526 



THE CARNIVORES 



hind-limbs, in which the upper and lower leg should be of great relative length, so 

 that the whole limb should be much bent at the junction of these two segments. 



Then again, the hind-limbs must be set rather wide apart at their lower ex- 

 tremities, to allow of their being brought forward with the utmost celerity in run- 

 ning ; while in the haunches the attention of the breeder is especially directed tc 

 the development of sufficient width. That the foot-pads should be hard and horny, 

 to withstand the wear and tear of racing over hard and rough ground, is self- 

 evident, but there is some difference of opinion as to the precise form of foot which 

 is most desirable. The tail should be entirely devoid of any fringe of long hairs, 



ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS. 

 (One-ninth natural size.) 



and, while thick at the root should at first taper somewhat rapidly, and afterward 

 more gradually. It should hang close to the hind-quarters for the greater part of 

 its length, terminating in an upwardly-inclined curve, which generally forms about 

 three-fourths of a circle. Color is regarded as of but minor importance in determin- 

 ing the " points" of a greyhound. A uniform coloration, such as sandy or slaty 

 gray, is, however, generally preferred to a mixture. 



TWs 1S kept purdy as a pet > and ma y be regarded as a miniature of 



Italian Grey- 



hound the English greyhound. Its proportions are most elegant, and its- 



speed considerable ; but so delicately is it made that it is incapable of 



pulling down even a rabbit.- The muzzle and tail are relatively somewhat shorter 



