REMEDIES FOR FAULTS.

In conducting the breaking of dogs to the gun, it will be found that certain individuals contract faults, which must be remedied as far as possible. These are:

1st. Hunting too low, or puzzling on all occasions-commonly known as "pottering."

2ndly. Chasing when hares are on foot.

3rdly. Refusing to stop when another dog points, or to "down charge," when the gun goes off, as the case may be. For the first of these faults a mechanical contrivance has been invented, called the puzzle-peg, which is a projecting peg strapped on to the lower jaw in such a way as to prevent the animal reaching the ground with his nose, thus. Colonel

Hutchinson has invented and described a mode of superseding the necessity for this, which I shall give in his own words. He is describing the preliminary education of a puppy:-"Your pup having become a tolerable proficient in these lessons, you may beneficially extend them by employing the word Up,' as a command that he is to sniff high in the air to find the hidden bread or meat, lying, say, on a

shelf, or on the back of a sofa. He will, comparatively speaking, be some time in acquiring a knowledge of the meaning of the word, and many would probably term it an over-refinement in canine education; but I must own I think you will act judiciously if you teach it perfectly as the initiatory lessons; for the word 'Up,' if well understood, will frequently save your putting on the puzzle-peg. For this you might be tempted to employ, should your dog be acquiring the execrable habit of 'raking,' as it is termed, instead of searching for the delicious effluvia with his nose carried high in the air."

Yet

Now, undoubtedly, if the dog can be taught to understand the word "Up," it is a gain; but let any one try to do this, and he will find the difficulty is not trifling, nor, if overcome, will it suffice at any great distance from the shooter. it is chiefly under such circumstances that the dog "potters;" for few sportsmen care about it being done near them, inasmuch as they can encourage the dog by the voice, and with this aid he will seldom dwell for any time on a foot scent. But it is at a distance that the mischief chiefly occurs, and when the steady point is wanted, to which birds will lie. Here the voice is altogether objectionable, for it either cannot be heard by the dog, or if it can, it will at the same time disturb the game. I therefore hold that Colonel Hutchinson's plan is utterly useless, and that the puzzle-peg must still continue to be the only remedy for this fault. By strapping it on for days together, the dog at length learns. the habit of hunting with his head high, though it will generally be necessary to return to it occasionally for some time. For the second and third faults the check-cord is applied in a variety of ways; but it is always intended to apply to those dogs which range too wide, or refuse to "back,” or to "point," even, when very troublesome to break. It is merely a line of various degrees of size and length, according to the strength and courage of the dog; it may be generally of the length of twenty yards, and of good stout cord, well twisted, yet not too heavy. The object is not always to tire the dog, but to gain absolute command over his motions, in bringing him back to you, or in stopping him from chasing. Of course, the longer and heavier the cord, the more it tires the