I have adopted the above title, instead of the more usual term of "Sporting Dogs," so as to be able to include breeds about which there is a difference of opinion as to whether they are strictly "Sporting Dogs" or not, and propose in this chapter to say a few words about Bloodhounds, Otter Hounds and Great Danes, taking them in that order. Many of my readers, as well as I, can remember the time, within the last thirty years, when Bloodhounds were few and far between, and the entries of this handsome and aristocratic-looking breed were at a low ebb, even at the best shows. This is no longer the case, thanks to the enterprise and zeal of a few well-known breeders, of whom stands in the very front rank, my friend Mr. Edwin Brough, of Scarborough, who gained some of his knowledge and experience at the feet of my old friend, Mr. Edwin Nichols, of West Kensington, who, as a breeder as well as exhibitor of Bloodhounds, Mastiffs and Newfoundlands, was the most successful I have ever known and, in my opinion, quite unsurpassed as a judge of those breeds and one of the most entertaining companions I have ever met.

Seldom when I came across him at any Dog Show, which was very often in the days I was an extensive exhibitor, but that he kept up the company to a late hour with his entertaining stories of men and dogs! I much regret that, owing to advancing years, he has discontinued his attendance at the gatherings, at which he had such troops of friends and where he, under the title of "Papa-Nichols," was so universally popular. It is a tradition that the Bloodhound is identical with the Sleuth, or Slouth, Hound (from the word "Slouth" probably meaning "scent,") and that he is of a very ancient breed in these Islands, used for tracking "Moss Troopers" and other wrong doers in the olden days; the earliest record of them occurs in King Henry III.'s time, when they were used in tracking offenders. The most usual colours are shades of rich tan with more or less dark markings on body and head, which latter is long, lean and "peaked," the face thin and narrow, the skin loose and puckered; long folded and pendulous ears; broad nose, expanded nostrils; long thin, flabby and pendulous flews; deep and voluminous dewlap; sunken, bloodshot eyes, and flexible, active stern, thick at root, tapering to a point.

The Hound strikes you as not over large, but with great character, quality and much dignity, well knit; plenty of bone; symmetrical, straight legs; wide across the back, full in body, and back ribs; and game in temperament; with fine, deep sloping shoulders, and enormously powerful hind quarters. The points associated with the Bloodhound, are as follows: - Skull, long, narrow and very much peaked, square, deep muzzle; ears, thin, long, set on rather low, hanging in shapely folds close against the face; eyes, deep set, dark colour and lustrous, lids, triangular shaped, showmg the red haw; flews, long, thin, and pendulous, the upper overhanging the lower lips; neck, rather long and slightly arched towards base of skull, plenty of dewlaps; wrinkled skin of face, very loose and abundant; short, close lying coat, thin skin; sloping and deep shoulders, broad, muscular loins, well let down brisket, powerful thighs and second thighs; strong, straight legs; feet round, with Well bent hocks, stern tapering and carried gaily. Colours: black and tan, tawny and red and tan.

General appearance that of a high class, aristocratic and very dignified animal, who looks as if he considered himself fit company for an emperor, and would not care to associate with any but those belonging to the "upper circles".

BLOODHOUND, CH. "NESTOR" MARK BEAUFOY M.P. owner.