The Otter Hound. 115 



and similar class of roving individuals, on the 

 northern borders. There were a few in Wales. 

 Early in the present century they were not uncommon 

 in the south of Scotland, in Devonshire and the 

 west, and in the north of England. Since, the otter 

 hound has become a greater favourite, and at the 

 present time,, during the season which may be said 

 to last from the middle of April to the end of 

 September, some eighteen to twenty well regulated 

 packs hunt the otter in various parts of the kingdom. 



In a few cases, usually in Devonshire, foxhounds 

 are almost entirely used ; elsewhere the packs 

 are composed of the rough-haired otter hound, 

 with occasionally a couple or so of foxhounds to 

 assist them. Still, each variety of the hound should 

 stick to that game for which nature intended him, 

 the foxhound to the fox, the harrier to the hare, the 

 otter hound to the otter. The latter is mostly 

 followed on foot, and the foxhound is too quick and 

 fast, though many like him because of his dash. 

 In the staidness and care of the otter hound lie his 

 character, and he will give better sport in most cases 

 at his own game than any other hound. 



Some of the most noted packs of the present day 

 are those of the late Hon. Geoffrey Hill, who died 

 in 1891, but whose hounds, known as the Hawk- 

 stone, ultimately passed into the hands of Mr. R. 



I 2 



