RIDING AT STAG-HOUNDS 



Dorset and in the green pastures that enrich the 

 valley of the Stour. These blood-hounds, for 

 such they are, and of the purest breed, stand 

 seven or eight-and-twenty inches, with limbs and 

 frames proportioned to so gigantic a stature. 

 Their heads are magnificent, solemn sagacious 

 eyes, pendent jowls, and flapping ears that brush 

 away the dew. Thanks to his lordship's care in 

 breeding, and the freedom with which he has 

 drafted, their feet are round, and their powerful 

 legs symmetrically straight. A spirited and 

 truly artistic picture of these hounds in chase, 

 sweeping like a whirlwind over the downs, by Mr. 

 Goddard, the well-known painter, hangs on Lord 

 Wolverton's staircase in London, and conveys to 

 his guests, particularly after dinner, so vivid an 

 idea of their picturesque and even sporting- 

 qualities as I cannot hope to represent with 

 humble pen and ink. 



One could almost fancy, standing opposite this 

 masterpiece, that one heard the cry. Full, 

 sonorous, and musical, it is not extravagant to 

 compare these deep-mouthed notes with the peal 

 of an organ in a cathedral. 



Yet they run a tremendous pace. Stride, 

 courage, and condition (the last essential requiring 

 constant care) enable them to sustain such speed 

 over the open as can make a good horse look 

 foolish ! While, amongst enclosures, they charge 



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