THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. 45 



that I most approve of hounds of the middle size. I be- 

 lieve all animals of that description are strongest, and best 

 able to endure fatigue. In the height, as well as the co- 

 lour of hounds, most sportsmen have their prejudices $ 

 but in their shape, at least, I think they must all agree. 

 I know sportsmen who boldly aflirm, that a small hound 

 will oftentimes beat a large onej that he will climb hills 

 better, and go through cover quicker s — whilst others 

 are not less ready to assert, that a large hound will make 

 his way in any country ; will get better through the dirt 

 than a small one ; and that no fence, however high, can 

 stop him. You have now three opinions i and I advise 

 you to adopt that which suits your country best. There 

 is, howeverj a certain size, best adapted for business ; 

 which 1 take to be that between the two extremes ; and I 

 will venture to say, that such hounds will not suffer them- 

 selves to be disgraced in any country. Somerviile, I find^ 

 is of the same opinion. 



-'* But here a mean 



Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size 

 Gigantic ; he in the thick-woven covert 

 Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake. 

 Torn and embarrass 'd, bleeds : but if too small. 



