Mr. T. Jacobs, of Newton Abbot, who owns a large kennel of Spaniels, must be held responsible for the crossing of the Sussex and Black Spaniel in the winning show-dogs of to-day to a greater extent than any other breeder, and he states his reasons for doing so in the following terms, communicated to me: 'I crossed the Sussex and Black Spaniel, thinking to improve the type of both. I wanted more bone, longer body, and shorter legs in the Black variety, and longer heads in the Sussex.' Mr. Jacobs is of opinion that there are no real Sussex Spaniels now existing worth notice, and he contends that the name Sussex should be dropped, and classes for liver-coloured Spaniels take their place; for he holds that all Sussex pedigrees and blood have been lost in the crosses that have produced the present golden-liver-coloured show dogs, which he considers far better in shape, longer in head, and better - because straighter - in leg, than the Sussex shown during the palmy days of this breed at our exhibitions. I am glad to give Mr. Jacobs's views, although I cannot adopt them."

Here is a description of the Field Spaniel, adapted from that of the Sporting Spaniel Society: -

Skull

Long, not too wide, and well chiselled, projecting in a well-defined manner at the eyebrows, having the occipital bone developed.

Jaws

Long and rather narrow, but square, the muzzle straight, not "Roman," with nostrils full and open.

Eyes

-Rather large and bright, not sunken, nor prominent, nor showing haw.

Ears

Almond-shaped, set on low, longish, pendulous, fine, and well feathered.

Neck

Long, strong, and muscular, with no loose skin.

Shoulders

Long, sloping, and well knit.

Fore Legs

Short and straight, strong and flat in bone, well fringed.

Body

Capacious, rounded, and well sprung, the back ribs being carried well into the loin, chest deep and wide.

Loin

Of good length, straight or very slightly arched.

Hindquarters - Wide and very muscular, stifle moderately bent.

Feet

Round, hairy, hard and thick soles.

Fig. 70. - Mr. Isaac Sharpe's Field Spaniel Stylish Girl.

Stern

Low set and not carried above the level of the back, ever in motion at a look or a word, well feathered.

Coat

Flat or slightly waved, free from curl, soft, thick, and silky, of fair length and (except the feathering) lying close to the body; the feather, which serves as a fringing, not to be too thick.

Colour

Either glossy black, liver-roan-and-tan, liver-white-and-tan, black-white-and-tan, liver-and-roan, black-and-roan, liver-and-white, black-and-white, liver-and-tan, or black-and-tan. The colour of the eyes depends on the colour of the coat, but it must always appear dark and rich; the same rule applies to the nostrils.

Fig. 70 is an illustration of a Field Spaniel, a black bitch, Stylish Girl, belonging to Mr. Isaac Sharpe. This bitch, in addition to the pictorial advantages of a typical head, legs straight though short, and body free from exaggeration, is the only Field Spaniel that has run well at the trials.