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Modern Dogs of Great Britain.

CHAPTER I.

THE BLOODHOUND.

THE origin of the bloodhound cannot be traced with any degree of satisfaction, but we believe that no modern breed of dog is so like that progenitor of his that may have lived three or four hundred years ago, as is this well-favoured variety. Although repeatedly used as a cross to improve the olfactory organs, and the size and strength of other hounds, especially of the otterhound, he has always had admirers, who kept him for his own sake-because of his handsome and noble appearance, because he was a good watch and guard, and because he bore a vulgar character for ferocity not attained by any other dog.

The name "bloodhound," or sleuth hound, had something to do with this, and he always bore the reputation of being able to find a man, be he

thief or otherwise, by scent, and either run him to ground, as it were, or bring him to bay in such a manner as to make his capture speedy. He does this without biting or worrying his "human chase" in the manner writers have often told us he was in the habit of doing.

The natural instinct of this hound is rather to hunt man than beast. As a puppy As a puppy he may put his nose to the ground and fumble out the line of any pedestrian who has just passed along the road. Other dogs will, as a rule, commence by hunting their master, the bloodhound finds his nose by hunting a stranger. There are old records of his being repeatedly used for the latter purpose, whether the quarry to be found were a murderer or poacher, or maybe only some poor gentleman or nobleman whose politics or religion was not quite in conformity with that of those bigots who happened to be placed over him.

Early in the seventeenth century, when the Mosstroopers (but a polite name for Scottish robbers) invested the border counties of Cumberland, Northumberland, and Westmoreland, it was found that the ordinary means of arrest and punishment were insufficient to stop the raids of the thieves, so special provision was made that should, if possible, put an end to their depredations. The Scots were fleet of

foot and active, and it was believed that the employment of bloodhounds would strike terror into the hearts of the marauders. The latter were to be pursued "with hot trod fragrant delect, with red hand (as the Scots termed it), with hound, and horn, and voice." Surely such a hunt as this would be exciting enough, and the hard-visaged borderers would have little compunction in allowing their hounds to give full vent to their

savagery.

The following is a copy of a warrant issued in September, 1616, to the garrison at Carlisle, giving orders as to the keeping of "slough dogs:"

Whereas upon due consideration of the increase of stealths, daily growing both in deed and report among you on the borders, we formally concluded and agreed, that for reformations therefor, watches should be set, and slough dogs provided and kept according to the contents of His Majesty's directions to us in that behalf prescribed; and for that, according to our agreement, Sir William Hutton, at his last being in the country, and appoint how the watches should be kept, when and where they should begin, and how they might best and most fitly continue. And for the bettering of His Majesty's service, and preventing further danger that might ensue by the outlaws in resorting to the houses of Thomas Routledge, alias Balihead, being nearest and next adjoining to the Marshes (he himself having also joined themas is reported), order and direction were likewise given, that some of the garrison should keep and reside in his the said Thomas Routledge's house; and there to remain until further directions be given them, unless he the said Thomas Routledge shall come