evening. Betty foimd a single abnost immediately 

 after being put tlown and pointed staunchly. Trainer fired 

 and killed; both^rlogs steady to shot. Moved on a little, 

 Betty located and pointed a co^'ey and worked well on the 

 scattered birds. Javelin pointed a single and dropped to 

 wing when the bird flushed, Betty backing. Javelin soon 

 after pointed a jack rabbit. Betty followed vnth. three 

 staunch points in rapid sticcession on singles and small 

 bevies. Brown Betty won the heat after being down about 

 30m. 



Tommy Tickler and Jim P.— J. M. Bassford's liver and 

 white pointer dog Tommy Tickler (Bismarck— Beulah), han- 

 dled by Wm. De Motte, and Jas. E. Watson's black pointer 

 Jim P. (Old Black J oe II.— Black Bes.s), handled by Walters, 

 were put down at 10:1S on scattered birds. Tommy had a 

 little the best range and pace. Jim was the first to locate, 

 pointing staunchly, and Tom backed well. Walters shot 

 and killed; Jim broke shot, but obeyed the voice of his 

 handler instantly. Then Tom pointed fur. Jim soon after 

 established a point, but no bird could be found. When sent 

 on, he moved a rod or so and again drew to point. Walters 

 flushed the bird, shot and killed; Tommy then pointed a 

 single and De Motte shot and killed. 



Jim P. was given tlae heat after beuig do^vn Ih. 



Honest John and Geoege P.— C. A. Haight's lemon and 

 white pointer dog Honest John (Dick H.— Lady Max), 

 handled by AUender, and Jas, E. Watson's black pointer dog 

 George P. (Old Black Joe II.— Black Bes.s), handled by Wal- 

 ters, were jput down immediately after lunch. George found 

 a bevy and pointed staunchly; the birds ran. On a second 

 point'the birds flushed and he broke to wing. After receiv- 

 ing a sound thrashing from his handler, he shook himself 

 and went about his bustuess as though nothing had hap- 

 pened, and in less than a minute he had another point to his 

 credit! George is the best in range and pace, and shows con- 

 siderable bird sense. Honest John has neither of the above 

 qualities, and when called up to back once rushed in ahead 

 of the black and flushed the bird, Do-^vn 30m. George P, 

 won. 



Booth B. and FkancisgA.— L, Thibault's black pointer 

 dog Booth B. (Old Black Joe II.— Black Bess), handled by 

 AUender, and Wm. Schreiber's lemon and white pointer 

 bitch Francisca (Rip Rap— Sal), handled by Chas. Sttidarns, 

 were put down in the timber at about 1 o'clock after a long 

 hunt without fuiding anjd^hing. Booth got two points, 

 Francisca chasiug and otherwise misbehaving herself in the 

 ii;ean time. Booth won after being down 54:m. Like all of 

 this strain of black pointers he is a \vide ranger, fast, but not 

 stylish, and possesses a good nose. 



"Papadeeos and Van.— ill'. B. G. Schmideir.s white and 

 liver pointer bitch Papaderos (Duke of Vernon— Patti Crox- 

 teth), handled by AUender, and Frank Lane's Gordon setter 

 dog Van (Dan— Jess), handled by Walters, were put down a.t 

 1:55. Van ranged fairly well and showed considerable style, 

 hunts carefully, but seemed to be of£ his nose. He got a 

 couple of points on singles, while Papaderos failed to do any- 

 thing, apparently not knowing what a quail was. Van won 

 the heat in less than the time limit (30 minutes), the pointer 

 having practically quit. 



Merchant of \ enice and Meecuey.— Wakeman and 

 Handley' 5 English setter dog Merchant of Venice (Monk of 

 Furness— Knight's Belle), handled by AUender, and Cali- 

 fornia Kennels' English setter dog Mercury (Dick Bondhu- 

 Sunlit), handled by Dodge, were put down at 2;40 P, M. 

 Mercury started in by flushing a bevy; Merchant pointed a 

 single and Mercury a single and a small covey. Both ranged 

 well and are merry workers, showing considerable bird sense. 

 Mercury won. Down Ih. 3m. 



Second Series. 



Johanna and Goun pess Noble.— The first brace of the 

 second series was put down at 3:55. Both dogs ranged splen- 

 didly, the best of the trials up to date. CDuntess had a little 

 the advantage in pace and range. Both dogs quartered their 

 ground well. Before leaving the timber Countess, who was 

 going like a whirlwind, snapped a jjoint as quick as light- 

 ning, and Johanna, ju.st behind her, backed beautifully. 

