FOXES FOXHOUNDS & FOX-HUNTING 



than is the case when the humerus is more up- 

 right, and the scapula laid further back. In 

 the latter case the humerus is more nearly in a 

 straight line with the ulna, and there is more jar 

 where the scapula joins the humerus, but as the 

 scapula is very well laid back, the top of it joins 

 the dorsal vertebrae at a point far from the head, 

 and thus jar or concussion is taken up before 

 it can reach the brain. In this form of shoulder, 

 which we may term the racing type, the top of the 

 scapula lies more directly over the ulna, thus 

 increasing the spring, and reducing the jar on the 

 humerus. In addition, there is a greatly in- 

 creased capacity for pace, because the humerus 

 being nearly in a straight line with the forearm, the 

 leg can be thrown well forward, and thus has a 

 long reach when the hound is galloping. In the 

 ordinary shoulder there is more muscle and 

 tissue lodged in the space formed by the scapula, 

 humerus, and ulna, all of which tends to resist 

 forward movement of the leg, while the leg itself 

 is set further back, thus militating against reach 

 and pace. As the top of the scapula is the chief 

 point where jar should be avoided, the further it 

 is laid back the better, thus leaving a greater 

 distance between its junction with the dorsal 

 vertebrae and the head. 



The anatomical construction of a hound's 

 hind-quarters is even more important than that 

 of his fore limbs, particularly as regards jumping 

 ability, so we have devoted a subsequent chapter 

 to the discussion of that part of his anatomy. 



With regard to the wearing qualities of the 

 club-like foot of the standard hound, it is safe to 

 say that the great majority of huntsmen, if asked 

 for their candid opinion on the matter, wiU without 

 hesitation affirm that such a foot requires far 



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