214 Modern Dogs. 



The biggest Scotch deerhounds have been tried, but found 

 wanting; they will not hold long enough. And to show how 

 tenacious is the grip of the Russian hounds, they are sometimes 

 suffocated by the very effort of holding. Some of them stand 

 32111. at the shoulder, are enormously deep through the girth, and 

 their length and power of jaw are something remarkable. They 

 have a roach back, very long, muscular quarters, and capital legs 

 and feet. In coat they are very profuse, of a soft, silky texture, 

 but somewhat open. 



I took the journey to Russia with eleven couples of foxhounds, 

 as additions for Mr. Kalmoutzky's pack. I had cases made to 

 hold two hounds, so that I had eleven of these big packages, which 

 went as my personal luggage, the weight being a ton and a quarter. 

 It took me exactly seven days to get to my destination, from 

 Dover via Paris, Vienna, and Jassy ; and I was met in right regal 

 state, as there was a carriage and four for myself, another for 

 Mr. Kalmoutzky's steward, and five waggons, each drawn by four 

 horses, for the hounds, with seven chasseurs to take charge of 

 them. 



We had nearly forty miles to drive ; and the hardy little Russian 

 horses did this at a hard gallop, over plains, with no roads, and 

 there were no changes. We were just under four hours doing this 

 wild journey ; and my good friend and host, who did not expect 

 me to arrive so early, had gone out on a wolf-seeking expedition ; 

 but on his return, the first thing, after a most hearty welcome, was 

 to inspect the kennel, with which I was, of course, greatly de- 

 lighted. He would not show me the wolfhounds at this moment, 

 as that inspection was reserved until after dinner, when they were 

 all brought into his study, one by one, and their exploits separately 

 recorded. Noble looking fellows they are ; and by their immense 

 size and powerful frames, in much the same formation as our 

 English greyhound, they are admirably adapted to course big 

 game. They look quiet, but the least movement excites them ; and in 

 leading them even through the hall, from the study, there was very 

 nearly a battle royal or two. The Russian chasseurs, though, beat 