 Moved on a bttle. Countess iiointed a small covey. Countess 

 won, Down 35m. 



Tbajip and Brown Betty. — The nest brace was put down 

 at 4:30 P. M. Betty was the best ia range, style, pace, bird 

 sense and nose. Tramp did not do anything. After running 

 li)m. Brown Betty located a single and pointed staunchly. 



WEDNESDAY, 



The trials were started to-day one a.ud a half miles south of 

 the old field trial grotmd, where the Members' Stake was run 

 off in ISO'i, and finished on the old ground, Bu'ds were very 

 scarce, not more than tOO being found all day-. After return- 

 ing in the evening the annual meeting of the clul i was held 

 at the Southern Hotel, President J. G. Edwards in the chair. 

 The following new members were elected: C. A. Miller, Ray- 

 mond, Cal,; Chas. Swissler, Placer ville; C. A. Haight, San 

 Francisco; DeP. W. Skaife, San Francisco; P. L, Thibault, 

 Butte, Mont.: Collin Stew;u't, Pasadena; Jas. E, Watson, San 

 Franci.sco, and Walter J. Mathews, The following officers 

 were elected: President, J. G. Edwards; First Vice-President, 

 W, E. Houghton; Secorid Vice-President, H. T, Payne; Secre- 

 tary and Treasm'er, J . M. Kilgarif; Executis e Committee, J. 

 Bassford, P. D. Liaville, C. W. Post, W. G. Kerckhoff and 

 Wm. Schreiber. 



The first brace put down were the two black pointers 



Jul P, A^vD Booth B. — Jim P. pointed a single bird and 

 Booth B, backed. Moved on a mile or so, Jim P. pointed and 

 Booth backed again. Jim is the liest bii-d finder and show^s 

 the most bird sense. After running one hour Jim P, won, 



George P, a.vd Mercley were put down at 10:35. They 

 are pretty equal in rajige, but Mercury is the most stylish, 

 though George P. is the most stylish black pointer we have 

 seen. The strain we h.ave here is inosrly an ungainly-looking 

 lot. GJeorge P. was the first to establish a point. Mercury 

 then pointed a single, and George P. , A\'heu called up to back, 

 broke the back and drawing too near fius lied the birds. He 

 then pointed a small lievy and won the heat. Down 35m. 



The Gordon setter Van had a bye, but was withdravm by 

 his oAATier. 



Third Series. 



The first heat in the third series was won by Cotiiitesa Noble 

 by default. 



Jim p. and Brown Betty.— Jim P, pointed and dropped to 

 wing as soon as put down. The birds were in yiea vine cover, 

 undoubtedly the wor.st cover in Calif ornia f or a dog to fi nd 

 birds in. The vines were full of birds, but neither do.g cmdd 

 locate them, the birds flushing all around them. Jim P. 

 pointed .scent and fur sev<n-al times. Brown Betty pointed a 

 .single on the edge of the vines and then pointed a jack rali- 

 bit. On moving out of tlu^ vines, Betty pointed a rabbit and 

 Jim backed nicelv, Soim after .lim pointed a couple of 

 singles, and won the heat after btung dowi aOra. Betty is 

 without question tlie most thoroughly trained dog in the 

 trials. She was most decidedly off her nose to-day, Jncr work, 

 like that of Countess Nofile, not being a subject for compari- 

 son with her woi-k of yesterday. 



Countess Noiu.E AND Geoege P.— Doavu at 11:40. Both 

 dogs got right to work. George roaded a single but it flushed 

 before he drew to a point. Countess is much tlie fastest and 

 widest ranger but was out of form yesterday; a great many 

 had her placed as winner. George P. did some excellent 

 work, showing a superb nose and good judgment. George 

 pointed a single in .short sage. Mov ing on a few rods he 

 pointed again and Countess backed, but no birds were 

 found. Both quartered Avell but Countess seemed lazy. Both 

 under good control with the advantage in favor of George. 

 He secm-ed two more points before they were ordered up at 

 1:18. George P. won the heat. 



Finals. 



Jim p. and George P. were put down after lunch at 1:17, 

 in short cover. No birds could be found for nearly an hour. 

 George is the best in .stvle, pace and range. Jim is a bit of a 

 potterer. A small covey w^as found by both at the same 

 time, E;tch secured a point but Jim broke to shot. After a 

 long and rather tedious beat of an hour and a half George P. 

 was awarded the heat and first money — $315. 



Meecuey and Countess Noble were put down at 3:05 to 

 see which should run against Jim P. for second money. 

