THE GREYHOUiND. 699 



Eaii of Orford, of Houghton, in Norfolk ; and it is said he 

 obtained the great depth of chest and strength of his breed 

 from crossing with the bull-dog. At his death, his grey- 

 hounds were sold by auction, and some of the best were 

 purchased by Colonel Thornton ; from one of them, Claret, 

 which was put to a favourite bitch of Major Topham's, was 

 produced Snowball, the best greyhound that ever appeared ; 

 although he was nearly equalled by his brothers, Major and 

 Sylvia, who were all of the same litter. They were never 

 beaten ; and may be considered as examples of the most 

 perfect greyhound. 



The shape, make, elegant structure, and other character- 

 istics of high blood, were equally distinguished in all the 

 three ; the colour of Snowball was a jet black, and, when in 

 good running condition, was as fine in the skin as black 

 satin. Major and Sylvia were singularly, but beautifully 

 brindled. Snowball won ten large pieces of silver plate, 

 and upwards of forty matches, his master having accepted 

 every challenge, whatever might be the dogs of different 

 counties which might be brought against him. His descen- 

 dants have generally been also very successful. 



The last match run by this celebrated dog, was against 

 the famous greyhound. Speed, the property of Hall Plumber, 

 Esq., of Bilton Park, Yorkshire. He gained the match ; and 

 so severe was the run, that Speed died soon after it. This 

 terminated the career of Snowball's public coursing, as the 

 owner, in consideration of his age, then declared he should 

 never run another match. 



Snowball was perhaps the fleetest of his race that ever 

 ran ; and like the Flying Childers, which was the swiftest of 

 hcrses, may never be outstripped in rapidity of move- 

 ments. 



Wynken de Worde, who wrote a work on sports iu 1496, 



