THE BEAGLE HOUND. 279 



In my kennel I have always found them exceptionally 

 quiet and peaceable. I have always allowed them to re- 

 main loose and sleep as they liked, half a dozen or more 

 in one bed, and they were invariably quiet and friendly 

 to one another, while my neighbor's Setters, Pointers, and 

 other dogs are constantly noisy, and frequently quarrel- 

 some. 



It is claimed by some people who are not fully ac- 

 quainted with their good qualities that Hounds are lacking 

 in affection, and are given to fighting. As regards the 

 Beagle, I am pleased to state that such is not the case. 

 They are fully as affectionate and companionable as my 

 Setters, Spaniels, or Pointers. As I now write, my chair 

 is surrounded by several of these little Hounds, com- 

 fortably stretched out in repose. Every few moments one 

 or another gets up, places its feet on my lap, and gazes at 

 me pleadingly, as it mutely seeks a kind word, or slyly 

 pokes its nose against my elbow as a more efficacious way 

 of attracting attention, as some of the singular-looking 

 hieroglyphics on the manuscript will allow the printer to 

 attest. At the same time, another one, jealous of the atten- 

 tion shown the former, is sure to come forward and en- 

 deavor to push the other one away in order to have all the 

 attention shown itself; and thus throughout the evening 

 they are constantly making their presence known. My 

 Melody lies nestled beside me, always insisting on her right 

 to a place, while I am constantly compelled to help the 

 other Hounds, including Trailer, Eiot, Music, Trinket, and 

 others, down time and time again as they claim their right 

 to my attention. 



As for fighting, while I have known Setters to kill one 

 another in a fight in their kennel, I have never known of a 

 single instance where my Beagles have fought among them- 

 selves, although they run together all day and sleep to- 

 gether in their kennel at night unchained. 



As to breeding, it is generally believed by Beagle fan- 

 ciers that the progeny usually have a tendency to grow 

 larger than their dam. It is therefore considered advisa- 



