22 A DESCRIPTION OF 
The old English Hound, the original stock of this 
island, and used by the ancient Britons in the chase, is a 
most valuable Dog ; though the breed has been gradually 
declining, and the size studiously diminished by a mixture 
of other kinds, in order to increase their speed. It seems 
to have been accurately described by Shakspeare in the 
following lines : 
" My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind, 
So flew'd, so sanded ; and their heads are hung 
With ears that sweep away the morning dew ; 
Crook-kneed and dew-lapp'd, like Thessalian bulls ; 
Slow in pursuit; but match'd in mouth like bells, 
Each under each." 
THE SPANIEL 
Has received from nature a very keen smell, good under- 
standing, and uncommon docility. He is used in setting 
for partridges, pheasants, quails, &c. His steadiness in 
the field, his caution in approaching game, his patience in 
keeping the bird at bay till the fowler discharges his piece, 
are real objects of admiration. 
" When milder autumn summer's heat succeeds, 
And in the new-shorn field the partridge feeds, 
