CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 
203 
Gelert was no doubt a representative of tlie race of the Englisli greyhound of liis day ; but the 
breed has sadly degenerated. Their speed, however, is rather increased than diminished, for they 
wWl outstrip a hare in a straight run, coursing for that animal being now the chief use of the 
English greyhound. They are also more slight and symmetrical in form than in eai-lier days, 
but not haxdng been obliged to contend with the wolf, or the boar, or the stag, they have lost the 
power for which they once were distinguished. 
The Highlakd Greyhound, or Deer-IIound, is distinguished by his great size and his shaggy 
Jiair, which almost covers his face. His limbs are muscular, his back arched, the tail long and 
euTved. He carries his head high, and has a fine, majestic appearance. He sometimes displays 
ill-temper and ferocity toward persons not of his master's ftimily. 
Tlic Irish Geethound diifers from the Scotch, in having shorter and finer hair, of a pale fawn- 
color, and pendent ears. It is, compared with the Scotch dog, gentle and harmless, perhaps 
indolent, until roused. It is larger than that animal, some of them being full four feet in 
length, and proportionately muscular. On this account, and also on account of their deter- 
mined spirit when roused, they were carefully preserved by some Irish gentlemen. They were 
THE SCOTCH GllEYHOtJND. 
formerly used in hnnting the wolf when that animal infested the forests of Ireland. Mr. Bell 
' i?ays that the last person who kept the pure breed was Lord Altamont, Avho in 1780 had eight 
of them. 
The Scotch GaEYnouND resembles the English in form, but the frame is stronger and more 
muscular, the hind-quarters more prominent, and the coat rougher and more shaggy : the speed, 
however, is not so great. 
Tlie Russian Greyhound is principally distinguished by its dark-brown or iron-gray color, its 
short semi-erect ears, its thin lank body, long but muscular legs, and soft thick hair. The hair of 
^ its tail forms a spiral twist, or fan — he being thence called the Fan-tailed Dog — and as he runs, 
having a very pleasing appearance. He hunts by scent as well as by sight, and therefore small 
