HUNTING 91 



tion of the q\o^ before breeds were specialised, 

 probably by the Chinese. The foxhound, no 

 doubt, was originally descended from a composite 

 breed that showed adaptability for work in packs. 

 England was the country in which to establish 

 and improve the type, and in the modern fox- 

 hound we have a branch of the species that 

 stands out by itself in canine history. No other 

 breed can compare with him as regards courage, 

 intelligence, stamina and tractability. The show 

 bench in his case has helped to improve and 

 continue points of conformation, very different 

 from the effect the show ring has had on many 

 breeds — viz. fox terriers and bull-dogs. Men who 

 have to use a large number of terriers, such as 

 earth stoppers and rat catchers, aver that bench- 

 bred dogs are seldom of much use. Breeding 

 to points alone without testing the characteristics 

 of a breed will inevitably lead to its decadence. 

 One of the chief attributes of the foxhound is 

 his docility ; without this attribute it would be 

 well-nigh impossible to work hounds in a pack. 

 What other established breed would stand the 

 discipline and training necessary to bring him 

 to concert pitch without losing his courage or 

 his character ? 



One can imaoine what the result would be 

 of attempting to handle bull-dogs, retrievers or 