 Mercury started in by chasing a jack rabbit. Countess 

 pointed" by sight and was handsomely backed by Mercury, 

 who then pointed a pair in a ditch, Countess backing styl- 

 ishly. ^Vhen moved on Countess pointed a single and fol- 

 lowed it by another staunch point. Both steady to shot. 

 Just as they were called up Countess pointed again and Mer- 

 cury backed at 50yds., both dogs remaining in position while 

 a camera fiend took four shots at them. Countess won. 

 Down 50m. She is the best of the brace in style, range and 

 pace. 



Countess Noble and Jim P, were put down at 4:10 for sec- 

 ond money. Countess went to work at once but could not 

 locate. Jim P. was pottering around picking up singles and 

 scoring a lot of points that came near beating the little bitch. 

 Jim hunted the bushy places and showed excellent judgment 

 and bird sense. His' nose is also of the right sort. Jim es- 

 tablished three points to Countess's none, when .she located a 

 .single and Payne shot and winged the bird. Jim, who was 

 backing, saw the wounded bird fall and broke for it. Soon 

 after Countess pointed a single, following it by aco^^eypoint. 

 Then Jim scored a point on a single and Countess backed. 

 Ordered up at 4:.53, Countess Noble winning the heat and 

 second money. Countess is superior in pace, range and style 

 to any dog in the trials, but fell down sadly in her work to- 



Ichird money was di^dded between Johanna, Jim P. and 

 Doctor P. without rumdng. Black pointers are strictly in 

 it this year. 



SUMMARY. 



J. E. Watson's black pointer dog George P. (Old Black 

 Joe II.— Black Bess) won first prize. 



H, T. Payne's EngU.sh setter bitch Countess Noble (Stan- 

 ford—Lilly C.) won second prize. 



J. E. Watson's Jim P. and Doctor P. (Old Black Joe II.— 

 Black Bess) and California Kermels' Johanna (Gladstone II. 

 —Janet) divided third prize. 



THURSDAY. 



All-Age Stake. 



The entries in the All-Age Stake numbered nine against 

 eight last year. The first few braces were put down on the 

 old grounds, six miles from Bakersfleld; the birds proved so 

 few and far between on Thursday that the club decided to 

 try new grounds. Friday morning they started in about 

 eight miles from Bakersfleld, near Rosedale. After running 

 two heats the birds were found to be still among the mis- 

 sing and after lunch the dogs were put down on the grounds 

 that the Derby was run on last year, sixteen miles from 

 town, where the work proved more satisfactory. It must 

 not be nnder.stood that birds were very scarce. A party of 

 four could go on any of these grotmds and shoot frojn 100 to 

 200 birds in a day, but with the method of running trials 

 here a very large number of birds is required. In my esti- 

 mation the trials are poorly managed in respect to hunting 

 for birds and working the birds after they are found. The 

 handlers and judges are both to blame. When a covey has 

 been located, in place of working out the covey, the "dogs, 

 handlers and judges make a bee line right through the 

 scattered birds. Consequently the birds are soon lost and 

 new coveys must be found. 



f ir.st Series. 



PELHA3I AND SAii K. — California Kennels' English setter 

 dog Pelham, by Harold— Sunlit, w^as handled by Dodge, and 

 W. G, Kerckhoff's English setter dog Sam K. Gladstone, by 

 Gladstone's Boy— Ruby D., last year's Derby winner, handled 

 by Walters, were put down on the old grounds at 8:53, Both 

 dogs ranged very well, Sam the best in range and pace, 

 Pelham stopped when going at a very fast pace and pointed 

 a covey, making a very styli.sh point, Sam K. refused to 

 honor it. Sam when moved on a little i^ointed foot scent. 

 Pelham refused to back. Sam soon after pointed a single, 

 Walters shot and wounded, and Sam could not flnd, the bird 

 doubtless being one of our California runners. Sam then 

 flushed a pair but dropped to wing. Pelham then roaded 

 and pointed a covey staunchly. Sam when called up to back 

 refused and pointed, but drew too close and the birds flushed. 

 Pelham pointed false and Sam dropped to order of handler. 

 Sam then pointed .single and Pelham flushed; when called to 

 back, Walters shot and killed and Sam retrieved neatly. 

 Pelham then got a point and Dodge shot and killed. Pelham 

 retrieved -svell. The dogs were ordered up at 10:30, after being- 

 down Ih, 38m. Pelham won. Pelham is under remarkable 

 control, considering the fact that he is as deaf as a i^ost. 

 Sam K. drops to point. 



