The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1901-11-15

w
mel Clubs trials at Ipswich, held on
April and 5. The first person he met
was Mr. Jacquet, the secretary of the
club, and through whose kindness he
was introduced to all present and was
accorded all the privileges of the club.
Mr. Bradley was soon deeply interested
in every movement of the clubs mem
bers and the competition. Partrhges
were very plentiful, atfording oppUtu-
mites for fine display in point work
and exhibitions of broken dogs, which
is of paramount Importance in the
English trials, where chasing is not
permitted. This is much insisted upon
there, for all dogs are subjected to the
SevereSt tests on account of the mum
bers of hares on the grounds. The
success of these trials and the names
of the winning dogs have been given in
previous numbers of this paper.
The next trials Mr. Bradley attended
were those of the English Setter Club
at Newport, where he met many new
faces, saw the keenest competition and
the utmost enthusiasm. On April p
and May and 3, he was in attendance
at the international meeting at
Shrewsbury, which was the best attend
ed trials and where representative
dogs of the principal kennels are to
be seen. The Champion Stake, with
10 starters, all winners of a first or
second in open trials, proved a most
interesting one to Mr. Bradley. 1t was
held on the estate Of Sir Walter Cor
bett, and the mild spring weather was
bringing out the leaves and blossoms
in the beauty Of an English Maying.
The large company present, many of
Whom were ladies; the lovely grounds,
the abundance of game, the lively COM
petition from start to finish, the man.
ner In which the competition was
conducted, the manner in which all
awards were received, the absence of
all chickering's, and the enthusiasm OF
all present were features which made
an impression on the American which
he says he win not soon FORGET He
represents Col Coats, the president OF
! the club, as one peculiarly we'll fitted
for the place, looking after the success
OF the trials as well as the comfort of
all spectators. Mr. Bradley says that
any one, especially an American, can
feel assured that he will be given the
right hand Of good fellowship, be made
to feel at home and have cause to re-
member always the kindness extended
him.
During the three meetings he attend
ed Mr. Bradley never heard one word of
adverse criticism regarding any of the
decisions of the judges. The sports
men taking an active part in the trials
enter the competition with great en-
thusiasm and with good grace accept
the verdict. Articles rejecting upon
the clubs management and the de-
,cisiOns OF judges are not published by
any Of the sportsmen's Journals,
which admit nothing in their columns
showing petty spite or unjust criticism.
Mr. bradley heartily congratulates the
sportSmen> Of England that such a
state or affairs exists, and clubs and
press work together for the elevation
OF field sports, effectually stamping out
all unsportsmanlike elements. He
particularly dwells on the fact that
dogs over there have to be thoroughly
broken, that they are required to
quarter and cover the ground we'll. for
the reason that the birds are in pairs.
with several pairs on piece of ground
containing only few acres-atfOfcainp
an abundance Of opportunities for
point work, style and prompt work in
backing by the competing dog.
Speed is sought for, but close ranging
is necessity for the reasons mention
ed and prevents leaving birds behind
in wide casts. Speed gives the same
advantage as in this country, getting
there first, but Of necessity must be
utilized in covering the ground better.
Dogs are severely penalized for break
ing shot, chasing hares or refusing to
back instantly at sight of a pointing
dog. Handlers are not permitted to
make unnecessary noise, which means
but little of it, either by voice or
whistle, and they are required to
promptly and unquestionably obey in
structions OF the judges.
Mr. Bradley mentioned an instance
where a handler was cautioned twice