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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:57:22 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:57:22 -0700 |
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diff --git a/32300-h/32300-h.htm b/32300-h/32300-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9c00ef9 --- /dev/null +++ b/32300-h/32300-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18745 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Dog, by Dinks, Mayhew, And Hutchinson. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + img {border: 0} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + .trnote {background-color: #EEE; color: inherit; margin: 2em 5% 1em 5%; font-size: 80%; + padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em; border: dotted 1px gray;} + .padding {padding-bottom: 2em; padding-top: 2em;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .right {text-align: right;} + .left {text-align: left;} + .double {font-size: 200%;} + .triple {font-size: 300%;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: inherit;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: inherit;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dog, by Dinks, Mayhew, and Hutchinson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Dog + +Author: Dinks, Mayhew, and Hutchinson + +Editor: William Henry Herbert + +Release Date: May 8, 2010 [EBook #32300] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOG *** + + + + +Produced by Julia Miller, Christine D. and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class='trnote'> +<p>Transcriber's note:</p> + +<p>The original text was published in 1873. The contents of this text may be +dated. If in doubt, consult a Canine care professional.</p> +</div> + +<p><a name="front" id="front"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_001.jpg"><img src="images/img_001_th.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt="SETTER AND WOODCOCK." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">SETTER AND WOODCOCK.</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> + + + +<div class='padding'> +<h1>THE DOG.</h1> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>DINKS, MAYHEW, AND HUTCHINSON.</h2> +</div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>COMPILED, ABRIDGED, EDITED, AND ILLUSTRATED</p> + +<p class='center'>BY</p> + +<p class='center'>FRANK FORESTER,</p> +</div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'> +AUTHOR OF "FIELD SPORTS," "FISH AND FISHING," "HORSES AND HORSEMANSHIP +OF THE UNITED STATES AND BRITISH PROVINCES," "THE COMPLETE +MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN," ETC., ETC. +</p></div> + +<p class='center'>Complete and Revised Edition.</p> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'> +<span class="smcap">New York</span>:<br /> +GEO. E. WOODWARD,<br /> +191 BROADWAY.<br /> +</p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> + + + +<p class='center'> +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873,<br /> +<span class="smcap">By</span> GEORGE E. WOODWARD,<br /> +In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="EDITORS_PREFACE" id="EDITORS_PREFACE"></a>EDITOR'S PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>In offering to the American public a new edition of <span class="smcap">Dinks</span> and <span class="smcap">Mayhew</span> on +the Dog, which, I am happy to find, is largely called for, I have been +induced to make a further addition, which will, I think, render this the +most perfect and comprehensive work in existence for the dog fancier and +dog lover.</p> + +<p>For myself I claim no merit, since, with the exception of one or two +trivial changes in unimportant recipes in <span class="smcap">Dinks</span>, and some abridgment of +the last admirable work of Col. <span class="smcap">Hutchinson</span> on Dog Breaking, which is now +included in this volume, I have found occasion to make no alterations +whatever, and, save a few notes, no additions.</p> + +<p>I will add, in brief, that while I believe the little manual of Dinks to +be the best short and brief compendium on the Dog, particularly as regards +his breeding, conditioning, kennel and field management, and general +specialities, there can be no possible doubt that Mayhew's pages are the +<i>ne plus ultra</i> of canine pathology. There is nothing comparable to his +treatment of all diseases for gentleness, simplicity, mercy to the animal, +and effect. I have no hesitation in saying, that any person with +sufficient intelligence to make a diagnosis according to his showing of +the symptoms, and patience to exhibit his remedies,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span> precisely according +to his directions, cannot fail of success.</p> + +<p>I have this year treated, myself, two very unusually severe cases of +distemper, one of acute dysentery, one of chronic diarrhœa, and one of +most aggravated mange, implicitly after his instructions, and that with +perfect, and, in three instances, most unexpected, success. The cases of +distemper were got rid of with less suffering to the animals, and with +less—in fact, no—prostration or emaciation than I have ever before +witnessed.</p> + +<p>I shall never attempt any practice other than that of Mayhew, for +distemper; and, as he says, I am satisfied it is true, that no dog, taken +in time, and treated by his rules, <i>need</i> die of this disease.</p> + +<p>Colonel Hutchinson's volume, which is to dog-breaking, what Mayhew's is to +dog-medicining—science, experience, patience, temper, gentleness, and +judgment, against brute force and unreasoning ignorance—I have so far +abridged as to omit, while retaining all the rules and precepts, such +anecdotes of the habits, tricks, faults, and perfections of individual +animals, and the discursive matter relative to Indian field sports, and +general education of animals, as, however interesting in themselves, have +no particular utility to the dog-breaker or sportsman in America. Beyond +this I have done no more than to change the word September to the more +general term of Autumn, in the heading of the chapters, and to add a few +short notes, explanatory of the differences and comparative relations of +English and American game.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> + +<p>I will conclude by observing, that although this work is exclusively on +breaking for English shooting, there is not one word in it, which is not +applicable to this country.