54 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 



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 stem 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. 



Ill— 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, how- 

 ever, 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 foxhound 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 Eothschild for 

 hunting carted deer are pure foxhounds drafted from other ken- 

 nels for being over-sized or too fast for their respective masters. 

 Those of Lord Wolverton, also hunting carted deer in Dorsetshire, 

 are pure bloodhounds, as I am informed by himself, though the 

 contrary has been asserted in many quarters. In size the dog 



