60 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



for this purpose, and from wliicli our present race 

 of foxhounds is descended, were a cross between 

 the deerhound and bloodhound — one selected as 

 possessing the highest courage and speed, and the 

 other gifted with the keenest power of scent. The 

 original cross must have been of great size and 

 strength, averaging from thirty to thirty-six inches 

 in height, with corresponding bone and muscle, and 

 equal to contend singly with their foe. How long 

 packs of this kind were in use, we have no means 

 of ascertaining ; but as in the reign of Edward I. 

 wolves were very numerous, we must suppose these 

 hounds found still sufficient occupation ; and when 

 their more savage game ceased from the land, their 

 services were required for hunting stag, fox, and 

 hare. To satisfy ourselves on this point — the 

 origin of our present foxhounds — we tried, many 

 years ago, the experiment of a cross between one 

 and a greyhound, and the result verified our expec- 

 tations. Four whelps were produced, three resem- 

 bling their mother, the greyhound, in depth of 

 chest and length of head, neck, and frame — and 

 the other almost the image of his father, with 

 wider head, and greater widtli of chest, possessing 

 also a capital nose. The dogs were used for hunt- 

 ing deer, and would draw covert, find tlieir game, 

 and hunt him afterwards, as long as the scent held 

 good — but we cannot say they showed much dis- 

 position to work upon a bad one. By persevering 

 in the foxhound strain, there would have been 

 great improvement in their hunting qualities. 



We remember seeino^ in the North Warwickshire 



