139 



THE OLD SOUTHERN-HOUND. 



This handsome breed is supposed to be the first remove from 

 the blood-hound, which is probably the progenitor of our various 

 breeds of hounds. It is spotted like the more swift and active 

 fox-hound, to which it has now very generally yielded. 



THE FOX-HOUND. 



The fox-hound probably originated from a cross between the 

 old southern-hound and the harrier. 



The average height of the most esteemed breed of fox-hounds 

 is about one foot ten inches. They are unrivalled for their union 

 of fine scent, speed, and perseverance. Colonel Thornton's 

 celebrated fox-hound, called Merkin, ran four miles in seven 

 minutes. The fox-hound will continue the chase for a consider- 

 able time : a good pack will often follow the fox for six or eight 

 hours. In January, 1738, the Duke of Richmond's hounds found 

 their fox at a quarter before eight in the morning, and killed 

 him at ten minutes before six, after a chase of ten hours' hard 

 running. Many of the sportsmen tired three horses each : 

 eleven couple and a half of the hounds only were in at the 

 death j and several horses died during the chase. 



