Since the publication of the article on this spaniel in the year 1865, no change is to be recorded in the opinions on its merits nor have the specimens exhibited shown any improvement in shape or quality. Mr. R. J. LI. Price's Bruce may, therefore, still be regarded as a good type of the breed, and I need not replace him by any more modern dog.

The Clumber spaniel takes his name from the seat of the Duke of Newcastle, in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was first established. His distinguishing features are a heavy head, long body, very short legs, and consequent slow pace, and absence of tongue, being entirely mute. Coupled with these qualities, on the other hand, there is a necessity for a team of at least three or four, if sufficient ground is to be gone over even for one gun, as the dog never ranges far from his master, and. is very slow in his work. He has, however, an excellent nose, is easily kept under command by ordinary means, though he does not readily own a new master; and when a team of Clumbers is composed of dogs well broken, excellent sport may be obtained from them. Like the Laverack setter, the Clumber has been very much in-bred, and is equally difficult to rear, and somewhat inclined to be delicate even at the best. Nevertheless, he is no doubt highly prized by those who can afford to keep an unlimited kennel for only occasional use.

The practice of battue shooting without dogs by the aid of human beaters has greatly reduced the demand for this dog, which was formerly adopted in beating almost all large woodland preserves.

The points of the Clumber spaniel are as follows:

Points Of The Clumber Spaniel

Grand Total 100.

1. The Head (Value 20)

The skull of this dog is large in all dimensions, being flat at the top, with a slight furrow down the middle, and a very large occipital protuberance. Sometimes this part is heavy in excess, but this is far better than the opposite extreme. The nose is very long and broad, with open nostrils. The end should be of a dark flesh colour, but even in the best strains it is sometimes of a cherry or light liver colour. The eye is large and soft, but not watering.

2. The Ears (Value 10)

2. The ears (value 10) are peculiar in shape as compared with other spaniels, being setter-like or vine-shaped, and indicating that this kind of spaniel is the original " setting spaniel" of olden times, now converted into the setter. They are slightly longer than those of most setters, and feathered, but not heavily, especially on the front edge.

3. The Neck (Value 5)

3. The neck (value 5) is long and strong, but lean, and free from dewlap in front, where, however, there is a slight ruff of hair.

4. In Length (Value 15)

4. In length (value 15) this spaniel should be two and a half times his height.

5. Good Shoulders (Value 10)

5. Good shoulders (value 10) are very important qualities in so heavy a dog, who tires in any covert rather too soon, and, with heavy shoulders, drops into a walk after a single hour's work. The chest must also have a large girth.

6. A Strong Back And Loin (Value 10)

6. A strong back and loin (value 10) are equally necessary, and for the same cause. The latter ought to be free from arch, as the back should be from droop, and the back ribs should be very deep.

7. The Legs And Feet (Value 15)

7. The legs and feet (value 15) of the Clumber must be carefully attended to, being of great importance to him in standing his work. He is very apt to be out at his elbows from his width of chest, and occasionally his legs are bowed from rickets, to which disease he is especially prone. These defects when present should be heavily penalised, as they are faults of great importance.

8. The Colour (Value 5)

8. The colour (value 5) is always white, with more or less lemon; and when the latter is freckled over the face and legs the colour is perfect. The face should always be white, with lemon head, and at the best a line of white down its middle.

9. The Coat (Value 5)

9. The coat (value 5) must be soft and silky, slightly wavy, and, though abundant, by no means long, except in feather.

10. The Stem (Value 5)

10. The stem (value 5) must be set low, and carried considerably downwards, especially when at work.