32 
Quadrupeds. 
THE SPANIEL. 
Of this elegant animal, said to be of Spanish extraction, 
there are several varieties in this country ; but it is more 
than probable that the English Spaniel, the most common 
and useful breed, is indigenous. It has received from 
nature a very keen smell, good understanding, and un- 
common docility, and is employed in setting for par- 
tridges, pheasants, quails, &c. His steadiness in the 
field, his caution in approaching game, his patience in 
keeping the bird at bay till the fowler discharges his 
piece, are objects worthy of admiration. Many sportsmen 
prefer him to the pointer ; and if water is plentiful he is 
more useful, for his feet are much better defended against 
the sharp cutting of the heath than those of the pointer, 
as he has a great deal of hair growing between the toes 
and round the ball of the feet, of which the pointer is 
almost destitute. He also ranges much faster, and can 
endure more fatigue. 
When milder autumn summer's neat succeeds, 
And in the new-shorn field, the partridge feeds, 
Before his lord the ready spaniel bounds ; 
Panting with hope, he tries the furrow'd grounds ; 
But when the tainted gales the game betray, 
Couch'd close he lies and meditates the prey ; 
Secure they trust th' unfaithful field beset, 
Till hovering o'er them sweeps the swelling net." 
Pope's Windsor Forest 
