THE HARRIER.

The true harrier is a dwarf southern hound, with a very slight infusion of the greyhound in him. Hence he is more throaty than the foxhound, and has also more ear, with a broader head, more

Grasper" by "Solomon," out of "Governess," from the late Mr. Furze's harrier pack in Devonshire. "Solomon" by Prince Albert's "Solomon."

"Trueman" by Mr. Lisle Phillipps' harrier "Roman," out of "Damsel." "Damsel," a pure foxhound bitch, only 18 inches high, from the late Sir Richard Sutton's kennel, and of the famous "Trueman" blood, was by his "Dexter."

fully developed flews, and altogether a heavier and less active frame. The height is usually at present under 20 inches, averaging about 18; but in the old times, when the dwarf foxhound was never used for the purpose, harriers were often 22 and sometimes 23 inches high, because even with that size they dwelt on the scent so long that they were not too fast for sport. But it is in tongue and in style of hunting that true harriers are chiefly remarkable, the former being melodious in the extreme, and a pack in full cry being heard for miles; while the latter is distinguished by excessive delicacy of nose, and by an amount of patience in working out the doubles of the hare which the old-fashioned hare-hunter considered perfection. Mr. Yeatman has, however, introduced a different style, and according to his system the hare is driven so fast that she is compelled to abandon her cunning devices, and to trust to her speed alone. But as, following his example, most of the modern packs of harehounds are dwarf foxhounds, it is unnecessary to dwell upon the old-fashioned animal, and the modern harrier may therefore be described as a foxhound in shape, but of a size averaging about 18 or 19 inches, and kept to hare with great care, so that in some instances packs are known to refuse to own the scent of the fox; but these are rare exceptions, as most huntsmen will be ready to hunt one whenever they have the opportunity, and many regularly finish their season by shaking down a bag-fox, or by trying for one in some covert where they have permission. The fashion of the day is to demand pace in all kinds of hunting, and for this reason these dwarf foxhounds are

selected, taking care to unite with it as fine and delicate a nose as possible, but altogether regardless of the music, which used to be a sine quâ non with masters of harriers.

Among the packs of pure foxhounds which are devoted to hunting the hare, Mr. Yeatman's has long been celebrated in the west of England. His hounds possess very fine noses, combined with great pace; and while they drive their hares to abandon their natural doubles, they are able to hunt a cold scent in a marvellously clever manner.

One chief beauty in hare-hunting is the proper packing of the

"Dahlia" is by the Duke of Rutland's "Driver," out of the Bramhanimoor "Dulcet." She is 21 inches in height.

F

hounds, and as this cannot be done without having all nearly of the same size, shape, and breed, masters of harriers are very particular in keeping the whole of their kennel of one strain; and when they cross their hounds it should be with great care, so as to avoid the introduction of blood very different to that which they already possess.

For the points of the modern harrier the reader is referred to the description of the foxhound, with the modifications in height, &c., alluded to at page 64. To the colours detailed at page 61, may be added the "blue mottle," which is often seen in hounds of part harrier blood, marking their descent from the southern hound. The ears are either not rounded, or only slightly so. For the points of the old-fashioned harrier, see the southern hound at page 47. The Welsh harrier is a rough southern hound, being the same breed as that described in this book as the otterhound at page 70.

THE BEAGLE.

The true beagle, like the old harrier, is now almost entirely displaced by dwarf specimens of the foxhound, or by crosses with it in varying proportions. Still there are some packs left, and a good many gentlemen also possess one or two couple which they use for covert shooting, though even here this breed is giving way to the spaniel.

In external form the beagle resembles the southern hound, but is much more compact and elegant in shape, and far less throaty in proportion to its size, though still possessing a considerable ruff. There are three or four varieties, however, which differ a good deal among themselves in shape and make, and also to some degree in style of hunting.

The medium-sized beagle may be taken as the type of the others of the same name, and somewhat resembles a small old-fashioned harrier in shape, but with a larger body and shorter legs in proportion to it. The head is very wide and round, with a short square nose, very full and soft drooping ears, good feet, and not much hair on the body, but with a slight brush on the tail. Their tongues are most musical, and their noses extremely delicate, being