THE FOXHOUND. 



59 



there must be an equality of pace and stoutness, without which 

 " tailing " very soon begins, the long-drawn line from head to 

 tail being developed, so much deprecated by every hunting man. 

 Thus the task of the breeder of foxhounds is rendered more 

 difficult than that of any other artist in a corresponding line, for 

 he not only has to breed his hounds individually perfect but also 

 collectively so, and not only in externals but in mental mani- 

 festations. Still these obstacles are to be overcome, and what 

 man can do our modern M.F.H.'s actually accomplish, as is 

 admitted to their honour by all their followers, the result being 

 the modern foxhound. 



His points are as follows : — 





VALUE 







• is 



Elbows, 



Neck, . 



s 



Legs and feet, 



Shoulders, . 



IO 



Colour and coat, 



Chest and hack ribs, 



IO 



Stern, . 



Loin, . 



IO 



Symmetry, . 



Hind-quarters, 



. IO 





5 

 20 



5 

 5 

 5 



Total, 



The head should be of sufficient size to contain a brain capable 

 of the mental manifestations required ; but if absolutely heavy, 

 there is sure to be the old-fashioned style of hunting to which 

 allusion has already been made. Hence the breeder requires a 

 fair size, measuring round the ears in the average dog hound 1 6 

 inches, and in the bitch 24^ inches. The top of the head is 

 flat and not domed, as in the bloodhound. The nose should be 

 \\ inches long in the full-sized hound, wide and open in the 

 nostrils, and cut off square at the end ; ears set on low and lying 

 close ; eyes of moderate size, soft, yet full of expression. 



The neck must be thin, round, and free from the slightest 

 throatiness. This last point is one much insisted on in the 



