2-889-395 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Woodcock Shooting, 1850. 'A difference of opinion will be found to exist as to the best kind of dog for the pursuit of the woodcock. A valued friend, who resided during the last shooting season at Taynish House, by Lochgilphead, in Argyleshire, in one of his letters, observes: "I think that more cocks may be killed with one or two steady pointers than with spaniels: with the latter you will find more birds; with the former you will have the better diversion". During the season of 1849-50, this gentleman killed with his own gun upwards of two hundred and fifty cocks. His opinion is entitled to great attention, for a more ardent disciple of the trigger never breathed...Such [dogs] as are used should possess the most exquisite sense of smell, and one at least should have been taught to retrieve'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.