DEER HOUHDS. 63 



THE STAG HOUND. 



THE STAG HOUND is the largest Variety of the present hound Species, some- 

 what smaller, in probability, than the old Talbot and Sleuth Hound, and derived, 

 perhaps, with little change, from the English hound, as he was found more than 

 two centuries past, in the days of Markham. The Fox Hound, is more of a 

 crossed and artificial variety. A large and somewhat short head with a wide nose, 

 thickness and plenty of leather about the chaps, are distinctions of the uncrossed 

 Hound. These signs are indicative of the utmost tenderness of nose, and most 

 exquisite power of scent, which high qualifications are invariably counter-balanced 

 by a defect of speed ; and that again, is atoned for, by the highest degree of 

 stoutness or game, no variety of the Dog being able to compete, in that respect, 

 with the pure, uncrossed hound, whether Southern or Northern, but the former 

 has always been proved superior. 



The Portrait which we here exhibit, drawn from the life, is a good exemplifi- 

 cation of that drawn by the Poet, with some small abatement in respect to colours. 



" His glossy skin, or yellow-pied or blue, 

 In lights or shades by nature's pencil drawn, 

 Reflects the various tints ; his ears and leo-s, 



* o * 



Flock'd here and there, in gay enamel'd pride, 



Rival the speckled pard; his rush-grown tail 



O'er his broad back bends in an ample arch ; 



On shoulders clean upright and firm he stands ; 



His round cat foot, straight hams and wide spread thighs, 



And his low-dropping chest, confess his speed, 



His strength, his wind, or on the steepy hill, 



Or far extended plain; in every part 



So well proportion'd, that the meer skill 



Of Phidias himself can't blame thy choice. 



Of such compose thy pack.''' 



An old Writer thus holds forth, on the qualities of the Hound Whether it be 

 the particular formation of their long trunks, or the extraordinary moisture which 

 always cleaves to the noses and lips of this sort of dogs, it is not requisite to 

 investigate ; but certain it is that they are endowed with the most accurate sense 

 of smelling, and can often take and distinguish the scent, an hour after the lighter 

 B eagles can make nothing of it. Their slowness also better disposes them to 

 receive the commands and directions of the Huntsman, and their much phlegm, 



