SMOOTH GREYHOUND. 31 



too slow, and for quick contraction those of the under side of the 

 back are essential. 



By the side is to be understood the chest, which is composed of 

 the two sides combined. The bream-like form of this part depends 

 upon the width at the angles of the ribs, where they curve to- 

 wards the backbone, and upon which, as I before observed, the size 

 of the back depends. Very round ribs like a barrel are not so de- 

 sirable as the squared form which I have alluded to, for several 

 reasons which will be given under the anatomical description of this 

 part. Great depth of chest is apt to prevent the dog stooping on 

 rough ground, as he strikes it against high ridges or large stones, 

 but a moderately deep chest is a valuable point, giving plenty of 

 " bellows' room " as it is popularly called. This, however, is pro- 

 vided for better by breadth than dej)th, and the former should be 

 insisted on more than the latter, provided there is not that round 

 tub-like form of the ribs which interferes with the action of the 

 shoulder-blades, and often accompanies low breeding. 



A rat-like- TAIL is insisted upon, not as of absolute use in any way, 

 but as a sign of high breeding, without which it is well known the 

 greA'hound is comparatively valueless. But it must be understood 

 that it is only in the size of the bones that the similarity should be 

 insisted on, for many good breeds have a considerable quantity of 

 hair upon the tail, though this never ought to be in a bushy form. 

 A slight fan-like distribution of hair is not therefore to be con- 

 sidered objectionable, and in puppies is a mark of hardihood. 



Cat-like feet are much insisted on, and this point has been so 

 much attended to that some breeds have been produced remarkable 



