FOREST AND > STREAM. 
LSePT. 1, 1894. 
Gordon Setter Trials. 
Editor Forest a/nd Stream: 
I have been asked whether the Gordon Setter Field Trials 
Club intend holding field trials this year. 
In reply I would say that Mr. E. K. Sperry, president of 
the above named club wrote me some months ago advising 
me to apply for the use of the grounds of the New England 
Field Trials Club at Assonet Neck, Mass., saying, also, that 
"I would be glad to aid you all in my power if your club de- 
cides to run." 
He also informed me that Mr. Chas. R. Taylor, the secre- 
tary of the same club, had written him that "as on account 
of business calls he found it impossible to do more toward 
getting up a second field trials than to enter some Gordons, 
he supposed it was useless to longer remain as secretary of 
the G. S. E. T. Club, etc., etc," Mr. Sperry adds,"From this 
I suppose that Mr. Taylor considers the G. S. F. T. Club 
dead " 
In regard to our field trials to be run at Assonet, Ma=s., on 
Oct. 24, entry blanks will soon be ready, and will be sent on 
•application. The names of the judges will be announced 
later on. Fees will be §5 to nominate and $10 to start; trials 
open to any Gordon setter whether owned by a member of 
our club or riot. Quite probably additional prizes will be 
•offered to winning dogs owned by our members. 
Since writing the above I have just received a letter from 
IMr. Sperry, dated this morning, saying: "By the papers I 
see that the good work goes bravely on. Now, I think it will 
-have a tendency to make it understood that your club has no 
•opposition, but instead the support of all, if I should offer, 
through you, the same amount and in the same way that you 
have; i. e., that you guarantee $30, in form of entrance fees 
• or donation, which I hereby do. And you can make use of 
.the information herein contained as you may think best for 
the good of all, as well as my former proposition to unite all 
interested in the noble Gordon." 
Subscriptions need not wait. I shall be glad to add a good 
many to Mr. Sperry's and mine. It is to be hoped that Gor- 
•don men will come up well, join our club, make entries of 
their dogs, and help the Gordon cause. We cannot expect to 
advance the Gordon in public estimation until they do. 
James B. Blossom, 
President Gordon Setter Club of America. 
The Paucity of Bench [Show Judges. 
Wldxtor Eorest and Stream: 
As Mr. Waters has shot so hard and often at field trial 
abuses, why don't you make up the other horse on the pole 
and show us where reformation is needed in bench show 
.circles? In quite a good many points the troubles are iden- 
tical, as professionalism, monopolism and "bluffism" is as 
much en evidence at bench shows as at any trial, and its 
bearing has as much importance, as bench sbowsare the 
recruiting fields, to a certain extent, for field trial enthusi- 
asts. 
; I would like to know why is it not just as bad for a show 
as a field trial if there is not the absolute conviction that 
every one has just as much chance to win as a big owner? 
and you know this is an every-day remark at our shows. 
Not that I say it is so; no. I merely want to repeat the fact; 
but what I wish to do is to criticise the average bench show 
committee, with whom the blame chiefly lies. 
The scarcity of competent judges is more to blame for" this 
and similar remarks, and also the cause of small entries and 
interest at many shows, excepting always the Westminster 
Kennel Club shows. There the case is different, because it 
is the first prominent show of the season and everybody 
risks a try at it if he has something promising. But after 
New York how do the entries fall off? So much so that 
more shows have gone to the wall than field trials, and why? 
Of course local causes have something to do with this, but 
would you or I be foolish enough to send a dog around the 
circuit after he has been beaten at his first attempt, when we 
know that the very same judge is officiating at seven out of 
ten shows following. Really we are a very slow people in 
this wide, big land of ours, for we have in reality, in all 
these many years, only developed about three prominent 
judges. Here and there some local specialty judges are 
sandwiched in to avoid absolute stereotyped judges' lists— 
and the three judge at each and every show of any conse- 
,quence. 
