THE GREYHOUND. 
699 
Earl of Orford, of Houghton, in Norfolk ; and it is said he 
obtained the great depth of chest and strength of his breed 
from crossing with the bull-dog. At his death, his grey¬ 
hounds were sold by auction, and some of the best were 
purchased by Colonel Thornton; from one of them, Claret, 
which was put to a favourite bitch of Major Topham’s, was 
produced Snowball, the best greyhound that ever appeared ; 
although he was nearly equalled by his brothers, Major and 
Sylvia, who were all of the same litter. They were never 
beaten ; and may be considered as examples of the most 
perfect greyhound. 
The shape, make, elegant structure, and other character¬ 
istics of high blood, were equally distinguished in all the 
three ; the colour of Snowball was a jet black, and, when in 
good running condition, was as fine in the skin as black 
satin. Major and Sylvia were singularly, but beautifully 
brindled. Snowball won ten large pieces of silver plate, 
and upwards of forty matches, his master having accepted 
every challenge, whatever might be the dogs of different 
counties which might be brought against him. His descen¬ 
dants have generally been also very successful. 
The last match run by this celebrated dog, was against 
the famous greyhound, Speed, the property of Hall Plumber, 
Esq., of Bilton Park, Yorkshire. He gained the match; and 
so severe was the run, that Speed died soon after it. This 
terminated the career of Snowball’s public coursing, as the 
owner, in consideration of his age, then declared he should 
never run another match. 
Snowball was perhaps the fleetest of his race that ever 
ran ; and like the Flying Childers, which was the swiftest of 
hcrses, may never be outstripped in rapidity of move¬ 
ments. 
Wynken de Worde, who wrote a work on sports in 1496 , 
