VARIETIES OF THE DOG. 37 



The isle of Cyprus has for many years been celebrated for its breed of 

 the greyhound. On grand days, or when the governor is present, the 

 sport is conducted in a curious manner. "When the hare is ready to be- 

 come the prey of its enemies, the governor rushes forwards, and, throwing 

 before the greyhounds a stick which he carries, they all instantaneously 

 stop. The hare now runs a little distance ; but one of the swiftest grey- 

 hounds is then let loose. He pursues the hare, and, having come up with 

 it, carries it back, and, springing on the neck of the governor's horse, 

 places it before him. The governor delivers it to one of his officers, who 

 sends it to the park, where he maintains many prisoners of the same kind ; 

 for he will not destroy the animal that has contributed to his amusement.* 



The following, according to Mr. Blaine, an ardent courser in his youth, 

 is the best mode of feeding greyhounds at regular work: "The dogs had 

 a full flesh meal every afternoon or evening, as more nutriment is derived 

 from night-feeding than by day, and when sleeping than when waking. In 

 the morning they were let out, and either followed the keeper about the 

 paddock, or the groom in his horse exercise, and then had a trifling meal 

 of mixed food, as a quieting portion, until the evening full meal. Such 

 was our practice on the days when no coursing was contemplated, and, 

 with the exception of lowering the quantity and quality of the evening 

 meal, the same plan was pursued throughout the year. On the day pre- 

 vious to coursing, if we intended anything like an exhibition of our dogs 

 before company engaged to meet us on the marshes, we gave a plentiful 

 meal early the previous day, some exercise also in the afternoon, and a 

 light supper at night, of meal with either broth or milk, with a man on 

 horseback going a gentle trot of six or seven miles an hour." b 



Mr. Thacker orders the greyhounds out on the fore part of every day ; 

 but, instead of being loose and at liberty, they would be much better 

 two and two ; then, when he meets with a proper field to loose them in, 

 to give them a good gallop. This will be a greater novelty than if they 

 had been loose on the road, and they will gallop with more eagerness. 

 Four days in a week will be enough for this exercise. On one day there 

 should be a gallop of one or two miles, or even a course for each brace of 

 dogs. 



The young dog has usually an older and more experienced one to start 

 with him. That which is of most importance is, that his leader should be 

 a thoroughly stout and high-mettled dog. If he shrinks or shies at any 

 impediment, however formidable, the young one will be sure to imitate 

 him, and to become an uncertain dog, if not a rank coward. Early in 

 November is the time when these initiatory trials are to be made. It is of 

 consequence that the young one should witness a death as soon as possible. 

 Some imagine that two old dogs should accompany the young one at its 

 first commencement. After the death of the leveret, the young dog must 

 be coaxed and fondled, but never suffered to taste the blood. 



In kennels in which the training is regularly conducted, the dog should 

 be brushed all over twice every day. Few things contribute so much to 

 health as general cleanliness, and friction applied to the skin. Warmth is 

 as necessary for greyhounds as for horses, and should not be forgotten in 

 cold weather. Body-clothing is a 'custom of considerable antiquity, and 

 should not be abandoned. The breeder of greyhounds for the purpose of 



Scotf s Sportsman's Repository, p. 97. b Elaine's Encyclopedia of Sporting. 