With due respect and admiration for these gentlemen, who 
.are certainly on top of the ladder or they would not be in 
(constant demand, it is very detrimental to the general inter- 
ests of bench shows to have judging brought down to such a 
marrow gauge. No matter how excellent the judging of 
these gentlemen on the average may be, as it stands now it 
iis "one-dog judgment" as a rule, and no matter how good 
sand capable these gentlemen may all be, to err is human, but 
retraction is not. The possibility of an error by any one of 
these judges is no disgrace, considering the great amount of 
judging they have to do at every show, but rather the more 
possible. Take one of the English sporting papers and run 
over the bench show reports, and you will find a dozen or two 
prominent and capable men as judges to one of ours, while 
any single State in America, though scarcely able to support 
one show a year, or only half a one, could swallow up, terri- 
torially, the whole of England. In the face of this, our bench 
show committees labor straight along in the old path, being 
afraid to take any others but the ever-popular trio. They 
are certainly good judges, but why should exhibitors be gen- 
erous to foolishness and swell the show coffers with entry 
fees, when almost positive that they cannot win, as none of 
these judges would be likely to change their judgment from 
one show to another? But if other, of course capable, judges 
officiate at different shows, the element of uncertainty, which 
is the very essence of the sport of showing — except for the 
money-making element, who of course don't want any chance 
-work, only cut and dried certainty — would induce many 
more men to exhibit at our shows. 
We are all human and do not want to accept one man's 
judgment alone, no matter how good. The timidity of 
bench show committees in not fostering new men is killing 
the shows, and has done so for some years back, and will do 
more harm yet before this fact is plain to them. Then there 
is that great authority — the press, and its autocratic power 
,to make or kill a new man, to be reckoned with; and how 
i often is a new man and sometimes an old one, who has the 
(courage to go from the beaten track if he has the honest 
belief that he is in the wrong and has not a very strong 
Ibacking, pressed to the wall before he can demonstrate 
whether he is right or not? Some authority will say the 
judge is dead wrong, because he does not agree with him, 
and we are very great "authority" worshippers in this land, 
and so the cry goes forth without proof, pro or con, simply be- 
cause the "authority" must be right. Generally when such 
a case can be sifted thoroughly, it comes to no more than a 
personal difference of opinion, which will always exist; even 
with the "know it alls." And just in this difference of 
opinion of capable judges lies the sport of bringing out dogs 
and showing them, which is entirely absent under the pres- 
ent state of the dog show world. 
Everybody tries to make showing too much of a dead sure 
thing, but the only dead sure thing I can see in it is the kill- 
ing of the general healthy interest in the sport. So and So 
has a string of dogs which have beaten mine here, so he is 
bound to beat mine there, the same judges officiating; there- 
fore I would be an idiot to go there, consequently that show 
loses my entries. Besides, owing to this state of affairs, it 
pays big kennels to gobble up all good dogs, as it is quite a 
safe speculation under the present circumstances, for they 
can almost accurately calculate just how much money they 
can pull off at each show. What are the beaten ones expected. 
to do? Next time they will stay at home, of course, as there 
is no chance for them, and so exhibiting simmers down to a 
dead sure thing for the large exhibitor or circuit handler. 
Of course I don't wish to imply that the better dogs get 
beaten, far from it, but we seldom believe one man's judg- 
ment conclusive, and to this natural weakness dog show 
committees should cater for their own interest, otherwise 
they will die, as so many have already, a lingering death 
from lack of general and amateur interest. 
KsThis humiliating lack of more prominent men in the ring 
and consequent tameness of judging is the principal reason 
for the falling off of the amateur fancier, it beiog too safe 
an investment for large show kennels, and there are too 
many odds against the periodical, yet principally support 
ing, amateur exhibitor. Another drawback is professional 
handling, which is a necessity in these days if you wish to 
win, even with a good dog. The man who disdains to resort 
to dog-jockeying is called a fool because he has the temerity 
to think a good dog should win regardless of tricks or favors! 
Now jump on me gentlemen, you are welcome, though 
these views are merely the expression of my personal opinion, 
but if those who have reiterated these or like opinions 
verbally so often would indorse me you would see an 
avalanche of adverse criticism on the present lack of bench 
show judges. G. Muss-Arnolt. 
