d companion of our ancestors, and for a long
period in the history of this country, particularly in Ireland, the
only dog used in the sports of the field. When we consider the great
courage, combined with the most perfect gentleness of this animal, his
gigantic, picturesque, and graceful form, it must be a subject of
regret that the breed is likely to become extinct. Where shall we find
dogs possessing such a combination of fine and noble qualities?

* * * * *

The following anecdote, which with the accompanying fine engraving is
taken from the New Sporting Magazine for January 1839, presents a
striking example of the same kind:--

"The incident which the artist has made the subject for our
embellishment occurred with Lord Ossulston's stag-hounds, on Tuesday,
the 1st of May, when the stag, after a fast run of an hour, jumped
over a precipice, and broke his neck. The hounds were, at this time,
close to his haunches, and a couple and a half of the leading dogs
went over with the stag. Two of the hounds were so hurt that they
could not move, and the third was found by the greencoat first up,
lying on the dead deer."

* * * * *

I am indebted to that clever and intelligent authoress, Mrs. S. Carter
Hall, for her recollections of an Irish wolf-dog and his master, which
I cannot do better than give in her own words:--

"When I was a child, I had a very close friendship with a genuine old
wolf-dog, Bruno by name. He was the property of an old friend of my
grandmother's, who claimed descent from the Irish kings. His name was
O'Toole. His manners were the most courtly you can imagine; as they
might well be, for he had spent much time and fortune at the French
court, when Marie Antoinette was in her prime and beauty. His visits
were my jubilees--there was the kind, dignified old gentleman, who
told me tales--there was his tall, gaunt dog, grey with age, and yet
with me full of play; and there were two rough terriers, whom Bruno
kept in admirable order. He managed the little one by simply placing
his paw upon it when it was too frisky; but Vixen, the large one, like
many ladies, had a will of her own, and entertained some idea of being
mistress. Bruno would bear a good deal from her, giving, however, now
and then, a low deep growl; but when provoked too much, he would
quietly lift the dog off the ground by the strength of his jaws (his
teeth were gone), stand wit