228 CROSSED BREEDS. 
the dog which would suit him best, but contents himself with one 
which will not so much attract the notice of those who watch him. 
It is needless to describe the points of the lurcher, further than 
to remark that he partakes of those of the greyhound in shape, 
combined with the stouter frame, larger ears, and rougher coat of 
the sheep-dog, but varying according to the breed of each employed 
in producing the cross. Formerly these lurchers were invariably 
deprived of their tails, in order to pass muster as sheep-dogs, and 
some are still thus cropped; but as hundreds of these farmers’ 
friends are now suffered to enjoy their full proportions, the lurcher, 
when he does exist, is also full-tailed. The colour varies greatly, 
and may be any one of those belonging to either of the breeds 
from which he springs. 
IV.—THE DROPPER. 
This is a cross of the pointer with the setter, which at one time 
was supposed to be superior to either, but is now seldom met with ; 
for, though the individual is useful enough, he is not ornamental, 
and has the inconvenience of being unfitted for breeding purposes, 
the second cross being invariably a failure. 
V.—THE DOG AND FOX CROSS. 
It is now generally admitted that the dog and fox will breed 
together, but so little is known with certainty of the resulting pro- 
duce that it is scarcely desirable to attempt a minute description. 
Still it will be perhaps interesting to allude to the best authenti- 
cated specimen within my knowledge, which is now the property 
of Mr. Hewer of Reading. She is a daughter of the first cross, 
which was described by Mr. Tomlin in Bell’s Life in the year 
1855, and is by an ordinary terrier dog. 
Letter by R. Tomlin, Esq., on thé subject of the Dog and Fox Cross. 
“Mr. Eprror,—As your Life is the only ‘Old Curiosity Shop’ for the 
reception of ‘fancy articles,” I venture to forward you one respecting the fox 
and dog cross, and although somewhat out of season, it may perhaps prove 
interesting to the sportsman and the naturalist.. In 1853 various accounts 
appeared in Bell’s Life in Loudon of the fox and dog cross, the fact being 
