72 Modern Dogs. 



kept at Simonsbath, Somersetshire, which hunted 

 the red deer on the moor by the Exe, just as it is 

 hunted to-day. But it is not my province here to 

 enter into the history of each variety of dog in its 

 place, and, so far as the staghound is concerned, I 

 must be contented with thus briefly drawing atten- 

 tion to his ancient lineage. 



Although some hundred years or so ago, there was 

 every appearance of a speedy decline of stag hunting, 

 owing to enclosures, high fencing, and similar sport 

 to be obtained by other means, the retrograde move- 

 ment was retarded. At the present time there are 

 twelve packs of staghounds in England and four in 

 Ireland, and with them many good runs are enjoyed, 

 for the most part with the carted deer. Sport with 

 the latter is pretty certain, as when one deer will 

 not run as he or she ought to do, another is speedily 

 provided, which it is hoped will take astraighter line, 

 affording the hounds an opportunity for hunting ; 

 and, what in modern times is unfortunately con- 

 sidered of more importance, give horses a chance to 

 gallop and exhibit their jumping powers at the fences, 

 or their amiability in the lanes or on the roads. 



As a loyal subject, I ought to make some mention 

 here of Her Majesty's Staghounds or Buckhounds, 

 kept by the State, which, kennelled at Ascot, hunt 

 the country round about, where the overworked city 



