inches. He has deep chops, broad, pendulous ears, and when highly bred is hardly to be distinguished from an indifferent bloodhound." The same author further says they are used to hunt the deer, and that there are two packs in the neighbourhood of Killarney.

I have made enquiries in various parts of Ireland, as to the survival of the Kerry beagle and his present whereabouts. One of the packs alluded to by Richardson-that of Mr. Herbert, at Muckross-was discontinued as long ago as 1847. These hounds were twenty-six inches in height, most of them black and tan in colour, some of them all tan. The other pack alluded to by the same authority, that of Mr. John O'Connell, at Grenagh, Killarney, was dispersed at the same time, which was during the distressful period of the great famine, when many of the Irish gentry, almost ruined, were compelled, under the Encumbered Estates Act, to sell their family domains at an enormous sacrifice. I could name more than one instance where a valuable estate was sold for five years purchase! The late Mr. O'Connell's hounds, were likewise black and tan. A few couples of these hounds were taken by Mr. Maurice O'Connell's nephew to Mr. John O'Connell, who kept them at Lake View, increasing his pack to about twenty couples. In 1868 he, however,

handed them over to Mr. Clement Ryan, of Emly, co. Tipperary, who now preserves the only pack of Kerry beagles (the Scarteen) in the kingdom-not many years ago they were the most popular hounds

in the south of Ireland.

At Darrinane a pack was kept for many generations; the late Mr. Buller, of Waterville, and Mr. Chute, of Chute Hall, all in County Kerry, had small lots of hounds. I have had kindly forwarded to me a description of this hound as he ought to be, and it was compiled by Mr. Macnamara, of Killarney, who has made a special study of the variety.

Head.-Moderately long broad skull, oval from eyes to poll, about same length from nasal indenture between eyes to point of nose-should slope or slightly arch from eyes to point of nose. Forehead low, eye-brows strong and raised somewhat, cheeks not full. Eyes large, bright, and intelligent, varying in colour from bright yellow to deep buff, and deeper brownish yellow. Muzzle long, slightly arched round, and full under. Nose fine in texture, not square, but slightly tapering. Nostrils large. Upper lips hanging, and fuller towards the corner of the mouth. Teeth level, of elegant form, and strong.

"Ears.-Large, pendulous, falling below the neck, and set on low on the side of the head.

"Body. Muscular, fairly thickset, moderate length, strong, well set on legs.

Neck. Slightly arched, thick, nearly level with the back of the skull at the point of joining. Skin full in front, and dewlap developed.

Chest.-Deep, not broad underneath. Shoulders strong, and broad across the back, which is moderate in length, and strong.

"Loins.-Broad and muscular, and slightly arched. Thighs thick and slightly curved.

Tail.-Long and evenly furnished with hair, thickest at the root, and carried curved upwards from the loins.

Legs. With plenty of bone and muscle, short, and strong; feet round and close.

"Coat. Hard, close, and smooth.

"Colour.-Black and tan; blue mottled and tan; black, tan, and white; tan and white.

Height.-22 inches, more or less, which should depend upon the depth of the body."

I have dwelt thus long on this hound because, so far as I am aware, its description has not hitherto been published, and because there is a likelihood of this fine old variety becoming as extinct as the dodo, and, perhaps, it is in danger of being forgotten altogether.

Mr. Ryan writes me that his hounds average about

twenty-four inches, are smooth coated, black and tan, with " very long ears, and hanging jowls, but have no strain of the bloodhound in them. They are remarkable for their tongue, which is rich and wonderfully sweet. Their noses are very keen, and in work they are true and persevering. Not so fast as the foxhound, they possess a considerable turn of speed, are docile, and take to hunting at once."

These beagles at Emly were formerly restricted to hare hunting, but with the increasing scarcity of that quarry the master has had to fall back upon deer, and he and their followers have been very much pleased with the sport they afford with the hare until November, and with the deer for the remainder of the season. Mr. Macnamara further says that their cry in the chase is full, sonorous, and musical; when hunting in full cry the head is thrown upwards frequently; on trail their note is of prolonged sweetness.

Allusion has been made to the Stud Book, which, published by the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles, has now reached its sixth volume. It is carefully edited by Mr. L. E. Rickards, and will no doubt be useful in preserving the identity of both these varieties of the hound.