20 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



I have observed how they followed all the hare's doub- 

 lings, and with the true Harrier instinct, cast back, 

 when in perplexity, never " babbling," skirting, or 

 puzzling over other stains, but, carrying on the line, 

 until they pulled down their game, sometimes even, 

 after a forty-five minutes burst. Many sportsmen 

 complain in the present day that Harriers are becoming 

 too fast to do their work properly, and that, this has 

 arisen from crosses with Foxhounds, the original va- 

 riety, being thought to date back to the old " Southern 

 Hound," more remarkable for their great powers of 

 scent, and hunting quality, than for pace. 



Beagles. — This is another breed which is yearly gain- 

 ing in popularity and is really a miniature hound, of 

 which there are two varieties, rough and smooth, differ- 

 ing only in texture of coat, and these are subdivided 

 again into different heights, ranging from under sixteen 

 and over twelve inches to under twelve and over ten 

 inches, which latter are often called " Pocket Beagles." 

 the skull should be fairly long and wide, slightly domed, 

 with well defined " stop ; " short and tapering muzzle ; 

 open nostrils and largish nose; thin long ears hanging 

 folded ; soft large eyes. No dewlap, but muscular neck, 

 rather long, deep chest, for size; muscular thighs; well 

 boned and straight forelegs ; round, cat-like feet ; stern 

 carried gaily. Regular colours of Foxhounds, whom 

 they resemble in many ways, coat flat, dense, and close. 

 These are quite picturesque little creatures, and I have 

 known them kept as pets and companions, but, of 

 course, they are supposed to be used for their work as 



