THE HOUND 



HOUND is the old name for any species of dog, but, at the 

 present time, those only are called Hounds which are used 

 for hunting. Some hunt foxes, others hares and rabbits, 

 and others deer. They are so fond of the excitement, that 

 they will sometimes continue the chase beyond the power 

 of existence, and drop dead. Most Hounds find their game 

 by the scent. The one shown in the title-page is called a 

 pointer, because he points at the game when he smells the 

 scent of it. Have you ever seen shooting dogs sporting 

 about in the country ? They run on before their master, 

 snuffing about ; suddenly the pointer stops as if he was 

 struck dead. He is just like a statue, he is so motionless. 

 His master knows that game is near. The good dog waits 

 patiently until he arrives, and he has been known to do so 

 for a very long time. The approach of the sportsman dis- 

 turbs the birds, they fly, the gun is fired, they fall, and the 

 pointer rushes on, barking, to find out fresh ones. The 

 Greyhound is the fleetest of all dogs, and can outrun every 

 animal of the chase ; but, as it is destitute of the faculty of 

 scent, it follows only by the eye. The Irish Greyhound is 

 the largest of the dog kind, and the most beautiful and ma- 

 jestic in appearance. It is only to be found in Ireland, 

 where it was formerly of great use in clearing the country 

 of wolves. Although it never seeks to quarrel with other 



