PUBLIC COURSING. 285 



and for this reason extremely fast dogs are not adapted to down 

 countries, where the hares are not only stout but short in their 

 turns. In some localities, however, where there is no room for a 

 long course, or where the hares are weak, a fast dog, even if he is 

 not stout, and probably even if he is a bad worker, will be able to 

 win a stake ; but wherever the hares are good, and there is scope 

 for them to display their powers, there must be both bottom and 

 working power displayed in order to insure success. The best 

 plan in breeding greyhounds is to obtain a brood bitch of stout 

 blood and good working powers, combined with as much speed as 

 possible, but still laying the most stress on the first two qualities, 

 and then put her to a dog essentially fast, but in him also looking 

 to bottom and working power, though secondary to speed. Courage 

 is essential in all greyhounds, and may be obtained equally well 

 whether the breed is fast or slow, clever in working or the reverse. 

 It must exist with bottom, but may also be developed without it, 

 some very soft greyhounds being high couraged, and going till 

 they drop from the exhaustion of their delicate frames. In look- 

 ing for these several qualities it is necessary to observe that speed 

 depends upon the formation of the body and limbs, which must 

 be of the most perfect make, as described under the head of the 

 2mnts of the greyhound at page 27 ; but with the most perfect 

 shape there is often a want of speed, apparently owing to the 

 absence of that nervous stimulus which sets the frame in motion. 

 Such dogs want quickness and elasticity in using their organs, 

 ond, though they often move elegantly, there is a deficiency in the 

 rapidity of repetition in the muscidar contractions which constitute 



