50 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 
long bones between them. The feet also are seldom perfect, but 
they ought to be cat-like, or at all events not spreading, as is often 
the case. 
The colour is either tan or black and tan, the latter for choice. 
Indeed, many breeders reject the tan puppies, which will occur in 
all litters, even of the most carefully-selected strains. The black 
should extend to the whole of the upper parts, but it is seldom 
clearly defined, the tan running more or less on to it. No white 
is allowed, even on the toes, by those who are particular; but, as 
in all other varieties of the dog, however carefully bred, a little 
white will occasionally make its appearance. The coat should be 
short over the whole body, hard on the back and sides, but silky 
and soft on the ears and head. 
The stern is carried gaily or in a ‘“ hound-like style,” with a 
gentle scimitar-like curve, and it should not be raised above a 
right angle with the back. Its under side is slightly fringed with 
hair. 
IlIIl— THE STAGHOUND. 
The staghound may now be considered to be almost an extinct 
breed, for even the Devon and Somerset pack, hunting wild deer, 
is crossed with the foxhound. Until recently it was alleged that 
this pack was entirely pure, and was descended from hounds kept 
exclusively to deer for many years. In the year 1877, however, 
nearly the whole pack was destroyed from the fear of having been 
bitten by a mad dog, and their place has been supplied by drafts 
from confessedly foxhounds kennels. Of the eight couples which 
were permitted to live, not having been submitted to the risk above 
mentioned, all are, I believe, more or less crossed, and there is no 
other source left for resuscitating the old breed. 
The hounds used: by Her Majesty and Baron Rothschild for 
hunting carted deer are pure foxhounds, drafted from other ken- 
nels for being over-sized or too fast for their respective Masters. 
In size the dog foxhounds used to hunt deer are about 2 5 inches 
high, while the bitch varies from 23 to 23}. 
Beyond the above remarks I can give no description of this 
breed, for reasons which are apparent to the most casual reader. 
