172 Modern Dogs. 



held on the recognised Bank holidays, and some- 

 times on Mondays. 



Dogs of all sizes compete in the same stake, they 

 being handicapped according to height or weight, 

 if unknown ; otherwise according to their perfor- 

 mances, weight, &c., of course, likewise being taken 

 into consideration. The most useful size of the 

 whippet is, probably, a dog scaling about 2olb. or 

 so, and the pace such an one can go for a com- 

 paratively short distance is extraordinary, 200 yards 

 having been covered in 12^ seconds. It is generally 

 considered that a dog about I5lb. is the speediest 

 animal in proportion to its weight. 



Before these dogs have attained sufficient pro- 

 ficiency to take part in a handicap or match, they 

 must undergo a certain tuition, during which they 

 come to run at their greatest speed. All prelimi- 

 naries being arranged, the dog makes an appearance 

 at one of the many " running " grounds. Here a 

 course is laid out on the cinder path, the distance 

 usually being 200 yards. At one end the various 

 handicaps are marked out, three start in a heat, and 

 each dog, as in ordinary pedestrianism, has a side 

 allotted to it by draw or otherwise. The starter is 

 behind the dogs, pistol in hand. A friend of the 

 owner holds his dog on the mark, the owners or 

 trainers run in front of their dogs up the course calling 



