552. The sire of “Venus”—honourable mention is made of her in [99]—a very celebrated dog, had an invaluable quality as a retriever, though the very opposite of the range I have been recommending. He disturbed as little ground as possible during his search, and no fresh ground returning. After running with the greatest correctness a wounded pheasant through a large cover, he would invariably return upon the same track he had taken when first sent from “heel.” I confess I cannot see how this admirable habit could be taught by any one but Dame Nature. Is it not a beautiful instance of sagacity? But you will observe that, singularly good as was this regular retriever, he would have sprung the snipe at which the retrieving-pointer stood ([546]). For instructions regarding regular land retrievers, see [112] to [130].
EXAMPLE BETTER THAN PRECEPT.
“Accoutred as I was I plunged in and bade him follow.”—Pars. [276] and [553].
WATER SPANIELS.
WATER RETRIEVERS (or WATER SPANIELS)
TO RETRIEVE WOUNDED, BEFORE PICKING UP KILLED WILDFOWL.
553. This a knowing old dog will often do of his own accord; but you must not attempt to teach a young one this useful habit, until you are satisfied that there is no risk of making him blink his birds. You can then call him off when he is swimming towards dead birds, and signal to him to follow those that are fluttering away. If the water is not too deep, rush in yourself, and set him a good example by actively pursuing the runaways; and until all the cripples that can be recovered[101] are safely bagged, do not let him lift one of those killed outright. If very intelligent, he will before long perceive the advantage of the system, or at least find it the more exciting method, and adhere to it without obliging you to continue your aquatic excursions. (For advice about water retrievers, see [90] to [95].) I have placed this paragraph among the “refinements” in breaking; but I ought, perhaps, to have entered it sooner; for if you are fond of duck-shooting, and live in a neighbourhood where you have good opportunities of following it, you should regard this accomplishment as a necessary part of your spaniel’s education.
SUPERFLUOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS.