236 COVERT-SIDE SKETCHES. 



experience of bloodliounds was that they could trot nearly as 

 fast as they could gallop ; and when Goodall painted his cele- 

 brated picture of Lord Wolverton's pack, the pace they were 

 represented as going was put forward as one reason for thinking 

 they had a cross. In this opinion I cannot coincide, for the 

 picture recalled to my mind their style of going in chase exactly, 

 and. having hunted with them under disadvantageous circum- 

 stances, I can say that, so far from being able to trot as fast as they 

 could gallop, I saw them at times get along at a very decent 

 pace, though not equal to that of fox-hounds or fast harriers.^ 

 I have, moreover, been accustomed to bloodhounds ever since I 

 can remember, but certainly never found them so exceedingly 

 slow. Of show dogs I know nothing at all ; it probably is true 

 of them that tliey cannot move in the gallop. On the other 

 hand, I do not consider them good hounds for a pack, because, 

 as Mr. Eoden says, each hunts for himself, and they do not look 

 to and depend on each other. Moreover, to form an efficient 



^ Since the above was \\Titten, I have seen the following in Wliyte-Mel- 

 ville's " Elding Recollections :" — " Full, sonorous, and musical, it is not ex- 

 travagant to compare these deep-mouthed notes with the peal of an organ 

 in a cathedral. Yet they run a tremendous pace. Stride, courage, and con- 

 dition (the last essential requiring constant care) enable them to sustain 

 such speed over the open as to make a good horse look foolish ; while 

 amongst enclosures they charge the fences in line like a squadron of heavy 

 dragoons. Yet, for all this fire and mettle in chase, they are sad cowards 

 under pressure from a crowd. A whip cracked hurriedly, a horse galloping 

 in their track, even an injudicious rate, will make the best of them shy and 

 sulky for half the day. Only by thorough knowledge of his favourites, and 

 patient deference to their prejudices, has Lord Wolverton obtained their 

 confidence, and it is wonderful how his perseverance is rewarded. Wh le 

 lie hunts them they are perfectly handy, and tui'n like a pack of harriers ; 

 but if an outsider attempts to ' cap them on,' or otherwise interfere, they 

 decline to acknowledge him from the first ; and, should they be left to his 

 guidance, are quite capable of going straight home at once, with every 

 mark of contempt." Major Whyte-Melville states that they B.repure bred, 

 and that by judicious drafting their feet have been much improved. There 

 can be no better authority concerning them, as he knows them well, and 

 Las hunted a great deal with this pack. 



