DOGS USED IN SPORT 13 



there is so much difference of opinion. When one 

 remembers the great number of packs of Foxhounds 

 in the United Kingdom, supported either by private 

 enterprise (like that of the late lamented Duke of 

 Beaufort, K. G., who, for such a number of years, bore 

 the burden of providing sport, over a large area, in the 

 West of England, four and five days a week through- 

 out the hunting seasons; in later years so ably seconded 

 in his efforts by his son, the present Duke, ) or by sub- 

 scription, we cannot fail to recognise the fact, that this 

 breed of dog has done much to keep sportsmen in 

 touch with each other in our land, been the means of 

 circulating a vast amount of money in a great many 

 directions, and had a very important influence on the 

 breeding of Hunters and Coverhacks, for which the 

 United Kingdom holds such a high reputation. Beck- 

 ford, who has been considered one of the highest au- 

 thorities on hunting, says : — " Without taking upon me 

 to describe what requisites may be necessary to form a 

 good Prime Minister, I will describe some of those 

 which are essentially necessary towards making a per- 

 fect Huntsman ; qualities which, I will venture to say, 

 would not disgrace more brilliant situations, such as 

 clear head, nice observation, quick apprehension, un- 

 daunted courage, strength of constitution, activity of 

 body, a good ear, and a melodious voice." In speaking 

 of the Foxhound, he goes on to say, " If he is not of 

 perfect symmetry, he will neither run fast, or bear 

 much work," and describes him as follows : — " Let his 

 legs be straight as arrows, his feet round, and not too 

 large; his chest deep, and back broad ; his head small, 



