28 
Quadrupeds. 
THE POIJSTER 
Is docile in its disposition, and when trained, is of the 
greatest service to the sportsman who delights in shoot- 
ing. It is astonishing to see to what a degree of obe- 
dience these animals may be brought. Their sight is 
equally acute with their scent, and they are 4 enabled to 
perceive at a distance the smallest sign from their 
master. So admirably have they been trained, that 
their acquired propensities seem as inherent as a 
natural instinct, and appear to be transmitted from 
parent to progeny. When they scent their game, they 
fix themselves like statues, in the very attitude in 
which they happen to be at the moment. If one of 
their fore feet is not on the ground when they first 
scent, it remains suspended, lest, by putting it to the 
ground, the game might be too soon alarmed by the 
noise. In this position they remain, until the sports- 
man comes near enough, and is prepared to take his 
shot ; when he gives the word, and the dog immediately 
springs the game. This attitude has often been selected 
by the artist. 
