PROPORTIONS OF A DEERHOUND. 349 



be attached, and the only real criterion by which we can 

 form a notion of the perfection to which this breed for- 

 merly attained, is from the small remnant that we now 

 possess. 



In Ireland at the present day (we speak from the most 

 accurate information) not a vestige of this breed is to be 

 met with. 



To England the same remarks may be applied. In 

 Wales some of this breed may still exist, although no 

 evidence of the fact has reached us. In Scotland (from a 

 perfect knowledge of every specimen of the breed) we 

 know that very few, perhaps not above a dozen, pure deer- 

 hounds are to be met with. 



It is difficult, without a great variety of measurements, 

 to determine the exact size of a dog, or to give an accurate 

 idea of its proportions : though a good general idea may 

 be formed, by giving the height at the shoulder, as mea- 

 sured with a slide, the girth round the chest, and the 

 weight of the dog, together with a few descriptive remarks 

 regarding him. 



Applying, therefore, the above rules to such of this race 

 as we have seen, and allowing for the degeneracy which 

 must have taken place in this breed throughout the country, 

 (arising from diminution in number, neglect in crossing, 

 selection, and feeding,) these dogs may probably have, at 

 n remoter period, averaged in height thirty inches, in girth 

 thirty-four inches, and in weight 100 Ibs. 



Notwithstanding the degeneracy above alluded to, none 

 of the canine race present at this day such a combination 

 of qualities as the Highland deerhound, speed, strength, 

 size, endurance, courage, perseverance, sagacity, docility, 



