MAXIMS. 
675 
ing his powers, and rathei lose the bird than the advantage 
of such a lesson. 
Never permit a race after a hare ; therefore never be 
tempted to shoot at one which rises before your dog. In a 
case of necessity shoot her in her seat. 
Never head your dog, nor let him trifle his time behind 
you ; but keep him a-head in his beat, and go hand-in-hand 
with him up to his point. 
Never allow your dog to break field, that is, make off into 
another field before his master, or to hunt out of your sight 
at any time. Neither let him take another dog’s point out 
of his teeth, but make him back up at a respectful distance; 
or, which is better, lie close till desired to go on. 
Never hunt a dog when tired down, lest he become a 
dealer in false points, and lose his gallantry of range. 
Do not suffer your dog to ramble when you are going to 
or returning from the field, but keep him strictly to your 
heel. It is not in the way of business. 
By way of preparation for taking the field, (which may be 
as soon after six months old as convenient,) we trust the 
master or keeper of young pointers or setters has betimes 
accustomed them to know their names distinctly, and answer 
to them, and to prostrate themselves to the imperious down 
and uplifted hand. Down charge should also be taught at 
home, as blinking shot on the field is one of the worst evils 
which can befall us. This can be accomplished at small ex¬ 
pense of gunpowder—reward and caresses with puppies. 
Sheep and poultry should likewise be made familiar to them 
and respected. If a young dog makes a mistake in the flock 
or poultry-yard, the whip will cure him; but if an old one 
takes to such practices, to the gallows with him ! he is never 
to be trusted/'" Every sportman, we presume, will under- 
* The following- specimen of the “ tender mercies ” of a reverend 
