32 DOMESTICATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



for having their feet even more round than those of the eat. Their 

 toes seem to be the only parts touching the ground, the pad ap- 

 pearing as if it was not in contact with it. This form I believe to 

 be an exaggeration of a good point, as all dogs so provided are very 

 apt to draw their nails^ or break their toes, both of which accidents 

 it is of great importance to avoid. The most essential point, there- 

 fore, is such a form of foot as will prevent the toes spreading, 

 taking care that the knuckles are well uj), by which a good foot- 

 hold is secured. But beyond this it is necessary to provide for the 

 wear and tear which the sole of the foot incurs, and hence a thick 

 pad well covered uitli hard skin is to be insisted on. If the grey- 

 hound has this he will stand his work, while its absence renders him 

 at all times liable to become footsore, and incapable of doing it. 



The HIND QUAKTER is entirely overlooked in the rhymes above- 

 mentioned, but it is of the greatest importance nevertheless, being 

 the chief element of progression. First of all, we should insist 

 upon a good framework, which, presenting the levers acted on by 

 the muscles, must be in proper form, and of sufficient length and 

 strength. Thus it is usual in examining puppies for selection to 

 extend them to their full length, and then the one which stretches 

 over the greatest distance is supposed to be the best in this point, 

 and (other things being equal) very properly so. Thus, then, we 

 arrive at the conclusion that the hinder limbs should be made up of 

 long bones ; but they must be united by well-formed joints, and in 

 order that the dog shall not stand too high they should be well 

 bent, though if the fore part of the dog is lower than the hind there 

 is no necessity for the presence of this form, as it comes to the same 



