244 FOX-HUNTING FROM SHIRE TO SHIRE 



working ; inferior quality buckling up under such 

 severe strain. Carrying not an ounce of superfluous 

 lumber when in hard condition, the frame-work 

 of the modern foxhound is beautifully constructed, 

 to travel at a high rate of speed with the least 

 possible effort or shock to the internal organs. 

 Studying carefully the make of a foxhound, we may 

 note the reasons for the correctness of outline, and 

 the mathematical balance, which his frame presents to 

 the eye. The correct shape of neck, shoulders, feet, 

 legs, and strength of loin have more inherent value 

 than the mere beauty of outline. Experience has 

 shown that loaded shoulders cannot act over ridge 

 and furrow at the end of a long day's hunting. 

 Crooked legs turn the elbows inward, knocking the 

 wind out of a hound by thumping on the ribs when 

 travelling at a high rate of speed. Long fleshy 

 toes are more susceptible to damage than short 

 round ones, and any weakness of construction below 

 the knee is all against a hound wearing for any 

 length of time. Ribs and heart room are of vital 

 importance ; the turn of back and loin satisfying 

 the eye that they indicate constitution and staying 

 powers. Best of all, high-breeding gives the splendid 

 courage which is the motive power of the modern 

 foxhound. Economy/ is, therefore, one of the 

 most important reasons which furthers the interests 

 of foxhound breeding, because the best bred ones 

 wear the longest, and do the most work. The 

 Belvoir sort would appear to be everlasting; for 

 such famous hounds as Rallywood, Weathergage, 

 Gambler, Dexter, Handel, Stormer and Ragman, 

 all passed the allotted span of life ; their names 

 appearing in the kennel lists right up to the tenth 

 season. 



Something might be said about each of the six- 



