NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR, 127 



of hounds, only the odd nine and a half couples are got by his own 

 hounds*; and out of sixty-two brood-bitches, twenty-four only are 

 those of his own breeding. The good effect of this, however, is ap- 

 parent at the conclusion of the list, where we find all the young hounds 

 (i. e. those of one year old) except four, are out of his own bitches. 

 Contrast this with Mr. Ralph Lambton's list of the same year, and what 

 is the result ? In a kennel containing thirteen couples more hounds, 

 we find that long established and first rate sportsman has only used 

 twelve stud hounds, and eight brood bitches, not of his own blood, which 

 leads to the conclusion, that the one — Williamson — is arriving at per- 

 fection in his kennel, and that the other— Mr. Lambton — has attained 

 it. It will also be observed that Williamson drafts wS'th an unsparing 

 hand, as the Duke of Buccleuch's present pack do not average more 

 than a hound and a half to a litter. 



Of course the stud hounds — three couples in all, although only two 

 and a half are in the list — did not escape my observation. I considered 

 Warrior, from the Warwickshire, a very coarse hound, although with 

 useful points ; but I hope Williamson will be cautious how he breeds 

 from the Beaufort hound, as he possesses, to a great degree, one of the 

 worst defects the form of a hound can possess, namely, the outward 

 direction of the elbow. To my eye, an out-elbowed hound, and a pigeon- 

 toed horse, cannot be reconciled even by their goodness, which indeed, 

 where speed and endurance are wanted, they very rarely possess. The 

 name of the Beaufort hound is Guardian, and I believe he was sent to 

 the duke by Lord Redesdale. 



I may as well at once give my opinion of the Duke of Buccleuch's 

 * Hector. INIarker, Highflyer, Marquis, Merlin, and Boxer. 



