[Illustration:
THE GREYHOUND.
]
The Greyhound is the fleetest of all dogs, and can outrun every animal
of the chase; but as it wants the faculty of scenting, it follows only
by the eye. It was formerly held in such estimation, as to be considered
the peculiar companion of gentlemen; and by the forest laws of King
Canute, about a thousand years ago, it was enacted, that no person under
that degree should presume to keep a Greyhound. It was supposed to be
the Irish Greyhound, rendered thinner and more delicate by the
difference of climate and of culture. The Irish Greyhound is the largest
of the dog kind, and its appearance the most beautiful and majestic. It
is only to be found in Ireland, where it was formerly of great use in
clearing the country of wolves. It is now extremely rare, and is kept
more for show than for use, being equally unserviceable for hunting the
stag, the fox, or the hare. These dogs are about three feet high,
generally of a white or cinnamon colour, and in make resemble a
Greyhound. Their aspect is mild, their disposition gentle and peaceable,
and their strength so great, that in combat the mastiff or bulldog is
far from being equal to them. They commonly seize their antagonists by
the back, and shake them to death, which their great size generally
enables them to do with ease.
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