Archibald Rutledge

“It has never seemed to me that enough could ever be written about the ruffed grouse. The nature of this grand bird is so above reproach that it must always be classed among the royalty in the great community of wild life. Its romantic wild haunts, its patrician habits, its princely bearing, its cyclone speed upon the wing, the marvelous skill with which it unerringly executes its aerial maneuvers, its poise and rare distinction of carriage, its keenly bred woodland intelligence, the beauty and appropriateness of its tawny plumage—whatever aspect you may take of this noble wild thing, you will find it perfect. Without irreverence I may truly say that it took God to imagine the ruffed grouse.”
― Archibald Rutledge, Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways

“There are, however, marked differences between the two greats of bird dogs that have long been generally recognized; and these differences may influence the choice of other men more than my own. The pointer was the first dog ever used to point game, and he seems to be built strictly for business. His place is in the field. When well broken he is almost unbelievably staunch. One brace of English pointers once stood point for an hour and twenty minutes, while a single English pointer stood game for six hours. A pointer has been known to have been frozen to death while on the point. But for all practical purposes the setter is just as staunch. A setter of mine once found a covey of quail at dusk, gone to roost in tall grass. I suppose I must have searched and called for half an hour before the dog was discovered, statued, with the whole covey just a few inches off his nose. The setter is the better companion; he is more gentle, affectionate, and demonstrative. The pointer always looks stripped for action; he does his work with admirable efficiency, and with a grim determination that is in high contrast to the setter’s ease and grace. Of the two, the pointer is the more independent and needs less encouragement. The pointer works as if it were his business to work; the setter as if wanting to please a watching master. The setter seems to work with his master; the pointer works for him. And each can do his work in a way to give eternal joy to the eye and the heart of a sportsman.”
― Archibald Rutledge, Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways: Archibald Rutledge's Tales of Upland Hunting