Page:Cynegetica.djvu/106

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90
Obſervations on

betwixt the Southern Hound and the Northern Beagle. It is true, the fineſt and moſt curious ſport is generally with the former. Whether it be the particular formation of their long trunks, or the extraordinary moiſture that always cleaves to the noſes and lips of theſe ſort of Dogs, I need not enquire in this place, but certain it is that they are endued with the moſt accurate ſenſe of ſmelling, and can often take and diſtinguiſh the ſcent an hour after the lighter Beagles can make nothing of it. Their ſlowneſs alſo better diſpofes them to receive the commands and directions of the Huntſman, and their much phlegm, (for there ſeems to be a difference in the conſtitutions of other animals as well as man,) I ſay, their phlegm gives them patience to proceed with caution and regularity, to make ſure of every ſtep as they go, carefully to deſcribe every indenture, to unravel each puzzling trick or figure. But theſe grave ſort of Dogs are however fitteſt for maſters of the ſame temper: as they are able to hunt in cold ſcent, they are too apt to make it ſo, by their want of ſpeed and vigour to puſh

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