HUNTING DIRECTORY. 45 



Breeding Hounds. 



should be distinguished for some good quality, or indeed 

 for as many good qualities as possible. On this subject, I 

 will quote the opinion of Beckford ; and also the notions 

 of Somervile : 



*' Consider (says the former) the size, shape, colour, 

 constitution, and natural disposition of the dog you breed 

 from ; as well as the fineness of his nose ; his stoutness, 

 and method of hunting. On no accovmt breed from one 

 that is not stout ^ that is not tender-nosed, or that is a 

 skirter. — Somervile enjoins still further : 



" Observe with care his shape, sort, colour, size : 

 Nor will sagacious huntsmen less regard 

 His inward habits ; the vain babbler shun, 

 Ever loquacious, ever in the wrong ; 

 His foolish ofTspring shall offend thy ears 

 With false alarms, and loud impertinence. 

 Nor less the shifting cur avoid, that breaks 

 Illusive from the pack ; to the next hedge 

 Devious he strays, there ev'ry meuse he tries, 

 If haply then he cross the steaming scent, 

 Away he flies, vain-glorious j and exults 

 As of the pack supreme, and in his speed 

 And strength unrivall'd. Lo ! cast far behind 

 His vcx'd associates pant, and lab'ring strain 

 To climb the steep ascent. Soon as they reach 

 Th' insulting boaster, his false courage fails. 

 Behind he lags, doom'd to the fatal noose. 

 His master's hate, and scorn of all the field. 

 What can from such be hop'd, but a base brood 

 Of coward curs, a frantic, vagrant race ?" 



" It is the judicious cross that makes the complete pack. 

 The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rec- 

 tified in another ; and if this is properly attended to, 1 



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