THE GREYHOUND CROSS. 245 



exhibiting all the speed and love of the chace ap- 

 pertaining to the one, combined with the sagacity 

 and intelligence of the other.* 



It is a common practice with keepers to lead 

 the retriever in a leash until the moment when his 

 services are required, and then to liberate him 

 suddenly. This may be necessary where the dog 

 is badly broken. In short, when he cannot be 



* The late Sir Thomas Thompson, Bart. R.N. had a dog, the 

 offspring of a lurcher and a thoroughbred greyhound. He was 

 therefore three parts a greyhound, of which he possessed in a 

 high degree the characteristic qualities, together with the cun- 

 ning and acuteness derived from his more remote ancestor. In 

 appearance he was like a Scotch deerhound on a small scale. 

 He would walk quietly at heel on a high-road or footpath, but 

 as soon as his master opened a gate, he would instantly start off 

 and make a circuit of the entire field at a slow canter, keeping 

 his eye all the time on the hedge. If he discovered no run, or 

 meuse, he would resume his position behind his owner, who 

 during this time had been watching his manosuvres from the 

 gate. If on the contrary the dog had perceived a run in the 

 fence, he would suddenly check his career and sit down along- 

 side of it. This was a hint to Sir Thomas to commence his 

 part of the proceedings, which was nothing more or less than 

 to walk up and down the field until he had started the hare, 

 which, as it endeavoured to escape at the meuse, was generally 

 snapped up by the dog with unerring dexterity. Occasionally 

 however she would make for a second run which had escaped 

 the previous notice of the greyhound, but before she could 

 carry her intention into effect he would be up and close at her 

 haunches, ( turning' her once or twice, killing her 'in the 

 open,' and finally bringing her to his master to receive the 

 reward of his successful exploit. 



