The extent of "crook," and the respective merits of "torse," and "demi-torse," have excited some attention amongst breeders. As the result of my inquiries made of French sportsmen on this subject, it can be taken that both are equally pure, both shapes of forelegs occurring in the same litter, and buyers must choose whichever best suits their sport. In the show ring, with two dogs of equal merit in all other points, I should decide in favour of the full-crooked as being harder to breed, more in keeping with the bizarre appearance of the dog, and because the bloodhound character is usually more conspicuous in the torse, though I have seen full-crooked specimens without bloodhound type, and half-crooked with it.

The first good specimen exhibited in this country, of the Artesian type, was Mr. Millais's "Model," a very handsome dog. The next step was a class at the Crystal Palace in 1880, when Mr. Millais and Lord Onslow showed the whole class between them. All these hounds were of the "Couteulx" strain. In 1881 I imported Pallas, Fino de Paris, and Jupiter. Pallas had just returned from winning first prize in Brussels, when I bought her, and I have shown her often since then. She has never been beaten, and scores- 97 points in 100 of perfection. Fino de Paris is a hound of Continental fame, having been for a long time the stud dog of the Jardins d'Acclimatation. He is a very large dog on short legs, with grand chest properties and great bone. I subsequently imported Guinevere, Vivien, and Hecuba, which are all of Count Couteulx's strain. Besides Lord Onslow, Mr. Millais, and myself, Lieut. Monro and Mr. G-. Ramsay possess the breed, and I suppose a few others who may have purchased home-bred stock. These hounds are not quick breeders, and being in-bred require much care in rearing. I have lost whole litters at a time from puppy complaints, but have not been troubled with distemper since I took to vaccinating them.

Though basset-hounds are still rare, and good specimens few even in Prance, yet they already fill two classes at the London shows. When I judged them at the winter show in 1881 the English exhibits were augmented by the entries of Mons. Lane, whose hounds are, from the work he requires of them (hunting wild boar), of a larger type than the "Couteulx" strain.

With steady and judicious breeding, the basset-hound should in time take a unique position in the esteem of the sportsman and the exhibitor, when the pioneers of the breed in this country will be able to look back with pleasure and pride upon their efforts to gain it an intelligent and lasting recognition.

The following is the value of the points:

Points Of The Basset Hound

Grand Total 100.

(1). To begin with the head, as the distinguishing part of all breeds. The head of the basset-hound is most perfect when it closest resembles a bloodhound's. It is long and narrow, with heavy flews, occiput prominent, " la bosse de la chasee," and forehead wrinkled to the eyes, which should be kind, and show the haw. The general appearance of the head must present high breeding and reposeful dignity; the teeth are small, and the upper jaw sometimes protrudes. This is not a fault, and is called the "bee de lievre"

2. The ears very long, and when drawn forward folding well over the nose -so long that in hunting they will often actually tread on them; they are set on low, and hang loose in folds like drapery, the ends inward curling, in texture thin and velvety.

8. The neck is powerful, with, heavy dewlaps. Elbows must not turn out. The chest is deep, full, and framed like a " man-of-war." Body long and low.

4. Fore legs short, about 4in., and close-fitting to the chest till the crooked knee from where the wrinkled ankle ends in a massive paw, each toe standing out distinctly.

5. The stifles are bent and the quarters full of muscle, which stands out so that when one looks at the dog from behind, it gives him a round, barrel-like effect. This, with their peculiar waddling gait, goes a long way towards Basset character - a quality easily recognised by the judge, and as desirable as terrier-character in-a terrier.

6. The stern is coarse underneath, and carried hound-fashion.

7. The coat is short, smooth, and fine, and has a gloss on it like that of a racehorse. To get this appearance they should be hound-gloved, never brushed. Skin loose and elastic.

8. The colour should be black, white, and tan. The head, shoulders, and quarter a rich tan, and black patches on the back. They are also sometimes hare-pied.