Dora O'Mobe and Clay.— John H. Yoell's Irish setter 

 bitch Dora O'More, by Pat O'More — IPawn, handled by Al- 

 lender, and Mi-. Flood's pointer dog Clay, by Bergez's Tom — 

 Queen Croxteth, handled by Studarns, were put down at 

 10:57 on new ground in high cover and peaAunes. Clay ranged 

 well and is the most stylish pointer in the trials;' though 

 blind in one eye, his pace is good and he ranges fairly well. 

 Dora is a merry worker but does not range out much. Dora 

 started in well, pointing a'covey that flushed an instant after 

 AUender shot and killed one, which she was not asked to re- 

 trieve. Clay roaded for quite a distance and pointed a 

 .single that" flushed to the judge's horse. Moving on a few 

 rods he pointed another single and Sttidarus flushed. Within 

 a few rods Clay pointed twice to the second point and Stud- 

 arns shot and killed. Both dogs steady, Ojp4ece<J-^ip at 11:30 

 and heat given to Clay. 



Old Black Jot; II. and Queen Croxteth. — .Tames E. 

 Watson's black pointer Old Black .Joe IL, winner of third 

 last year, handled by AUender, and 13. N. Dow's pointer 

 bitch Queen Croxteth, by Rush T.— Patti Croxteth, handled 

 by Studarns, Avere put down on scattered birds. After a 

 short run on open ground to test their range and speed at 

 11:37 Queen Croxteth rairged out the widest, but Old Joe was 

 hunting, while Queen was running about having a great 

 time. When brought to the birds Joe pointed a single and 

 Queen backed. Mo"ved on a few rods .Joe pointed again and 

 was well backed by Queen, Queen dropped to a single. 

 Some ten minutes later one pointed and the other backed, 

 but neither judges nor vonr reporter could tell which was 

 which. After being held" up for water they were again put 

 down, but no birds could be found. They were ordered 

 up for lunch at 13:30, After a substantial lunch and the 

 usual ladies' day photogr;i,phs, the party moved to other 

 grounds about a nule and a half away. About twenty 

 ladies and gentlemen on horseljack joined the party just be- 

 fore lunch and followed the dogs for the balance of the day. 

 The dogs were put down ag.iin at 2-M. Birds were found al- 

 mo.st immediately. Queen pointed a single and dropped to 

 wing; then Joe "pointed running birds, but broke point and 

 roaded them full 200 yards and drew again to a staunch 

 point. Queen dropped to a small covey soon after. Stud- 

 arns fired and missed and Queen broke to shot. Down 18m. 

 Old Black Joe 11. won the heat. 



SALLY 13EASS IL AND LADY FANE.— Henry Ilubcr's pointer 

 bitch Sally Brass II,, by Graphic— Meally, handled by AUen- 

 der, and Cleorge Crocker's English setter bitch Lady Fane, 

 by Toledo Blade— Sulu C, handled by Walters, were put 

 down at 2:22. Lady pointed foot scent and was honored by 

 Sally. Then Lady pointed a single and Walters missed it. 

 Then Sally pointed a single and AUender missed. Lady, 

 after working about the same locality for some time, pointed 

 two singles in rapid succession. Walters shot and killed 

 and Ijady retrieved well. They were ordered up after being 

 down 46m., Lady Fane winning the heat. Lady had a little 

 the best of it in pace and range. 



Secon d Series. 



Starlight and Pelham. — T. J. Watson's English setter 

 dog Starlight (Dan Glad.stone — Miss Alice), handled by De 

 Motte, w^as the bye dog, and w'as put down next with Pel- 

 ham, the first brace of the second series at 3:15, in a willow, 

 patch. Pelham was the first to flnd, pointing staunchly. 

 Star backed. Both very stylish in action and on point. 

 Both dogs scored false points. Then Pelham drew again, 

 and the judges flushed a small bevy. Pelham then pouited 

 another single and Star backed. Dodge's gun not being- 

 cocked DeM(5tte shot and missed. Starlight then found a 

 single, but Pelham woidd not back, crossing in front of Star, 

 Pelham drew to point, but broke it; bird flushed by Dodge; 

 DeMotte shot and killed. Star retrieved well. Both dogs 

 then made game, but the birds were hushed by handlers be- 

 fore the dogs located them. Pelham when moA*ed on a short 

 distance pointed a single staunchly. Star pointed, no birds 

 found, following this with a single, which DeMotte missed. 

 The dogs were ordered up after being down Ih. 5m. Star- 

 light winning the heat. Neither are extra rangers, though 

 both are gootl. 



FRIDAY. 



