78 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 



genuine descendants of the old Southern hound, bred some- 

 what lighter, to suit modern taste, and are used exclusively 

 for deer-hunting. 



THE OTTER-HOUND 



Mr. Jesse, in his " Anecdotes," has evidently mistaken this 

 dog, and its peculiarities of conformation. 



The Otter-hound appears to have sprung from a cross be- 

 tween the Southern hound and a rough terrier ; at least so 

 his appearance indicates. His head and ears are smooth, and 

 the latter are very pendulous ; while the neck, and the re- 

 mainder of the body, are covered with coarse and wiry hair. 

 The color of the Otter-hound is usually sandy red. 



As the otter is no longer hunted with such form and cere- 

 mony as of old, the genuine Otter-hounds are fast becoming 

 lost, and their place is supplied by the rough, wire-haired 

 Scotch terrier, especially that breed called Skye terrier. A 

 cross of the bull-dog is an improvement ; and even ordinary 

 bull-terriers are not to be despised, for when it comes to the 

 death-tussel, the otter requires a game antagonist. 



Attempts have frequently been made to breed or make 

 Otter-hounds, resembling the ancient smooth-headed, rough- 

 bodied sort, but without success ; it having been found im- 

 possible to produce any but such as were either all rough, 

 or all smooth. Otter-hunting certainly requires resolute 

 dogs ; but as the pursuit is now only followed to destroy this 

 piscatory marauder, we need not be so very particular as to 

 the modus operandi. The otter is no longer regarded as 

 game, but branded as a felon, and his destruction hailed with 

 delight. 



THE SPANISH POINTER. 



This is a large, big-boned hound, standing high on its legs, 

 with very heavy ears, and a deep jowl. The Spanish Pointer 

 is usually white, with occasionally some brown or red 

 patches. He is remarkable for his stanchness, and for the 

 facility with which he can be taught his duty. It appears to 

 admit of no doubt that the pointer, and other setting-dogs, 

 were originally hounds accustomed to trace their game by the 

 scent, and then, rushing in, secure it ; but, previous to this 

 rush, it was natural to them to pause for a second or so to 

 collect their energies for the spring. This momentary pause 

 has been, by training, converted into a decided stop ; and the 



