T H E HOG-DEER AT BAY
The Persian dog is of h fine l)rown, and, like ihe soih-goash, beconics blacker
in proportion as ihe limbs arc eloigned from llie body. Tlie tail is thin and
long, bnl appears thick and heavy, in consequence of being ricldy furnislied at
the sides with black liair about an inch and a half in length. Tiie
lill.lc inclined lo flap down; some indeed resemble those of the spaniel, and arc
generally covered with a thin silky hair, of a fine glossy black. The nose is
remarkably long and tliiii, and the form in general ralher hiind.^ome ; but few
are arched in the back. The real Persian breed never have a speck oi any other
colour about them than what is here described.
The comuion country-bred greyhonnd is very difiiciilt to attach when bred
among the natives. I know few animals so shy and jealous! It is peculiar,
that, even such gentlemen as have obtained them from the natives, who indeed
keep very few, scarcely ever could, by any means, gel them in a slate of confii
and familiarity. Oii ihe whole, T think them scarcely preferable to a
good pariah. I have often seen one of that l)rec<l beat a brace of country greyhounds
in a most wonderful manner, not ordy having far more speed, l)iit more
eagerness, and a better knack at picking up the game. Euroj)eaii greyhoiitids
are loo valuable lo be slipped after hogs, else there is no comparisoti with
respect to tbeir fleelncss, bottom, and spirit. In fact, a good stout English dog,
not apt to be bilious, as they loo often are, at the end of a season, will he found
to do more service tlian any common pair of country greyhounds. Exceptions,
of course, may be found ; but as a general rule we may rely on it wilti full
persuasion of its correctness.