THE FELL HOUNDS 61 



To return for a moment to the fore limbs. I 

 have said that if the humerus or bone of the upper 

 arm is nearly in a straight hne with the ulna and 

 radius, the pace of the hound will be much greater 

 than if the humerus inclines at a sharper angle, or, 

 in other words, lies in a more horizontal position. 

 Whilst this formation ensures a lengthier stride, and 

 consequent increase in pace, it also tends to mcrease 

 shock, or jar and concussion. This jar is com- 

 municated to the hound's head through the top of 

 the scapula or shoulder blade. In order to reduce 

 this jar to a minimum the scapula should lie well 

 back, in an oblique position. The scapula or 

 shoulder blade connects with the dorsal vertebrae, 

 or bones of the back, and it can be easily understood 

 that the further from the head this point of con- 

 nection is the less jar will be communicated to the 

 hound's brain. 



Having mentioned some of the more important 

 parts of a fell hound's anatomy, we may turn to his 

 nose, or scenting power. The latter is the most 

 important quaUty in a fell hound, for no matter 

 how well-built he is, without nose his utihty is nil. 

 I have heard it said by people who should have 

 known better, that pace and nose are incompatible. 

 A very short experience of sport with the fell packs 

 will enable any one to refute such a foohsh state- 

 ment. To press a fox in the rough fell country 

 hounds must have pace, drive, and courage to an 



