Peter Beckford, writing in 1779, complained of the paucity of literature upon fox-hunting. Since his classic work was given to the world, however, so much has been written that it is but repeating truisms to say anything in a brief space of this the noblest of all sports. The Foxhound, as we know him to-day, is perhaps of all animals the most perfectly fitted for his particular work, so many years has he been bred with the most jealous care. Hunting is so intimately bound up with our national life as to be an integral part of it, there being no less than two hundred odd packs in the United Kingdom.

His Work

What can one say of the Foxhound's work that has not been said times without number, and that is not common knowledge to every man who has the instinct of a sportsman? "Hunting," said Beckford, "is the soul of a country life: it gives health to the body and contentment to the mind; and is one of the few pleasures that we can enjoy in society, without prejudice either to ourselves or our friends." As it was then so it is to-day. Some critics are hardy enough to aver that the hound as we know him has been bred too much for pace, and has lost thereby some of his scenting powers, but it is a dangerous subject to discuss.

His Points

Whyte-Melville in a single verse summed up admirably the salient points to be looked for in a good hound.

On the straightest of legs and the roundest of feet, With ribs like a frigate his timbers to meet, With a fashion and fling and a form so complete, That to see him dance over the flags is a treat!

Head long with broad muzzle, and flatter on the top than that of the Bloodhound; the eye keen and determined; neck clean and muscular, without the throatiness distinguishing the slower breeds of hounds; body enormously powerful, and legs and feet as our sporting poet describes them. A good hound has a "fashion and fling" that distinguish him from all other breeds, and make him an object of distinction and beauty.