Scattered from north to south, east to west, are approximately some two hundred packs of these magnificent specimens of the canine race.
Judging from the excellent sport enjoyed by the majority of hunts during this last season, one has no need to be sceptical as to the progress and continuance of this grand and manly form of sport. Looking back on the times when such great followers of the chase as Peter Beckford and Mr Apperley ("Nimrod"), one is apt to think that through lapse of time, agricultural depression, and inroads made into the country through commercial industry, fox-hunting might well-nigh have become a sport of the past, but, happily, this is not so.
Given good weather and a favourable season, there is as good sport to be obtained with Horse and Hound as in the days of Beckford. The modern Foxhound, has, by selection, been derived from the old Southern Hound, a dog that had longer ears, was heavier built, and slower.
This Hound was supposed to have been used by the Ancient Britons for hunting the larger game present at that time.
The number of Hounds constituting a pack varies, and if the pack is a very large one, the dogs and bitches are hunted alternately.
As to which is the best for hunting, opinions vary.
From twelve to twenty-five couples may be taken as the average number working at one time.
The following is a description of the Foxhound, taken from the Foxhound Stud Book:—
Head, of full size, but by no means heavy.
Brow pronounced but not high or sharp.