This is not a hound that will require a long dissertation from me. There are but few packs in England which hunt the deer at all, and still less that hunt the wild deer; these are commonly supposed to be the same as were formerly called "Southern Hounds," and as the large tracts of land formerly waste and forest have been gradually brought under cultivation, the places most available for stag hunting have disappeared. They were celebrated for "tongue," and made plenty of music as they followed the windings of the deer, but they were not even moderately fast hounds, and it is a fact, that no very fleet hounds can be musical. Devon, which has always been a great country for sport, has, for many years, kept up a pack of Staghounds, besides others, as we find "Nim-rod "states" although the going in that county is about the worst in the world, more hounds are kept in Devon than in any three counties in England. In 1849, Devon possessed eight established packs of Foxhounds, three of other hounds, the Staghounds, and many a 'Parish Pack' kept by subscription." The general run of Staghounds appear, both in shape, style and colour, like large Foxhounds, and are commonly supposed to be formed from drafts from the Foxhounds too large for those packs.

The modern Stag-hound is about twenty-four inches high, or more; they are seldom so level in colour, shape, or kennel likeness, as you see in first-class packs of Foxhounds and Harriers. The Royal Buckhounds are an exception; they are kept in sound condition, and the best matching pack in the kingdom, of the prevailing hound colours, including every marking, except the blue mottle, thought to be indicative of the "Harrier cross." The various colours need not be set out here, nor is it necessary, in a breed so seldom shown, to give the points of excellence more fully than to say that great muscular strength, plenty of bone, courage, excellent scenting powers, and speed, are indispensable, as the quarry hunted is usually in as fine condition as a race-horse, and nearly as fast, often has been out before on a similar occasion, knows the country well, and means giving his pursuers what is vulgarly termed "a run for their money!" Still, it must be admitted, unlike the packs of all nations in the middle ages, the Staghounds of our times are well disciplined and steady, and the stag is more fairly hunted than he was, even in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, so often described, (although I am bound to say I am not included amongst her admirers) as "Good Queen Bess!"

STAGHOUND "RUBY" ROYAL KENNEL ASCOT. HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA OWNER.