The Whippet. 175 



equalised, just as an increase is given to small 

 dogs down to about 81b. in weight. For instance, 

 a dog of i5lb. would give one of I4lb. three yards 

 start; but one of I3lb. would receive seven yards 

 from the i5lb. dog, and in all likelihood a lolb. dog 

 would receive from eighteen to twenty yards in the 

 two hundred. Then in turn the I5lb. dog would 

 receive three yards from the i61b. animal, and from 

 one up to 2olb. the i5lb. dog would receive ten or 

 twelve yards start," irrespective, of course, of penal- 

 ties for previous successes. Novices are usually 

 given an advantage of about 2lb. 



The above seems a somewhat complicated arrange- 

 ment, but it is thoroughly understood by the handi- 

 cappers. 



I need scarcely say that these whippets when in 

 training are fed on the best food that can be pro- 

 vided ; they are kept warm, sleep in the house in a 

 cozy corner, and are muzzled and sheeted when 

 outside. Their owners are for the most part working 

 men, and instances are not isolated where their wives 

 and children have gone with empty stomachs, whilst 

 the dogs and their masters regale on rump steaks 

 and chump chops. 



Perhaps it may be mentioned that during the past 

 twenty years or so the sport with " running dogs " 

 and " rabbit coursers," as conducted in the north, 



