INTRODUCTION 
qpHE beagle seems to be constantly growing in 
popularity. He is the favorite sporting dog 
of the classes as well as the masses. Far back in 
the days of Queen Elizabeth this merry little hound 
furnished amusement and pastime for royalty, 
clergy and laity, and he has come down through 
the ages, losing nothing of his early prestige; but, 
on the other hand, gaining favor everywhere. At 
the present day he is cherished by rich and poor 
alike and, judging from the constantly growing list 
of field trials in all parts of the country, his star is 
not only still far from descending, but is assuming 
greater brilliancy from year to year. 
There is good reason, however, for the popularity 
of the beagle. Perhaps one of the best is that he 
does not require commodious or luxurious kennels. 
He is thoroughly at home in any environment. And 
while some of the more pecunious fanciers have 
erected elaborate establishments for the breeding 
and development of the beagle, it is generally con¬ 
ceded that more really good hounds have been bred 
in the backyards of the workingman, or under the 
floor of some farmer’s barn than amid the most 
costly surroundings. The beagle is not the pam¬ 
pered pet of the wealthy; his requirements are few. 
Ordinary care and attention in the way of dry sleep¬ 
ing quarters, wholesome food and a certain amount 
of exercise will keep him at his best. Being a small 
dog, the cost of upkeep is moderate; he is com- 
