42 DOMESTICATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



from the bulldog. I cannot, therefore, lay any great stress upon 

 this point in the formation of the head. 



The NECK also, though compared to that of a drake, is a long 

 way from being as thin, but, nevertheless, it may be said that it 

 should be as drake-like as possible. The object of this is to enable 

 the <i-reyhound to stoop and bear the hare without being put out of 

 his stride. The proper average length of the neck is about equal 

 to that of the head. 



The beam-like back is all-important, for without strength in this 

 department, though high speed may be obtained for a short dis- 

 tance, it is impossible to maintain it, and then we have a flashy 

 animal, who is brought up at the end of a quarter of a mile. 

 What is meant by the comparison to the beam is not only that it 

 shall be strong, but that the back shall have the peculiar square 

 form of that object. There is a long muscle which runs from the 

 hip forwards to be attached to the angles of the ribs, and mis, if 

 well developed, gives great power in turning, so that it is a very 

 essential point, and upon the size of it the squareness mainly de- 

 pends. Without width of hip no back can be strong, since the 

 muscles have no possibility of attachment in sufficient breadth, 

 and the same may be said of the ribs. In examining, therefore, a dog 

 out of condition, the experienced eye often detects the probability 

 of the futurs development of a good back, even though there is no 

 appearance of muscle at the time; because, the bones being of 

 good size and breadth, there is every reason to expect, with health 

 and good feeding, that they will be covered by their usual mov- 

 ing powers, and will then show the substance which is desired. 

 It is also desirable to have depth of back from above down- 

 wards, by which the whole body is "buckled and unbuckled" 

 with quickness and power, as is required in the gallop. The 

 muscles of the abdomen may draw the chest towards the hind legs 

 powerfully, but the action is too slow, and for quick contraction 

 those of the under side of the back are essential. 



By the side is to he understood the chest, which is composed of 

 the two sides combined. The bream-like form of this part depends 

 upon the width at the angles of the ribs, where they curve towards 



