THE BASSET-HOUND 213 



their tongue ; they like to work out every inch of the trail, and, 

 as they invariably cast back of their own accord, they hunt best 

 when left pretty much to themselves. They should not be pressed, 

 especially at the beginning, before they are well settled to their work. 



It is well known that the formation of a fair pack of Foxhounds 

 is the work of very many years, even with the great number of 

 drafts to choose from. With Bassets, the number a buyer can 

 select from is very limited they vary greatly in size and build, 

 and, of course, in speed ; yet some people, having got together 

 half a dozen hounds of all sizes and shapes, never hunted before, 

 and probably bred from parents which for generations have not 

 done a day's hunting, are disgusted because they do not show 

 good sport. Surely this is unreasonable. A certain amount of 

 time and patience are required before a pack can be formed of, 

 say, eight couple, well matched in speed, and hunting nicely 

 together ; but with such a pack splendid results are obtained, 

 and I have heard old Beagle men most enthusiastic in their praise. 

 On a smaller scale very good amusement and exercise may be 

 obtained with two couple or so, run on a plain rabbit-skin drag, 

 or even merely letting them track their kennelman across country. 



Let me advise any one trying Bassets for hunting not to 

 attempt to teach them with the whip and harsh words, as they 

 are very sensitive, and easily frightened, and in some cases never 

 forget a thrashing. Headstrong they certainly are, and fond of 

 their own way but this failing must be put up with ; to those 

 who know the breed they are not hard to manage, with a little tact. 



I consider that, in making use of Bassets to run as Beagles, 

 we are taking them rather out of their element, and, consequently, 

 it will take time before they can be expected to be perfect at this 

 work. For shooting where the coverts are too dense for beaters, 

 Bassets in France take the place of our Spaniels, driving everything 

 before them, and making such a noise that neither boar nor rabbit 

 is likely to remain in cover. This was, I think, their original use 

 in France ; but in this country game is generally too plentiful 

 and highly preserved for them to be much used. 



I hope that, in breeding Bassets for hunting purposes, owners 

 will not neglect the heavy and somewhat ungainly appearance 

 that they should have, and gradually get them higher on the leg 

 and lighter in bone and body ; by so doing they may increase 

 the speed, but they will lose the endurance, and they will in time 

 be nothing better than deformed Beagles. I have already noticed 

 a tendency in this direction in packs. If Bassets are not fast 

 enough for a man, let him by all means keep Beagles instead. 

 You cannot expect a Clydesdale to go as fast as a thoroughbred, 

 nor would you think of breeding them to do so. Keep each to 

 his real work : both are good, but their style may suit different tastes." 



