THE BLOODHOvJPJD. 



the Bloodhound's nose. If blood be spilt upon the track, the delicate olfactories 

 of the animal are blunted, and it is no longer able to follow the comparatively 

 wealc scent which is left by the retreating footsteps. 



Both these methods have been successfully employed, but in either case great 

 caution is needed. When the hound suspects that the quarry has taken to the 

 water, it swims backward and forward, testing every inch of the bank on both 

 sides, and applying its nose to every leaf, stick, or frothy scum that comes 

 floating by. 



In this country the Bloodhound is chiefly employed in deer-shooting, aiding the 

 sportsman by singling out some animal, and keeping it ever before him, and by 

 driving it in certain directions, giving to its master an opportunity for a shot from 

 his rifle. Should the deer not fall to the shot, but be only wounded, it dashes off 

 at a greatly increased pace, followed by the Bloodhound, which here displays his 

 qualities. Being guided by the blood-drops that stud the path of the wounded 

 animal, the hound has an easy task in keeping the trail, and by dint of persevering 

 exertions is sure to come up with his prey at last. 



The Bloodhound is generally irascible in temper, and therefore a rather danger- 

 ous animal to be meddled with by any one excepting its owner. So fierce is its 

 desire for blood, and so utterly is it excited when it reaches its prey, that it will 

 often keep its master at bay when he approaches, and receive his overtures with 

 such unmistakeable indications of anger that he will not venture to approach 

 until his Dog has satisfied his appetite on the carcase of the animal which it 

 has brought to the ground. Wlien fairly on the track of the deer, the 

 Bloodhound utters a peculiar, long, loud, and deep bay, which, if once heard, 

 will never be forgotton. 



The modern Bloodhound is not the same animal as that which was known 

 by the same title in the days of early English history, the breed of which is 

 supposed to be extinct. The ancient Bloodhound was, from all accounts, an 

 animal of extremely irritable temper, and therefore more dangerous aj a 

 companion than the modern hound. 



The colour of a good Bloodhound ought to be nearly uniform, no white 

 being permitted, except on the tip of the tail. The prevailing tints are a 

 blackish-tan, or a deep fawn. The tail of this Dog is long and sweeping, 

 and by certain expressive wavings and flourishings of that member, the animal 

 indicates its success or failure. 



