236 Modern Dogs. 



already mentioned, was said to be the faster of the 

 two, but without the stamina of his brother ; still he 

 was successful in his matches, which at that time 

 w^ere much more common than they are now, when 

 coursing meetings are more numerous. 



The latter quickly attained the position they hold 

 at the present day, for they afforded capital sport to 

 the million at a minimum cost ; they were the means 

 of producing first-class dogs, and as now a man to 

 keep a greyhound need not of necessity be a 

 "gentleman," or of extraordinary means, coursing 

 obtained a hold on the public second only to 

 those gatherings which took place on the race- 

 course. Even at this time, say about 1850, the 

 licence to keep a greyhound cost more than it did 

 for any other dog, viz., 12^. 6d. This was an 

 arrangement that the growing liberality of our 

 Government soon abolished, and after various 

 changes a greyhound has to pay but the "js. 6d. duty, 

 just the same as though he were a mongrel terrier. 

 I do not know that anyone objects to this, or has 

 hitherto looked upon the equalisation of the dog 

 licence as specially dishonourable to those of the 

 canine race which can lay claim to an ancient 

 lineage. 



Although a few years ago an attempt at a 

 change in the general arrangements and conduct of 



