As some advantages have been obtained by the various crosses, both in respect to speed, and the durability of fatigue, so something has been sacrificed on the score of patient forbearance, and olfactory sensibility; the gradational shades of one species introduced by _every_ change having so diversified the original stock, that a much greater degree of trouble is requisite in breaking now than formerly, to bring a POINTER of _perfection_ into the field. The impatient volatility of some men probably prompted them to indulge a design of introducing a breed of pointers, with speed sufficient to outstrip the rapidity of their own imaginations, that they might enjoy the unprecedented and supreme felicity of _hunting_ and _shooting_ at the same time; hence, perhaps, arose the emulative struggle for a superiority of _speed_ in addition to POINT, which, it must be acknowledged, has at length reached the very summit of perfection. POINTERS are never considered complete, unless they are perfectly staunch to "BIRD, DOG, and GUN;" which implies, first, standing singly to a _bird_ or a _covey_; secondly, to _backing_ (or pointing instantaneously _likewise_) the moment he perceives another dog to STAND; and lastly, not to _stir_ from his _point_, upon the firing of any gun in company, provided the GAME is neither _sprung_ or _started_ at which _he_ made _his_ original point. The art of breaking pointers for the field, was, twenty or thirty years since, looked upon as a very mysterious and difficult piece of business; many (called dog-breakers) deriving a subsistence from the employment: the charm, however, has been long since broken, and the process is known to be so exceedingly simple, that a tolerable well-bred pointer puppy may have the foundation of all his future perfections theoretically inculcated in the VERY KITCHEN or PARLOUR of his MASTER, before he is taken into the field. This is so truly and practically possible, that it may be done with _two_ or _three_ _brace_ together in a large room, or small yard, with no other assistance, than the alternate words of "TO-HO!" "TAKE HEED!" and "HAVE A CARE!" (with the small field whip in hand to impress attention,) although meat is tossed before them in every direction; when not a dog will stir till the signal of "HIE-ON" is heard, which they eagerly _obey_; but are as _instantly_ stopped at the very moment of seizing their meat, by either of the cautions previously mentioned. Young dogs, having thus imbibed the principles upon which they are to act, have nature, and their instinctive impulse, to point out their practice when brought into the field: few are seen who hunt too little, the major part are inclined to range too much, and then it is that the cool and steady patience of the experienced sportsman becomes necessary to check the impetuosity. Juvenile gunners frequently spoil young dogs, by keeping them under as little restraint as they wish