Tuckahoe, N. Y. 
The Pittsburgh Show. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
Mr. W. P. Fraserhas thought it his duty to jump on the 
Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Mr. Fraser seems to forget that 
this is a world of competition, and that if we offer better in- 
ducements, and have better railroad facilities and the advan- 
tage of more central location, it is not the fault of the 
P. A. C. Kennel Club if some of the best kennels in the 
country come here. The P. A. C. is run on business prin- 
ciples, and I suppose always will be while the present man- 
agement have hold. The club grew out of a mere nothing, 
and it was this latter principle which has made it the third 
largest athletic club in the country. 
We recognize the fact that the Canadian fanciers are 
among the best dogmen we have, and we are very sorry to 
conflict with them, but it is a show in Pittsburgh now, or 
none for a long time to come. The last one was a financial 
disaster to the members of the Duquesne Kennel Club and 
we don't propose to have ours fall in the same straits, 
although our members are willing to put up the cash if it 
does. 
Mr. Fraser must not forget that we are not under the yoke 
of the Queen down here, and we propose to give a show when 
we please. As the Toronto entries will have closed by the 
time of the publication of this, it will not hurt their show to 
announce that we have made formal application for mem- 
bership in the American Kennel Club, which will be acted 
upon soon. A class has been added for corded poodles and 
a challenge class for Italian greyhound. 
Alf. B Hamilton, Cor. Sec'y. 
Pittsburgh, Pa. 
American Fox-Terrier Club Stakes. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
The following stakes of the American Fox-Terrier Club 
will be competed for at the Rhode Island State Fair Show, 
Sept 17 to 21, T. S. Berlin judge. 
The Grand Challenge cup (value $300), for the best fox- 
terrier in the show (rough or smooth). The second division 
of the Produce Stakes of 1894. The Yankee Stakes of 1894. 
The Tomboy Stakes of 1894: 
The following specials have been offered by different mem- 
bers of the board of governors: $35 for the best kennel of 
four wire-haired fox terriers; $25 for the best kennel of four 
American bred foxterriers; $25 for the best wire-haird fox- 
terrier dog; $25 for the best wire-haired fox-terrier bitch; $25 
for the best fox-terrier sired by "Starden's King." 
Please make nominations for the Produce, Yankee and 
Tomboy Stakes to the secretary, on or before the date of 
closing of entries for the Rhode Island State Fair Show, 
Sept. 3. H. W. Smith, Sec'y and Treas. 
Worcester, Mass., Aug. 35. 
DOG CHAT. 
Some time since we drew attention to the fact that a show 
would be given by the Orange County Agricultural Society 
at Newburgh, Sept. 18 to 21. Mr. Johnston, the superin- 
tendent, now informs us that their show is to be a good 
one, and to that end have engaged Spratts Company to 
bench and feed. Dr. H. Clay Glover will judge all classes. 
A new fox-terrier kennel has just been started at Harris- 
ton, Ind., under the name of the Cloverleaf Kennels. A 
company has been organized with W. W. Stevens, Salem, 
Ind., as the president; Enoch Parr, treasurer, and G. G. 
Davis, secretary, both of Harriston. The stud dogs already 
in the kennel are Ford Venio (Venio Grantock — Ford), 
imported recently, and Von K. Parr (Beverwyck Roy^ 
Beverwick Blundaze) from the Beverwyck Kennels. 
Our contemporaries are just giving the "news" that Mr. 
Huntington sold the wolfhound Nagrajdai, which was con- 
tained in Forest ajjd Stream of March 2. 
Off the coast of Siberia the Ainus of Sakhalim train packs 
of dogs to assist them in their occupation as fishermen. 
One of these packs of dogs, when out for a fishing excursion, 
will swim out to sea, and then spread out to form a semi- 
circle, in order to head the shoals of fish and drive them 
towards the shore and into the nets of these rude and primi- 
tive people. The dogs not only perform this work with 
singular skill, but, when they have reached the shallow 
water, some of them seize the largest fish in the mouth and 
carry them to land. On some parts of the Devonshire 
coast powerful dogs are bred and trained to swim through 
the surf and bring back in their teeth the ends of ropes 
thrown from the incoming boats, without which aid it 
would often be impossible to land the boats safely. These 
dogs are exempted from the dog tax, on account of their 
useful labor.— British Fancier. 