Old Black Joe and Clay were put down in brush cover 

 near Rosedale a,t 9:37. A covey of birds was located by a 

 professional hunter engaged for the purpose, and the dogs 

 made game very quickly. The morning was very foggy, and 

 consequently very disagreeable. The first birds found flushed 

 wild. Joe was the first to score, pinning two singles in rapid 

 succession. Clay when called up to back refused, and crowd- 

 ing in front and across Joe's nose, flushed the birds. In 

 making a wide cast a few n dilutes later Clay flushed a big 

 covey. Joe a little unsteady to wdng. The birds dropped 

 near' a large clump of willows. Then Clay pointed false and 

 Joe refused to back. After roading some distance Clay 

 pointed and Studarns shot at the birds on the gronnd, killing 

 five at one shot. Joe pointed immediately after and Clay 

 dropped ■ to back, birds running. Then Clay pointed, broke 

 point, roaded and pointed again staunchly. Joe ran in wild 

 and flushed in place of backing. Soon after Joe pointed and 

 AUender shot and missed. In being moved on the dogs got 

 out of the birds, as often happens at these trials. The 

 handlers press the dogs too close; the judges press the 

 handlers, and the crow^d press the judges. In consequence, 

 when a covey is located it is not properly worked. Joe was 

 the next to score a point, but Clay stole the point. Studarns 

 shot and missed. Immediately after Joe pointed again and 

 Clay rushed in and flushed. Old Black Joe II. won the heat 

 inl'h. 23m. Clay is very stylish, carries his head high and is 

 full the equal of Old Black J oe II. in speed and range. At 

 times he Avorks splendidly, showdng an excellent nose, but is 

 young, inexperienced and unsteady. 



Starlight AND Lady Fane — Put down at 11:05 to see 

 Avhich should run Avith Old Black .Joe II. for first money. 

 Lady Avas the first to make game, the bird flushing just as 

 she drcAv to a point. After being down 30m. Avithout finding 

 any birds the dogs were ordered up and Avere not put down 

 again until after lunch at 1:08 on the grounds used last year 

 for the Derby, some six miles beyond Rosedale. No birds 

 could be found for nearly a half hour, Avhen the party Avere 

 brought to a standstill by a Avire fence. Judges and reporters 

 dismounted and the balance of the heat Avas run out AAuth 

 the entire party on foot. On reaching the timber Lady Fane 

 pointed staunchly, but no birds could be found. Starlight 

 then pointed a single, and DeMotte shot and killed; Star- 

 light retrieved in good style. Starlight soon after pointed 

 another single, but Lady, when called to back, stole the 



goint. DeMotte fired and missed. Lady then pointed, and 

 tarlight backed three times in succession. After being 

 down 3h. 9m. Starlight was awarded the heat. He is much 

 the best in style, pace and range. 



Tliird Series. 



Old Black Joe II. and Starlight, after running a thirty 

 minute bye and taking a short rest, Avas put down Avith 

 Starlight at 3:55. Starlight was the first to make game, 

 drawing to a staunch point; Joe refused to back and ran in 

 and flushed. Birds could not be found again for some time. 

 Hearing considerable shooting in the distance the party 

 moved in that direction and found a scattered covej^ in heavy 

 timber, Joe pointed and Starlight backed twice in rapid 

 succession, then Joe pointed another; AUender shot and 

 killed; the bird dropped AA'ithin a few yards from Starlight, 

 who broke in and retrieved. Starlight then scored a couple 

 of points, the birds being flushed by the judges, .Joe then 

 pointed a single, which AUender s"hot and killed, and Joe 

 retrieved. Joe then pointed again, birds flushed by AUen- 

 der. Starlight pointed a single, flushed by DeMotte. Star- 

 light was awarded the heat and first money, §152..50, after 

 being doAvm 50m. 



At the adjourned annual meeting of the club this evening 

 President J. G. Edwards in the chair, Mr. C, A. Schmeidte 

 was elected to membership, after Avhich the location of the 

 trials for 1894 AA^as discussed for OA'er an hour. It Avas gen- 

 erally conceded that the trials had been A'ery unsatisfactory 

 this year on account of the scarcity of birds. As the trials 

 haA^e been run this year the wide ranger and the coA'^ey finder 

 had no chance Avith the potterer, the element of luck showing 

 itself too prominently in the placing of the dogs. The coA'eys 

 were located by professional hunters. Had they not been 

 the trials would have lasted another Aveek. Mr. H. T. Payne 

 spoke in A'ery favorable terms of Ontario as being the most 

 likely spot in California. The birds do not have the habit of 

 running a half mile before flushing or lying close, as they do 

 iu the San Joaquin Valley, and the cover is much superior. 



