BEDDING 



case. It is indeed somewhat surprising that there are not 

 even more of these now that the merits of the delightful 

 little beagle have become better known, as the members 

 of the hunt could easily divide the hounds between them 

 and thereby save expense, whilst the enjoyment of the 

 periodical runs and the value of the exercise derived from 

 following a foot pack cannot be overestimated. 



The skull of a beagle is slightly domed, rather wide, 

 the occipital protuberance, or peak, and the stop between 

 the eyes being well defined. The muzzle should be of 

 a good length, showing plenty of substance, and the flews 

 must be deep, the eyes being dark in colour, rather large, 

 but not obtruding, and intelligent in their expression ; 

 the ears, which are set on low, being thin, long, and carried 

 close to the sides of the head. The neck, which carries a 

 slight dewlap, is fairly long and arched, the shoulders laid 

 back, the chest being of moderate width and very deep, 

 the body short, with nicely rounded ribs and strong loins ; 

 whilst the forelegs are dead straight, heavy in bone, and 

 set on well under the body, with round, compact feet, the 

 knuckles being considerably arched. The hind legs are 

 bent at the stifles and hocks, whilst the tail or stern is 

 rather long and coarse, and should be carried upwards, 

 though free from any tendency to curl. Both smooth and 

 rough coats are to be found amongst beagles, but the 

 former predominate. In either case they should be dense, 

 close, and harsh, whilst any recognised hound colour is 

 allowable. Average height about 15 inches ; average 

 weight, 26 lbs. ; but " pocket beagles " should not exceed 

 10 inches in height. 



Bedding. — Opinions differ a good deal on the subject 

 of bedding, some people contending that, excepting during 

 very cold weather, the larger varieties are better if they 

 rest on bare boards, whilst others favour all sorts of 

 material. Taken all round, however, there is nothing to 

 be found that is better than clean straw spread upon a 



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