THE ENGLISH SETTEE. 
707 
dog. Many prefer him to the pointer; and if water is plen 
tiful he is certainly more useful; for his feet are much better 
defended against the sharp cutting of the heath, than those 
of the pointer; as a great deal of hair grows between the 
toes, and round the ball of the foot, of which the pointer is 
almost destitute. Besides, he ranges much faster, and can 
endure much more fatigue. He can serve in thick coverts, 
where a pointer will not enter, and on this account is useful 
in woodcock-shooting, where springers or cockers are not 
kept. 
Formerly the setter was used for the purpose of taking 
partridges with the draw-net; and was generally taught tc 
squat down when the game was within a proper distance,— 
hence the name setter. 
The setter, besides his uses in the field, is much em¬ 
ployed in duck-shooting, as he is an excellent swimmer, and 
takes the water very readily. He is naturally of a timid 
disposition, and much afraid of correction, which, if inflicted 
with too much severity, never fails to render him ever after¬ 
wards unfit for field-sports. He becomes what is termed 
blinked, and in this case is so overpowered with fear, when 
threatened with correction, that he will sink at his master’s 
feet, and will steal away, after which it will be impossible 
to rouse him to further exertion in finding game; conse¬ 
quently it is of much consequence that both breaker and 
master should cautiously ascertain the dog’s natural character. 
The following beautiful stanzas of Somerville finely de¬ 
picts the style of ranging by the setter :— 
u When Autumn smiles, all beauteous in decay, 
And paints each chequer’d grove with various hues, 
My setter ranges in the new-shorn fields, 
His nose in air erect; from ridge to ridge 
Panting he bounds, his quarter'd ground divides 
