250 STAG-HUNTING 



CHAPTER V 



HOUNDS AND HORSES 



FROM the deer that are hunted to the hounds that 

 hunt them is an easy transition. 



In old times the North Devon pack was composed 

 of ' staghounds,' bred according to a local receipt 

 given in these words by Lord Graves in the letter 

 previously mentioned : 



' First cross. Put a thoroughbred heavy staghound 

 dog to some large thoroughbred foxhound bitches 

 . . . this is not yet the breed required. 



' Second cross. Put the bitches, the product of 

 the first cross, when 15 months old, to a thoroughbred 

 staghound dog, and to some thoroughbred heavy 

 staghound bitches put those dogs the product of the 

 first cross that are the most promising. The product 

 of this last cross is the sort required. 



' After a few years, should a cross be required from 

 another kennel, which is very necessary, cross with a 

 sharp staghound. but by no means with a foxhound. 



