48 DOMESTICATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



inasmuch as the portraits of the old Talbots, southern hounds, 

 northern hounds, bloodhounds, &c., which exist in various local- 

 ities, do not bear any strong evidence of resembling the animals 

 from which they were painted. One thing, however, is clear, 

 namely, that one or more breeds of hound existed in former 

 years which were heavier and slower than any we now possess, 

 their ears also being longer, and their noses said to be more 

 tender. The last point is one upon which much difference 

 of opinion may be entertained, as it is almost impossible to 

 compare one with the other ; but in regard to their weight and 

 want of pace, little doubt can be felt as to their differing from 

 our modern hounds. Bvit it was not only in shape and want 

 of pace that these hounds were different from ours, but in 

 their dwelling on a scent, as if enjoying the pleasure of inhaling 

 the perfume, which no doubt is felt by the dog. These hounds 

 would absolutely sit down and throw their tongues in the most 

 melodious tone for half a minute when they met with any 

 peculiarly strong scent, and then go off again till thej^ came to 

 another similar full stop, upon which the same occurred again ; 

 and, as a natural result, the frequent stoppages, added to the 

 absolute deficiency of speed, made the dog wholly incapable of 

 running down any animal which has a safe retreat like the fox, 

 although he might in his "slow and sure" way overcome those 

 which have none, such as the hare and the deer. Various writers 

 describe the southern hound and northern hound as different dogs, 

 the former being met with in the South of England and Wales, and 

 more particularly in Devonshire, while the latter was confined to 



