374 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



It is, in fact, the judicious cross, as Bedford says, that 

 makes the pack complete ; and it was the remark of that 

 eminent sportsman of his day, that he saw no reason why 

 the breeding of hounds may not improve till improve- 

 ment can go no further. The question may be asked, Is 

 not his prediction verified ? 



"But the act of crossing hounds, as, indeed, all other 

 animals, although never thoroughly divested of chance, is 

 one of more difficulty than most people would imagine, 

 and one which, by its results, would often baffle, if not 

 puzzle, the profoundest of our modern physiologists. I 

 cannot go at length into this intricate subject, but I have 

 reason to know that great mistakes have been made by 

 masters of foxhounds in breeding too much in-and-in 

 from near affinities, instead of having recourse to an alien 

 cross. This was peculiarly apparent in two packs of long 

 standing which I could name, which were bred too much 

 in-and-in one from a favourite bitch and her produce, 

 and the other from a dog hound and his produce. It is 

 asserted, and with truth, that a pack of foxhounds, to be 

 perfect, should have the appearance and character of being 

 of one family : but this expression is not to be taken in 

 its literal construction. It is in the conformity of their 

 character and appearance that they should bear a close 

 resemblance to each other, and not in their close con- 

 sanguinity. In my own kennel, indeed, I have been too 

 partial to my own blood ; and I reluctantly admit that, 

 although I believe I may say my hounds are unrivalled 

 in fine form, I may trace a certain degree of slackness to 

 that cause. On the other hand, the rare but valuable 

 combination of dash and nose which has made the pack 

 of a certain Duke a match for the cold and somewhat 

 ungenial hills of Oxfordshire, are to be attributed to his 

 huntsman one of the best breeders of hounds of his day 

 going from home for his blood, and sending his bitches 

 to the celebrated stallion hounds of the best kennels 

 within his reach. This, however, it must be remembered, 

 is not within the command of every man's purse, the 

 expenses attendant on sending bitches to a distance, 

 under any circumstances, being heavy ; as they must not 

 only be placed under the care of a trusty servant, but 

 there are other occult charges which none but masters of 

 hounds are aware of. It is, however, a notorious fact, 

 that the produce of some stallion hounds, if they have 



