The latter came to pass soon after, as the men fell in battle, but what became of the dog we are not told.

In disposition the Italian greyhound is kindly and affectionate, and in temper equitable. He is little use as a watch dog, nor will he kill vermin; he is just a pet and an ornament and nothing more, though he can do with more exercise than many of the toy spaniels, and from the time he leaves his dam ought to have unlimited run, and be free from confinement. This is the only means by which his unique elegance of form can be obtained and perpetuated. In weight he ought to be not more than 9lb. at the most, the smaller the better, so long as he is strong and robust, and not apple-headedsome modern specimens are the latter to an alarming extent, which to my mind shows a terrier cross, as does a compact, well-ribbed, houndlike body. The Italian greyhound in shape, and in everything else but in colour, should be like an ordinary greyhound, but throughout much slimmer, less muscular, and more fragile, even taking size into consideration; head, ears, eyes, feet, body, shape, &c., such as are to be found on a miniature Master McGrath or Fullerton. Tulip or erect ears are bad and ugly. Colour, self or whole coloured, fawn in various shades is the most common, black we seldom see,

white not more frequently, and, although blue or slate is most acceptable as a hue, it is long since I have seen a specimen of such a colour. Red I do not care for, and when pronounced in darkness, to my way of thinking, points to an off cross. Dark shadings are undesirable, and a little white on the breast or on the feet, is no more than a slight handicap; I mean that if judged by points, a white or pale chest, a white foot, or even two white feet, where in other respects the colour was good, and the general formation perfect, the dog so marked should have precedence over a dog worse in formation and character, even though such be perfect in colour.

Like all other varieties, the Italian greyhound has a distinctive character of its own, which is strongly displayed in its high and haughty action when walking, trotting, or galloping. Dr. Walsh called this peculiar action " prancing," nor did he describe it otherwise than correctly, as he did all things he took in hand. The Italian greyhound proper was never bred from any of our ordinary greyhounds, or even crossed with them, although a lot of nonsense inferring such has been the case I have seen published. He is as much a variety of the canine race as the St. Bernard, mastiff, and foxhound.