THE BEAGLE. 



223 



Such packs indeed are often composed of the latter variety of Dog, which are too small to be 

 admitted into the regular foxhound pack. However, if a pack is composed of these dwarf 

 foxhounds, the two best ■ characters of the true Harrier are lost, namely, the musical tongue 

 and the sensitive nose, and the only compensating quality that these animals possess is extreme 

 speed. A pack of true Harriers is distinguished for the melodious tongues of its members, 

 which can be heard at a distance of several miles, while the delicacy of their scent is so great 

 that they can work out all the complicated doubles of the hare. 



There are several breeds of the Beagle, which are distinguishable from each other by 

 their size and general aspect." 



The Medium-sized Beagle is not unlike the harrier, but is heavier about the throat than 

 that animal, and has stouter limbs, and a comparatively larger body. The height of this Dog 

 is from a foot to fourteen or fifteen inches. 



BEAGLE. — Canis familiaris sagax irritans. 



The Rough Beagle is thought to be produced by crossing the original stock with the rough 

 terrier, and possesses the squeaking bark of the terrier rather than the prolonged musical 

 intonation of the Beagle. Some authorities, however, take the animal to be a distinct variety. 

 The nose of this creature is furnished with the stiff whisker-hairs which are found on the 

 muzzle of the rough terrier, and the fur is nearly as stiff and wiry as the terrier's. 



The Dwarf Beagle, or Rabbit Beagle, as it is sometimes called, is the smallest of the three 

 animals, delicate in form and aspect, but good of nose and swift of foot. So very small are 

 some of these little creatures that a whole pack has been conveyed to and from the field in 

 hampers slung over the back of a horse, or simply in the shooting pockets of the men. Their 

 strength was thus preserved for the labors of the field, and they were saved from the fatiguing 

 walk to the field and back again. Ten inches is the average height of a Rabbit Beagle. 



These little Dogs are chiefly employed by those who hunt on foot, as they are not suffi- 

 ciently swift to drive the hare from her doubles, and by patiently tracking her through all her 

 wiles, "win like Fabius, by delay." Beagles used to be much in favor with the junior mem- 

 bers of the universities, for the purpose of affording a pleasant afternoon' s amusement. It is 

 true that the legitimate object of chase, namely, the hare, is seldom forthcoming, but her place 

 is readily supplied by a long-winded lad, who traverses the country at speed, trailing after 

 him a rabbit-skin well rubbed with turpentine or aniseed. If the scent be good, and the course 

 lie tolerably straight, the endurance of the hunter is severely tested, but if the miniature 

 hounds come often to a check, any one of average powers can be in at the finish. 



