become hereditary; but the mixture with dogs which had
not these inherent qualities, has introduced volatility and impatience
not easily to be overcome. It is also a fact, that if a pointer,
notwithstanding this disposition, should at last become perfectly well
broke in, or, as it is called, highly broke, he loses much of his
natural sagacity. His powers of endurance are, however, very great. A
friend of mine, an ardent sportsman, had a pointer crossed with a
foxhound, and it was the only one he had. Day after day he took this
dog out with him, from day-break till late in the evening, and he
never flagged or showed fatigue. It was calculated that he could not
traverse less than one hundred and twenty miles each day. This dog
showed extraordinary sagacity. While hunting in a large fallow field
he made a point, and then slowly and cautiously proceeded, closely
followed by his master. In this way he led him over a good part of the
field, till it was supposed the dog was drawing on the scent of a
hare, which had stolen away. At last he set off running as hard as he
could, made a large circuit to the left, and then came to a point
immediately opposite to his master, who then advanced and put up a
covey of birds between him and the dog.

The following is a proof of the perfection to which pointers may be
brought. The friend above referred to went out shooting with a
gentleman celebrated for the goodness of his breed. They took the
field with eight of these dogs. If one pointed, all the rest
immediately backed steadily. If a partridge was shot, they all dropped
to charge, and whichsoever dog was called to bring the bird, the rest
never stirred till they were told to do so. Dogs thus broke in are of
great value, and bring large prices; from fifty to a hundred guineas
have been given for a good dog.

Pointers frequently show extraordinary sense, especially in their own
peculiar vocation. Thus a pointer has been known to refuse to hunt for
a person who had previously missed every bird the dog had found. He
left him with every mark of disgust, nor could any coaxing induce him
to continue with his unsportsman-like companion.

Three pointers were taken out grouse-shooting in Ireland. They were
all of the same breed, or rather nearly related to each other, one
being the grandmother, the other her daughter, and the third her
granddaughter. The latter, who could get over the ground quicker than
the others, put up first one pack of