THE WHEATLAND HOUNDS 167 



of the cross between fox-hounds and blood-hounds, and 

 two couples of true-bred blood-hounds. It was highly 

 entertaining to observe them in chase ; by the time they 

 had run a mile or two the fox-hounds would be several 

 fields a-head ; at a respectful distance came the half- 

 bred ones, toiling in vain to reach their more speedy 

 companions ; behind them came the blood-hounds, ever 

 and anon, as they touched upon the scent, throwing 

 their tongues with sonorous, deep-toned melody, some- 

 times actually sitting on their haunches, evidently in- 

 dulging their olfactory sensibilities. When the leading 

 hounds came to a check, those which had been following 

 in the rear had a chance of getting up, and if the check 

 was of long duration, the tender-nosed blood-hounds 

 would sometimes recover the line ; but if it was a good 

 scenting day they scarcely participated in the perform- 

 ance. This was quite enough to enable any unpreju- 

 diced person to decide upon the superiority of the fox- 

 hound ; but still some of the old worthies would contend 

 that the blood-hounds were serviceable in hitting off a 

 very cold scent. If they could have been carried to 

 the place where they were wanted, they would no 

 doubt have been useful ; but having to travel on foot 

 they were not, being blown and half beaten before they 

 arrived. At the same time, I believe that a distant 

 cross would be an improvement in the kennels of 

 several of our high-bred packs, but it would take many 

 years to acquire it. In this manner some of the hounds 

 now in the Wheatland kennels are bred, but it is more 

 than five and twenty years since the addresses of the 

 blood-hounds have been discontinued. Stud hounds 

 from the Belvoir, Cheshire and other celebrated estab- 

 lishments were used, and thus the deficiency of 

 symmetry, speed, activity, and endurance has been 

 obviated. If extraordinary sport is a test of the excel- 

 lence of a pack of hounds (and I cannot conceive a 

 more conclusive one), they are certainly very superior. 

 It is quite clear that four or five strains of the true fox- 



