See CANIS, MAMMALIA Index.—Among a litter of gre-hound puppies, the best are always those which are lightest. These will make the nimblest dogs as they grow up. The gre-hound is best for open countries where there is little covert. In these places there will sometimes be a course after a hare of two or three miles or more, and both the dogs and the game in fight all the while. It is generally supposed that the gre-hound bitch will beat the dog in running: but this seems to be an error; for the dog is both longer made, and considerably stronger, than the bitch of the same kind. In the breeding these dogs the bitch is principally to be regarded; for it is found by experience, that the best dog and a bad bitch will not get so good puppies as an indifferent dog with a good bitch. The dog and bitch should be as nearly as may be of the same age; and for the breeding of fine and perfect dogs, they should not be more than four years old. An old bitch may be used with a young dog, but the puppies of a young bitch and an old dog will never be good for anything.

The general food for a gre-hound ought to be chippings or rappings of bread, with soft bones and gristles; and those chippings ought always to be soaked in beef or mutton broth.

The proper exercise for a gre-hound is courting him three times a-week, and rewarding him with blood; which will animate him in the highest degree, and encourage him to prosecute his game. But the hare also should ever have fair play. She should have the law, as it is called; that is, have leave to run about twelve score yards before the dog is flipped at her, that he may have some difficulty in the course, and not pick up the game too easily. If he kills the hare, he must never be suffered to tear her; but she must be taken from him, his mouth cleaned of the wool, and the liver and lights given him by way of encouragement. Then he is to be led home, and his feet washed with butter and beer, and about an hour after he is to be fed.

When the dog is to be taken out to course, he should have nothing in the morning but a toast and butter, and then he is to be kennelled till taken out to the field. The kennelling these dogs is of great use, always giving them spirit and nimbleness when they are set loose: and the best way of managing a fine gre-hound is, never to let him stir out of the kennel, except at the times of feeding, walking, or coursing.