284 



THE BEAGLE. 



than that animal, and has stouter limbs, and a comparatively larger body. The 

 height of his Dog is from a foot to fourteen or fifteen inches. 



The Rough Beagle is thought to be produced by crossing the original stock with the 

 rough terrier, and possesses the squeaking bark of the terrier rather than the prolonged 

 musical intonation of the Beagle. Some authorities, however, take the animal to be a 

 distinct variety. The nose of this creature is furnished with the stiff whisker-hair which 

 are found on the muzzle of the rough terrier, and the fur is nearly as stiff and wiry as 

 the terrier's. 



The Dwarf Beagle, or Rabbit Beagle, as it is sometimes called, is the smallest of the 

 three animals, delicate in form and aspect, but good of nose and swift of foot. So very 

 small are some of these little creatures that a whole pack has been conveyed to and from 

 the field in hampers slung over the back of a horse, or simply in the shooting pockets of 

 the men. Their strength was thus preserved for the labors of the field, and they were 



BEAGLE. CaoAs familiarls. 



saved from the fatiguing walk to the field and back again. Ten inches is the average 

 height of a Rabbit Beagle. 



These little Dogs are chiefly employed by those who hunt on foot, as they are not 

 sufficiently swift to drive the hare from her doubles, and by patiently tracking her 

 through all her wiles, " win like Fabius, by delay." Beagles used to be much in favor 

 with the junior members of the universities, for the purpose of affording a pleasant 

 afternoon's amusement. It is true that the legitimate object of chase, namely, the hare, 

 is seldom forthcoming, but her place is readily supplied by a long-winded lad, who 

 traverses the country at speed, trailing after him a rabbit-skin well rubbed with turpen- 

 tine or aniseed. If the scent be good, and the course lie tolerably straight, the endur- 

 ance of the hunter is severely tested, but if the miniature hounds come often to a check, 

 any one of average powers can be in at the finish. 



