THE GBDTHOUND. 



This variety of dog is remarkable for its symmetry, speedi 

 and keenness of sight. It is found throughout Europe and in 

 parts of Asia, and would seem to have been a distinct variety 

 of the dog from a very early period. In ancient times it was 

 more valued even than now. To be the possessor of a grey- 

 hound was to be a distinguished person — a nobleman, or at 

 least a .gentleman. We find it recorded, that a fine paid to 

 king John consisted of " 500 marks, 10 horses, and ten leashes 

 of grayhounds." 



The perfection of greyhound form is well described in the 

 following quaint lines : — 



" Headed lyke a snake, 

 Neckyed lyke a drake. 

 Footed lyke a catte, 

 Tayled lyke a ratte, 

 Syded lyke a, teme. 

 And chyned lyke a bream. 

 The fyrst yere he must leame to fide. 

 The seconde yere to fild liim lide. 

 The thyrde yere he is felon lyke. 

 The fourth yere there is none syk. 

 The fifth yere he is goode yoough, 

 The sixth yere he shall hold the plough, 

 37 6ff 



