The scenting powers of these dogs are said to be exceptional, and many prefer them to Beagles for rabbiting, their deep, clear musical notes telling one exactly of their whereabouts. Most of these Hounds are exceedingly sweet-tempered, though rather troublesome to rear. In height they are from 9 to 12 inches at shoulder, but 12 inches is a desirable height, and about 40 lbs. weight. _Colour._--The most popular one is the tricolour, viz., white body with black markings and a tan-coloured head. Many varieties of white and black and tan. _Coat._--Glossy, smooth and close, but the hair must be hard enough to make the jacket fairly waterproof. _Head._--Taken as a whole in the Smooth-coated variety, the head has the expression not unlike that of a Bloodhound, chiefly owing to the high peak, deeply-set eyes, exposed "haw" and close carriage of the ears at their set-on. This expression of face is, however, overshadowed in the Rough-coated variety, the Airedale or Otterhound being more in evidence in this region. In the Smooth-coated variety there is often a very weird expression on the face, and one that betokens a good-natured animal. Head must be long, have a good peak (no "stop"), and be rather narrow, but no snipy appearance. A typical head and ears, a good front and long body are, in short, the principal beauties of the Basset, and points of vital importance in judging the breed. A black nose, strong teeth, good long cheeks (flews as they are called), and a long, strong jaw with large, long, velvety ears, complete the beauties in the region of the head. [Illustration: MR PROCTOR'S BASSET-HOUND BITCH QUEEN OF THE GEISHA.] [Illustration: [_Fall, Photographer._ A BRACE OF TYPICAL SMOOTH-COATED BASSET-HOUNDS (Property of Mrs LUBBOCK, Farnborough).] [Illustration: SMOOTH-COATED BASSET-HOUND BITCH AND HER PUPPIES.] [Illustration: SMOOTH BASSET-HOUND DOG CHAMPION LOUIS LE BEAU. Died 1902. A veritable pillar of the Stud Book (Property of Mrs TOTTIE).] [Illustration: TYPICAL SMOOTH-COATED BASSET BITCH. (Note the perfection of facial expression).] [Illustration: A GROUP OF CHAMPION SMOOTH-COATED BASSETS.] [Illustration: [_Horner, Photographer, Settle._ TYPICAL ROUGH BASSET BITCH (Bred by Mrs TOTTIE).] [Illustration: [_Horner, Photographer, Settle._ ROUGH-COATED BASSET-HOUND DOG CHAMPION PURITAN.] _Fore-quarters and Chest._--Viewed from the front and in profile, this region is powerfully built, the chest nearly touching the ground, the shoulders short and muscular, arm very short, with a short, stoutly-made forearm, turning in at the knee. From the wrist (knee) the parts below turn outwards, so as to give the Hound a very splay-footed appearance. [Illustration: TYPICAL ROUGH-COATED BASSET DOG.]