FOX-HOUNDS 98 



has more freedom and goes with greater ease than 

 one that is ribbed up and shorter. The great point 

 therefore is to combine sufficient strength with 

 the length, or the day will be too long also, even 

 in the fast countries, and most assuredly so in all 

 others — thus leaving it in doubt what will be 

 thought perfection fifty years hence ! But as to 

 bad legs and feet, there can be no doubt that 

 they are nearly exterminated for ever ; and the 

 only surprise is, how such legs and feet ever got 

 into the hound at all, unless by crossing with 

 some other sort of dog to acquire nose or courage ; 

 for, on looking at nearly all wild animals, it will 

 be seen that their legs are straight and good. 

 For instance, who ever saw a crooked-legged fox ; 

 their legs are straight as arrows, which is the 

 case with most other wild animals, which never 

 mix. 



In respect to the size of fox-hounds, there is 

 still a difference of opinion, though not so great 

 as was the case a few years since ; it being now 

 generally considered that hounds can be too 

 large, particularly in hilly and flinty countries. A 

 dog of twenty-four inches is about the height 

 to be preferred ; but, notwithstanding this general 

 opinion, the sporting world are much indebted to 

 those gentlemen who still keep hounds of the 

 largest size, or in the course of a few years the 



