The effect of such exhibitions on this particular variety of Setter has undoubtedly been most beneficial, as it has on all our sporting dogs. Many will cavil at this statement, perhaps, and point to a particular example of a decided loss in stamina, in olfactory power, or general unsuitability for their work. While this is true of some breeds, it cannot be admitted in the case of Pointers or Setters, and more particularly in the case of Black-and-tan Setters. If one were to place side by side the handsome, racy-looking dogs of this breed which now adorn our show benches and those of even twenty years ago, an unprejudiced observer would admit the improvement. Even in the early eighties one frequently saw in the prize lists a number of heavy-headed dogs, with light eyes showing excess of haw, angular cranium, neck "throaty" and short, loaded shoulders, long backs with want of depth at the back ribs, with a curly coat, and a general appearance of Spaniel all over. What have we now by contrast? An upstanding, racy-looking dog, with full, intelligent brown eyes, a longer head but "sweeter," smaller ears low set on a finely rounded cranium, longer neck fitted on to "hunting" shoulders, with the scapula close together and high in contrast to the low, round, heavy shoulders of the older type, chest deeper, and though not so round perhaps as formerly, yet well carried back, giving plenty of room for the lungs. Nor does one see now the long, slack-loined animals deficient in back rib and diagnostic of non-staying powers. In quarters, too, as a rule, an improvement is noticeable-short stifles and long pasterns with the consequent "cowhock" is unknown, but instead the long stifles with plenty of thigh muscles set on short pasterns and firm, compact feet. Will any one deny that these are not better animals with greater capacity for endurance than their ancestors ? In those early days, about the middle of last century, much credit is due to Mr. Brown (of Melton Mowbray), Mr. Burdett (Birmingham), Rev. T. Pearce (of Morden), and Mr. Calver (Norfolk). Kent, exhibited by Sir S. Hoare at the Ashburnham Hall in 1863, and afterwards by the Rev. T. Pearce ("Idstone "), was a noted dog in his day. Several of his progeny were very successful, and many dogs of the present day have some of this blood.

In field trials about this time Black-and-tan Setters did more than hold their own, but owing to not perhaps advancing with the times so quickly as the other varieties, they were not so prominent towards the end of the century in these competitions. Writers of this period complain of the heavy shoulders and want of staying power of the Black-and-tans - faults which certainly have been eradicated in our dogs of the present day.

The late Mr. Binnie Bishopriggs was a prominent exhibitor at the leading shows for many years till the late seventies, followed by Mr. Montague Macdonald (St. Martins), whose Champion Young Jock and Dash III. were noted prize winners in the seventies and early eighties. The former was an exceedingly fine performer in the field, with marvellous staying powers, and his blood gave great character to his descendants. At the sale of Mr. Macdonald's dogs Young Jock became the property of Mr. Robert Reid (Lochwinnoch), while Dash III. was purchased by Mr. Chapman (Glenboig), both of whom were already known as admirers of the Gay Gordons. Mr. Gibb (Merkland, Aberdeen) was also a frequent exhibitor at this time.

Many existing kennels of Black-and-tan trace back to old Gordon Castle blood. This is true in the case of the "Rum" kennel, belonging to Sir George Bullough. Forty years ago the late Mr. John Bullough had a brace of Black, white, and tans, Pink and Duchess, and from these are descended the present famous kennels, which have been so successful of recent years at our leading exhibitions. Redruth Colonel (723 B) is a direct descendant of Duchess, and is a splendid example of our present-day type of "Gordon." Mr. Henry Achworth, head gamekeeper to Sir George Bullough, is a firm believer in the Black-and-tans, and finds them eminently suitable for the kind of work they require.

No article on this breed would be complete without special reference to that famous owner and breeder Mr. Robert Chapman (Glenboig), who for twenty-five years has had an extensive kennel containing as many as sixty and more Black-and-tan Setters. His first brace were Grouse, brother of Young Jock, and Sally, sister of Champion Lorne. During these years and continued to the present day Mr. Chapman's success as an exhibitor of this breed has been unparalleled in the canine world. Among many winners we would select Champion Heather Grouse as the finest specimen of a Black-and-tan Setter that has ever been exhibited, with Champion Heather Nap a good second, and among bitches Champion Kate IV. and Champion Heather Blossom. A large number from this kennel have been excellent dogs in the field, and Mr. Chapman, who has also an extended experience of other breeds, "has rarely owned a Gordon which wasn't a good worker," and says "the average of working ability in this variety is higher than in any other." He also thinks "that the breed has improved during this period as a whole," but "that at the present time we have not so many of outstanding merit." Mr. Chapman has exported many fine specimens to Australia, New Zealand, France, Austria, and Norway.

Fig. 61. - The Black-and-tan (or Gordon) Setter.

In addition to the Glenboig and Rum Kennels, the Black-and-tan Setters are exclusively used at Meggernie Castle, Glenlyon (trustees of the late Mr. Bullough), at Garth Castle (Sir Donald Currie's), at Cluny (Sir Reginald Cathcart's) ; and amongst others who own or have owned kennels of this breed might be included Lord Lovat, Lord Panmure, the Marquis of Huntly, Lord Saltoun, and Sir James Elphinstone, who could trace the origin of their dogs also to the Gordon Castle strain. Among frequent exhibitors we find Sir George Bullough, Mr. Robert Chapman, Mr. Gibb, Mr. Baillie, Mr. J. C. Hignett (one of whose dogs illustrates the variety), Dr. Charles Reid, in the North; and in the South, Sir Humphrey de Trafford, Mr. Lee Bulled, Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Emery, Mr. Manning, Colonel Le Gendre Starkie, Messrs. Greenbank, Mr. J. R. Tatham, and Mr. Edwin Bishop.