14 THE FOXHOUND 



However, it is generally conceded to be the 

 result of judicious crossing between the Blood- 

 hound and the ancient Greyhound. This un- 

 doubtedly is true, as a first cross of the same 

 breeds to-day will produce a hound with many 

 of the characteristics and qualities of the Fox- 

 hound. As to the antiquity of the Foxhound, 

 if the writings of Gervase Markham in 1631 

 are to relied upon, hounds were used in the 

 chase of the fox as early as 16 13. 



Our old time native Foxhounds were un- 

 doubtedly degenerated Bloodhounds, and to the 

 infusion of English, Irish, and French blood 

 are we indebted for the vast improvement, es- 

 pecially in conformation, size, and some of the 

 better qualities. It is generally understood that 

 they were imported from England, but exactly 

 when and by whom we have no authentic re- 

 cord. While believing that they are largely 

 descended from the English hound, there is 

 no doubt in my mind that the French hound 

 plays equally as important a part in their 

 origin. Lafayette sent over a large pack of 

 French hounds, this being the first pack of 

 hounds we have any record of as having been 

 imported into the United States as a pack, 

 though individual hounds had been previously 

 brought over from England. 



