234 
FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. 
that on getting into covert they shall cross and re-cross their 
ground fifty times, never budging twenty yards from the feet of 
their master, and working as slowly as the slowest Cock-dog. 
It will be seen at once that such a combination of opposite 
qualities must needs be very rare ; and so rare is it, that for 
every hundred of good Woodcock-dogs which I have seen 
in this country, I have not seen ten equally good on Quail. 
I shall not touch here on the comparative and much disputed 
excellence of the Pointer or the Setter, except to observe that 
personally I greatly prefer the latter; while I admit that for 
persons who shoot but rarely, and who do not like the trouble 
of constant supervision of their dogs, I had almost said constant 
dog-breaking, the Pointer is the more suitable companion. 
I have, however, seen, indeed have owned Setters, which in 
all points of steadiness might have competed with the staunch¬ 
est Pointers, and which were as careful and under as good 
command on the first, as on the last, day of the season. 
I will now suppose that the sportsman has arrived at his 
shooting ground, and taken up his quarters in his snug country 
tavern for the night, previous to commencing operations in the 
early morning over a brace of good dogs, Pointers or Setters, 
at his own option. 
First then, let him see his dogs, which we will suppose have 
run some part of their journey afoot, well suppered on mush, 
or suppawn of Indian-meal, or oatmeal, seasoned with a little 
salt, but no meat, which injures the nose ; and well bedded on 
clean wheaten straw. Next let him sup lightly, limit his pota¬ 
tions to the second glass, and eschew a second pipe or cigar. 
Let him to-bed early, that he may sleep well and rise refreshed 
and with steady nerves. 
These are small matters doubtless—but it is the observance 
of small matters that makes great men in any line, and in oui 
case, good sportsmen. 
Lastly, let him assure himself before retiring to rest, that his 
sheets are dry and well aired, no inconsiderable matter to him 
who would avoid rheumatism. If he be the least in doubt, and 
