72 THE AMATEUR TRAINER. 
The main object of his training, practical work to 
the gun afield, which could not have been taught at 
home owing to lack of room in the yard, etc., and 
actual experience on birds in their natural haunts, 
is still lacking to perfect his training. No great 
difficulties will be experienced now to fit the dog 
for practical work, and only exercise and time will 
be required to give him the necessary experience 
afield to make him a useful dog. The dog at this 
stage has not by far reached the limit of his capa¬ 
bilities in training and finishing, and the more 
exacting trainer will not be satisfied with w T hat has 
been accomplished, but continue his labors until the 
highest point of perfection of a thoroughly trained 
and finished dog may be arrived at. 
The course now to be persued may be modified 
in particular localities where special game abounds, 
and is chiefly to be worked on ; but in general thor¬ 
ough instruction should be given in the full course 
described hereinafter. 
The sportsman will now properly take the place 
of the former trainer, the pupil rapidly change to a 
helpmate and companion of the former, and labor 
and vexations be supplanted by enjoyment and well 
earned pride. 
The manner of reaching the field, where actual 
work with dog and gun is to begin, must be en¬ 
tirely left to the individual sportsman, of course, 
but try and get there with as little fatigue as possi¬ 
ble to yourself as well as the dog. 
