THE FOXHOUND 



PETER BECKFORD, writing in 1779, complained of the 

 paucity of literature upon fox-hunting. Since his classic 

 work was given to the world, however, so much has been 

 written that it is but repeating truisms to say anything in 

 a brief space of this the noblest of all sports. The Fox- 

 hound, as we know him to-day, is perhaps of all animals 

 the most perfectly fitted for his particular work, so many 

 years has he been bred with the most jealous care. Hunting 

 is so intimately bound up with our national life as to be an 

 integral part of it, there being no less than two hundred 

 odd packs in the United Kingdom. 



HIS WORK 



What can one say of the Foxhound's work that has not 

 been said times without number, and that is not common 

 knowledge to every man who has the instinct of a sports- 

 man ? " Hunting," said Beckford, " is the soul of a country 

 life : it gives health to the body and contentment to the 

 mind ; and is one of the few pleasures that we can enjoy in 

 society, without prejudice either to ourselves or our friends." 

 As it was then so it is to-day. Some critics are hardy 

 enough to aver that the hound as we know him has been 

 bred too much for pace, and has lost thereby some of his 

 scenting powers, but it is a dangerous subject to discuss. 



HIS POINTS 



Whyte-Melville in a single verse summed up admirably 

 the salient points to be looked for in a good hound. 



On the straightest of legs and the roundest of feet, 

 With ribs like a frigate his timbers to meet, 

 With a fashion and fling and a form so complete, 

 That to see him dance over the flags is a treat ! 



Head long with broad muzzle, and flatter on the top 

 than that of the Bloodhound ; the eye keen and determined ; 

 neck clean and muscular, without the throatiness dis- 

 tinguishing the slower breeds of hounds ; body enormously 

 powerful, and legs and feet as our sporting poet describes 

 them. A good hound has a "fashion and fling" that 

 distinguish him from all other breeds, and make him an 

 object of distinction and beauty. 