There have been many rumors afloat among the dog men 
of Boston and vicinity to the effect that an open air terrier 
show would be held in or near Boston this Fall, but when 
traced to their origin were found to have nothing tangible 
to rest upon. That something of the kind would be well re- 
ceived by the public as well as fanciers has long held a place 
in the minds of many of the leading breeders in that section, 
but their absence from town at the time of year necessary to 
prepare for such an event has no doubt been the primary 
cause of the idea never having been carried out. The New 
England Kennel Club has been quietly at work the past two 
months endeavoring to secure a suitable place to hold such a 
show and they have at last succeeded. On Friday last they 
made an arrangement with the Country Club, one of the 
leading social clubs, whereby such a show will be held under 
canvas on their extensive grounds at Clyde Park, Brookline, 
a suburb of Boston. It will be confined strictly to terriers, 
and as such, the first to be held in this country, we believe. 
They have claimed the dates of Oct. 30 to Nov. 9. Mr. Love- 
land writes us: "It is the intention to make it a gala week, 
and a suitable ending of the country season for this year. 
There are to be many other attractions in addition to the 
dogs. Arrangements have been made to have whippet rac- 
ing, now so popular in England, polo and golf matches, trap 
shooting and other sports. Exhibitors who attend may be 
assured that time will not drag heavily on their hands. 
Premium lists will be ready in due season." 
The Seminole Kennels are hard at work getting their dogs 
in shape for the fall shows. Champion Tim and Laura B. 
are ready for another "farewell" campaign; in fact, they 
are veritable "Pattis" in this respect. And we are glad to 
hear that at present they are in prime condition. The col- 
lie Golddust, as we remarked at the Specialty show, is im- 
proving with age and now is in better coat than he has been 
since his arrival in this country, so his owner is confident 
that he will hold his own with the best. Good accounts 
also come of their little pug Attraction, winner of the chal- 
lenge prize at New York last spring. His son, Attraction, 
Jr., was sold to a Louisville fancier at a long price, and is 
expected to account for some ribbons very soon, even if he 
does not beat his sire. He is the best that the kennel has 
yet bred and reflects great credit on his sire, who is making 
his mark as a stock dog. Seminole Kennels will show a 
strong kennel of Irish setters and collies and the pug At- 
traction, at the Des Moines and Pittsburgh shows under the 
able generalship of Ben Lewis and they hope that the hard 
times will not affect the shows, but that the "regulars" will 
come out in force and make the glory of winning all the 
brighter. 
Mr. John Davidson,whilehebreakshis average at Toronto, 
will, however, not be allowed to remain idle next month. He 
will judge at Pittsburgh, as already announced, and from 
there judges at Providence. Then he. will leave, as soon as 
possible after judging, for Stockton, Cal., where he judges 
all classes, the show having been postponed till Sept. 26 to 30, 
to allow of him making the long trip across the continent. It 
is a wonder to all his friends how this veteran manages to 
stand the amount of traveling he does during the year. 
Mr. C. E. Bunn, of Peoria, III., has purchased the mastiff 
dog Ealderman from Mr. W. Wade, Hulton, Pa. Ealder- 
man is by Beaufort out of Emma. 
Mr. W. Tulk, Jr., assistant secretary of the Hamilton 
Kennel Club, Ontario, Canada, called upon us on Monday 
last. He reports kennel affairs in Toronto and Hamilton as 
being on edge waiting for the Toronto show to open. Hamil- 
ton will hold a local show about the beginning of October 
confined to residents in Wentworth county. As their one- 
day local show last year secured an entry of 208 dogs and 
was such a success even a larger entry is expected this 
time. Mr. Tulk is on a still hunt for wolfhounds and we 
may have more to say before going to press. 
