Introduction 19 



zoi), and upon the Elk hound, is singular and can 

 hardly be accounted for as the remnant of ancestry, 

 because it is probable that all these hounds have been 

 derived indirectly from that most ancient of all 

 canines — at any rate such as have been domesticated 

 — the Greyhound. Environment may have some- 

 thing to do with its presence, as its only use, so far 

 as one can judge, is that of protecting the backs of the 

 fore limbs and under surface of the tail from be- 

 coming too much wetted. The skin would be liable 

 to become erythematous (congested), when the dog 

 lay down to rest in its natural attitude, through the 

 heat, moisture and pressure upon these parts. The 

 climate of Great Britain does not call for such pro- 

 tection, whereas it does in the land where these 

 hounds are native. 



Although brief, as a general survey of the hounds, 

 it is hoped that even this small amount of informa- 

 tion may stimulate the mind to further thought 

 relating to the comparative external general features 

 of the various types of hounds. 



