244} SYSTEM OF KEXNEL AND 



drawback to these exhibitions is that the judges 

 must be guided, when several of this class are 

 subjected to tlieir inspection, by S3mimetrical pro- 

 portions rather than by excellence of character ; and 

 the best hound, by some trifling deficiency in form 

 or substance, may be rejected in fjxvour of one 

 better looking although less meritorious. The 

 fashion of the age is too much in favour of non- 

 essentials, by which we mean neatness of head and 

 length of neck, with fine shoulders ; but these are 

 not indispen sables. The framework of the body, 

 depth and width of chest, strength of loins and 

 muscular hind-quai'ters, ought first to engage our 

 attention. The muscles behind the shoulders should 

 also be prominent, and the fore-legs straight as 

 gun-barrels, standing on good round feet. 



"We remember a few years since a clever hound 

 in. other respects, but weak in the ankles, made use 

 of as a stallion in the north Warwickshire kennel, 

 and on expressing our disapprobation of continuing 

 such a failing, the huntsman pleaded his many good 

 qualities, saying it ^vould not be seen in his 

 progeny, of which he had several just come into 

 kennel from their walks. Our reply was that we 

 should like to judge for ourselves by having his 

 children paraded before us on the flags, which, 

 being complied with, we pointed out to him in all 

 save one the weak point of their father. This 

 hound, Avhose name we cannot now call to mind — a 

 pretty sure proof that he did not take a hold upon 

 our fancy — was a nicely-topped, fashionable-looking 

 dog, head and tail well up, with swan neck and fine 