The Terra Cotta Kennels, in which Messrs. J. G. Kent, of 
Toronto, and W. Tulk, Jr.. are partners, have just pur- 
chased Mr. Purbeck's crack greyhound bitch Southern 
Beauty. By many good judges this bitch is considered the 
best greyhound on the bench to-day; at any rate, she is the 
best of her sex yet seen in public. By this purchase the 
kennel can now show a team that will be found hard to beat 
with Gem of the Season, Wild Rose and Southern Beauty 
the leaders. Dallas, which they have also just purchased, 
from Mr. H. W. Huntington, will, no doubt, also prove a 
useful dog. 
The Pittsburgh show promises to be a good one, as many 
Philadelphia and Chicago exhibitors will enter there. If a 
show is given by responsible people and run on business 
principles, as this one of the P. A. C. seems to be, there is no 
earthly reason why it should not be supported, whether it 
sails under the banner of the A. K. C. or not. Pittsburgh 
has always been a good show town, though handicapped 
by insufficient space to bench the dogs, but unless shows are 
continually given the local interest soon dies out and for 
this reason alone the venture of the P. A. C. should meet 
with support and approbation. There are many of our best 
exhibitors and breeders who would welcome outside shows 
as they are not all imbued with that insane idea of scram- 
bling for wins that count. 
Mr. J. Otis Fellows judges at the Binghamton show, which 
takes places next week in connection with the fair, Sept. 6 to 
13. The fanciers of Binghamton intend forming a kennel 
club, and will join the A. K. C. with the view of holding 
a larger show next year. 
The Meadowmere Kennel of poodles will show a strong 
team at Toronto. 
The Marlborough Kennels have sold two Argoss — Mod jeska 
pups to Mr. Virtue, of Montreal. 
Mr Stone sends us a circular drawing attention to the fact 
that wins at Pittsburgh would not be recognized by the A. 
K. C. As the Forest asx> Stream explained this fact, ex- 
clusively, last week, there has probably been no harm done 
to the Toronto show through any misapprehension on this 
point. 
Mr. Winchell has been keeping quiet lately, but a letter 
to-day (Tuesday) informs us that he has never known such a 
demand for bloodhound pups, everything he has had to offer 
has been taken with prices no object. He has just imported 
another fine dog pup called Jason and the bitch Blameless, 
in whelp. This bitch is said to be the most accurate and 
fastest man trailer in England. These two bloodhounds are 
from Mr. Brough's kennel, Yorkshire, England, and left the 
other side Aug. 16, on the Tauric of the White Star Line. 
The Brampton Beauty litter, by champion Black Prince, 
have come on well, the dog pups being especially promising. 
N. E. F. T. Club. 
The New England Field Trial Club, through its secretary, 
Mr. A. R. Sharp of Taunton, Mass., sends us the entry forms 
and rules for its Members' Stake to be run Oct. 23. The 
stake is open to all pointers and setters owned by members 
of the club, with no restriction as to handlers in good stand- 
ing. Entries close Sept, 15, with $5 to nominate, $10 to fill. 
Ten per cent, of this goes to the club, and the balance is 
divided into prizes of 50$ to first, 30$ to second and 20$ to 
third. While the rules are in the main similar to other field 
trial club rules, the note at the bottom of Rule XI. strikes 
one as being quite to the point in these days of half-trained 
dogs that are in many instances misnamed "high class." 
"The N. E. F. T. C. feel that the foundation of success in 
field trials, and the development of the shooting dog to the 
highest standard of excellence, depend upon the sportsman 
of the country, and for that reason they wish to have the 
owners and handlers of dogs bring their dogs on the field 
thoroughly broken, and under such control that they can be 
handled quietly and without confusion. Dogs that are dis- 
obedient, wilful and careless in their work, will not be tol- 
erated." 
The club rules call for retrieving, but the dogs will not be 
asked to retrieve in this stake on account of the close season, 
which extends to Oct. 15. 
From Providence we hear that entries have already come 
in very satisfactorily, and a large show is expected. The 
Fox-Terrier Club will have the "Yankee" Stakes and "Fu- 
turity" Stake judged there, and it is reported What a new 
$400 cup will be competed for at this show for the first time 
