28 DOMESTICATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



Now, although the several points herein mentioned may be en- 

 larged upon, it is scarcely possible to dissent from any one of them ; 

 but, as all my readers may not exactly know the form which is 

 meant to be conveyed by the side of a bream for instance, it is 

 necessary to explain it in more intelligible language. 



1st. The HEAD, it is said, should be snake-like, but this is not to 

 be taken literally, as that of the snake differs considerably from 

 the head of any specimen of the greyhound which has ever come 

 under my observation. Every snake's head is flat and broad, with 

 the nose or snout also quite compressed, while the head of the 

 greyhound, though flat at the top, is comparatively circular in its 

 transverse section, and the nose is irregularly triangular. There is 

 no doubt that the greyhound of former days, before the cross of the 

 bulldog was introduced, had a much smaller head than that which 

 is now seen ; and I also believe that some breeds at present 

 existing may be ascertained to be free from this cross, by their 

 small brain-cases ; but, still, none have the perfectly flat head of 

 the reptile in question. The tyro, therefore, who looks for a literal 

 interpretation of the first line of the rhyme will be disappointed. 

 My own belief is that a full development of brain gives courage 

 and cleverness, but leads to such a rapid acquirement of knowledge 

 relative to the wiles practised by the hare, as to make the dog 

 possessing it soon useless for anything but killing his game, which 

 he is often able to do with absolute certainty. Hence it is im- 

 portant to bear this in mind, and to take care not to overdo this 

 characteristic. In all cases, the more the development is increased 

 behind the ears, the higher will be the courage ; and if this can be 



