THE SETTER 
in and out of the Press discussion waxed warm between partisans on 
opposite sides. This culminated at length (after his death, be it noted) 
in an appeal to the tribunal of the Kennel Club, who, after a more or less 
exhaustive inquiry, pronounced a somewhat inconclusive verdict, which 
left the matter pretty much where it was. Be that what it may, these 
pedigrees have got to be accepted as they stand at this time of day, 
for there is hardly a setter kennel in existence that has not been bred 
according to them, and in which they have not been worked into the 
family tree. 
The strangest notions have been prevalent for years as to the meaning 
of the word Laverack. The popular idea is that it is a sort of sweepstakes 
term for the English setter; others hold that it means a colour, i.e., a black 
and white setter, and these consistently deny the appellation to those 
that are lemon and white, although, as happens in many cases, they 
are out of the same litter as their black and white brothers and sisters. 
Quite recently the writer was informed that Laverack was the name of 
a place, and the dogs derived their name therefrom. To correct all these 
blunders let it be understood, once for all, that the Laveracks derive 
their name from Mr Edward Laverack, who was responsible for their 
breeding, who bred and shot over them for about sixty years, and who 
died in 1877. 
The Laverack, as a pure strain, is now for all intents and purposes 
defunct, owing in great measure to Mr Laverack’s faithful disciples, 
who with more zeal than discretion, mismanaged the breeding after the 
old man’s death; being devoid of his wonderful judgment, and ignorant 
of the secrets which died with him. This fact is much to be deplored. 
Fortunately, however, for the future of the setter there was some one 
who, while long an admirer of the pure Laveracks, recognized their limita- 
tions, and by securing the best specimens of the breed, while still they 
were in their prime, and blending them with other selected bloods, has 
preserved all that is valuable in them from extinction, while at the same 
time forming a strain superior in utility and vitality. 
The breeder alluded to is Mr Purcell Llewellin, whose enthusiasm 
was recognized by Mr Laverack, and to whom he dedicated his book, 
“The Setter,” in the following words: “To R. LI. Purcell Llewellin, 
who has endeavoured, and is still endeavouring, by sparing neither 
expense nor trouble, to bring to perfection the Setter, this little volume 
is dedicated by his sincere friend and admirer, Edward Laverack.” 
HH 
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