As several of the leading fanciers of the quaint and aristocratic-looking Basset-hounds have from various causes ceased to support the variety, it has been a good thing that so zealous a champion has been found in the subject of this sketch, who has collected a very strong and typical team of Roughs and Smooths, amongst them being several champions and many promising youngsters.

It would be impossible in the space at my disposal to give even a summary of the numerous honours won by the kennels at Coniston Hall, a beautiful place between Leeds and Hellifield. But the annals of the leading shows for some years past will prove that many of the principal prizes and trophies open to Bassets have found their way to Coniston Hall.

Mrs. Tottie is the wife of Major J. B. G. Tottie, J.P., whose tastes as an ornithologist and breeder of prize stock in horses and cattle are well known, and who has carried off many prizes at the best shows in the kingdom. Before Mrs. Tottie took up Bassets, she devoted her energies for a while to Skye Terriers, with which she was moderately successful, but I think of late years she has almost entirely given them up. However, she has other strings to her bow, as she keeps a few high-class Bull dogs, which have already made their mark on the show benches, and keeps as house pets some of the charming little Blenheim Spaniels, which are likely to benefit by the patronage of such a spirited fancier.

This lady, I am informed, takes a personal interest in her hobbies, and devotes much of her time to the superintendence of the kennel arrangements, and to this is doubtless due the great success which has attended her efforts.

MRS. MABEL TOTTIE.

From photo by Alice Hughes, Gower Street, W.

MRS. TOTTIE'S BASSET-HOUND GRAVITY, AND LITTER.

MRS. TOTTIE'S BULL-DOG ROBYAT.

From photo by Horner, Settle.

Probably at the present time no other kennel, in this country at least, can show such an array of high-class Basset-hounds as are now located at Coniston Hall, and I am pleased to be able to give excellent portraits of this lady and of four of her pets, and hope she may long be included in the ranks of Doggy People, amongst whom she has so many friends.