THE SOUTHERN HOUND. 49 



addition to this heaviness of shape, and consequent slow pace, 

 these hounds had a habit of dwelling on a scent which is exhibited 

 in a marked manner by those descendants who resemble them the 

 most closely, namely, the modern otter-hound. If the scent is only 

 moderate, this hound tries on with steadiness and perseverance; 

 but if he suddenly comes upon a stronger one, he stops, throws 

 his tongue with his head in the air, and even sits on his haunches 

 in the most provoking manner. The bloodhound of the present 

 day, when quite pure, shows this same peculiarity, but it is said 

 that Lord Wolverton's pack are without any signs of it, which is 

 often alleged as a proof of their being crossed with the foxhound. 

 In Wales several packs are still kept approaching the Southern 

 hound in shape and other peculiarities, but I believe they are all 

 more or less crossed with the foxhound, even though their masters 

 deny the fact. Markman, who lived three • hundred years ago, 

 describes the Northern hound as follows : — " He has a head more 

 slender, with a longer nose, ears and news more shallow, back 

 broad, belly gaunt, joints long, tail small, and his general form 

 more slender and greyhound-like; but the virtues of these Northern 

 hounds I can praise no further than for scent and swiftness, for 

 with respect to mouth, they have only a little shrill sweetness, 

 but no depth of tone or music." In the present day, with the 

 solitary exception of Lord Wolverton's pack in Dorsetshire, and 

 of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, no hound is used but the 

 foxhound, harrier, beagle, and otter-hound. The bloodhound is 

 kept almost entirely for ornamental purposes, and the Southern 

 hound, as I have already mentioned, is altogether extinct in a 

 pure shape. As the Southern hound may be considered extinct, 

 I cannot pretend to give his points, as is done with all existing 

 breeds. 



D 



