FOX-HOUNDS 235 



some few hounds are now bred too short, that is, 

 too closely ribbed up to go the tremendous pace 

 which has become the fashion in the grass coun- 

 tries ; for it will be found, on close attention, that a 

 lengthy hound has more freedom and goes with 

 greater ease than one that is ribbed up and shorter. 

 The gi'eat point therefore is to combine sufficient 

 strength with the length, or the day will be too 

 long also, even in the fast countries, and most 

 assuredly so in all others — thus leaving it in doubt 

 what will be thought perfection fifty years hence ! 

 But as to bad legs and feet, there can be no doubt 

 that they are nearly exterminated for ever ; and 

 the only surprise is, how such legs and feet ever 

 got into the hound at all, unless by crossing with 

 some other sort of dog to acquire nose or courage ; 

 for, on looking at nearly all wild animals, it will 

 be seen that their legs are straight and good. 

 For instance, who ever saw a crooked - legged 

 fox ; their legs are straight as arrows, which is the 

 case with most other wild animals, which never 

 mix. 



In respect to the size of fox-hounds, there is still 

 a difference of opinion, though not so gi-eat as was 

 the case a few years since ; it being now generally 

 considered that hounds can be too large, particularly 



