THE AMATEUR TRAINER. 15 
willing to perform this task, may well be termed 
barbaric. 
The Setter is much more dashing and enduring, 
exhibits more vim throughout his work, is stauncher 
at point and in backing; in ranging, far the 
superior; as a retriever from land or water, greatly 
preferable; retains his training better and gen¬ 
erally is useful many more years than the Pointer, 
and withal a most amiable companion. 
An extensive pedigree is no guarantee of the 
ultimate usefulness of a dog in the field; yet the off¬ 
spring of a pure strain of field dogs cannot be recom¬ 
mended too highly. Although very good dogs are 
occasionally produced from inferior stock, no chances 
should be taken in the matter of purity of breed. 
THE PUPPY. 
The puppy is usually procured at an age of from 
six to ten weeks, and the enthusiasm over the new 
acquisition mostly runs high. Such exultation is 
excusable; but do not imagine your precious puppy 
should receive at least his primary training lessons 
before he is fairly weaned—such a folly should 
never be conceived. 
If possible give your puppy a capacious yard to 
romp in ; if a companion is accessible, all the better. 
Never allow him to loaf and loiter about. Give 
nutritious food, but avoid overfeeding. Never 
abuse or frighten him at any time; treat him kindly 
