THE NOBLE SCIENCE. SS 



full approbation and sanction of Mr. Sebright, but also 

 of his father. Sir John, from whose acknowledged dis- 

 cernment and information upon the breeding of animals 

 he inherits his knowledge. I cannot pretend to say 

 whether it was intended to persevere in this cross, though 

 I have reason to doubt whether the trial of two seasons, 

 in which this Wisdom accompanied the pack, afforded 

 room for satisfaction. I have myself observed her at work, 

 and believe that she had as good a nose as might have 

 been expected; but I do not think that any of her 

 admirers, or the warmest advocate for change, would go 

 so far as to say that she in any one point surpassed, 

 admitting that she ever equalled, the performances of 

 those rejoicing in the pure blood of old Bobadil or 

 Cerberus, out of Sprightly or Verity. I did not, at that 

 time, hunt often enough in Herts to speak from per- 

 sonal observation, but find, upon inquiry, that she 

 shewed the greatest disposition to act independently, or 

 otherwise became what we should term a rank skirter; 

 but it may not be fair to urge this against one solitary 

 specimen of a fancy, which, for aught I know, may 

 still be upheld by wiser heads than mine. All I mean 

 to say is this, that nothing that I have seen or heard 

 with regard to a cross with the bloodhound has given 

 me more inclination to that, than to a water-spaniel, as 

 an improvement in fox-hunting ; and that in this, as in 

 many more instances where the benefit of change is not 

 duly obvious, I should be for letting " well alone." 



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