HARRIER FOX-HOUND. 



179 



is used only in hunting the hare. It is far inferior in 

 speed to that animal, which is the principal object of 

 its pursuit; but by its exquisite scent it traces her 

 footsteps through all her turnings and windings with 

 the greatest exactness, and with wonderful persever- 

 ance, until she becomes at length exhausted, and un- 

 able any longer to continue her flight. 



THE HARRIER 



differs from the beagle in being somewhat larger, as 

 also more nimble and vigorous. It pursues the harje 

 with eager impetuosity, and scarcely gives her any- 

 time to breathe; and the most active sportsman finds 

 it sufficient exercise to keep up with the pack. These 

 hounds exert their voices with cheerfulness, and make 

 that lively harmony which has ever delighted the ears 

 of the true sportsman. 



THE FOX-HOUND. 



Great Britain excels all other countries in her breed 

 of fox- hounds, whether we consider their swiftness, 

 or their perseverance. The climate seems congenial 

 to their nature, for the race is said to degenerate when 

 transplanted into foreign countries; and it is certain 

 that in no part of the world is there so much attention 

 paid to their breeding and management. This, in- 

 deed, is not a matter of wonder ,vhen we consider 

 that the attachment of the English f .o the chase is so 

 remarkable, as to be reckoned a trait of the national 

 character. This propensity is so prevalent, v that 

 scarcely any price is thought too high for hounds of 

 approved excellence. 



These dogs are also trained to hunt the stag; and 

 as a proof of their perseverance and spirit in support- 

 ing a long continuance of vigorous exertion, it is suffi- 

 cient to observe, that a large stag having been turned- 

 out of Whinfield park, in Westmorland, was pursued 

 until the whole pack was thrown out, except two 

 staunch dogs, whiph continued the chace. The stag 

 returned to the park, made his last effort in leaping 

 over the wall, and at the moment he had accomplish- 

 ed it, dropped down dead. The foremost of the two- 

 also reached the wall, but being too much" ex- 

 16 