</p> + +<p>The methods of woodcock and snipe shooting are exactly the same in both +countries, excepting only that in England there is no summer-cock +shooting. Otherwise, the practice, the rules, and the qualifications of +dogs are identical.</p> + +<p>The partridge, in England, varies in few of its habits from our quail—I +might almost say in none—unless that it prefers turnip fields, potatoe +fields, long clover, standing beans, and the like, to bushy coverts and +underwood among tall timber, and that it never takes to the tree. Like our +quail, it must be hunted for and found in the open, and marked into, and +followed up in, its covert, whatever that may be.</p> + +<p>In like manner, English and American grouse-shooting may be regarded as +identical, except that the former is practised on heathery mountains, the +latter on grassy plains; and that pointers are preferable on the latter, +owing to the drought and want of water, and to a particular kind of +prickly burr, which terribly afflicts the long-haired setter. The same +qualities and performances constitute the excellence of dogs for either +sport, and, as there the moors, so here the prairies, are, beyond all +doubt, the true field for carrying the art of dog-breaking to perfection.</p> + +<p>To pheasant shooting we have nothing perfectly analogous. Indeed, the only +sport in North America which at all resembles it, is ruffed-grouse +shooting,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span> where they abound sufficiently to make it worth the sportsman's +while to pursue them alone. Where they do so, there is no difference in +the mode of pursuing the two birds, however dissimilar they may be in +their other habits and peculiarities.</p> + +<p>Bearing these facts in mind, the American sportsman will have no +difficulty in applying all the rules given in the admirable work in +question; and the American dog-breaker can by no other means produce so +perfect an animal for his pains, with so little distress to himself or his +pupil.</p> + +<p>The greatest drawback to the pleasures of dog-keeping and sporting, are +the occasional sufferings of the animals, when diseased, which the owner +cannot relieve, and the occasional severity with which he believes himself +at times compelled to punish his friend and servant.</p> + +<p>It may be said that, for the careful student of this volume, as it is now +given entire, in its three separate parts, who has time, temper, patience, +and firmness, to follow out its precepts to the letter, this drawback is +abolished.</p> + +<p>The writers are—all the three—good friends to that best of the friends +of man, the faithful dog; and I feel some claim to a share in their +well-doing, and to the gratitude of the good animal, and of those who love +him, in bringing them thus together, in an easy compass, and a form +attainable to all who love the sports of the field, and yet love mercy +more.</p> + +<p class='right'><span class="smcap">Frank Forester.</span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Cedars, Newark, N.J.,</span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Setter and Woodcock,</td><td align='right'><i><a href="#front">Frontispiece</a></i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Beagles,</td><td align='right'><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Group of Dogs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_72">73</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Pointer,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_240">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Cockers—Butler and Frisk,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_463">463</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Setters—Bob and Dinks,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_578">579</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Wolf,</td><td align='right'>Page <a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Jackal,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Mastiff,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Cuts Illustrating the Administration of Medicine to Dogs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Dog under the Influence of an Emetic,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Head of a Dog,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Brush for Cleaning the Teeth of a Dog,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Scotch Terrier,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Dog Suffering from Inflammation of the Lung,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Dog with Asthma,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Chronic Hepatitis,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Gastritis,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Colic,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Superpurgation,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Acute Rheumatism,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Rabid Dog,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_300">300</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Mad Dog on the March,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_304">304</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Head of a full-sized Pug Bitch,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_348">348</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Blood Hound,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Beagle,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_350">350</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Gravid Uterus,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_372">372</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Parturition Instrument,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_381">381</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Crochet,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_384">384</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Bull-Dog,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_404">404</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Dog with a Canker-cap on,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_423">423</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Dog Taped or Muzzled for Operation,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_428">428</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bandages for Fractured Legs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_445">445</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p class='center'>THE</p> + +<h1>SPORTSMAN'S VADE MECUM.</h1> + +<h2>BY "DINKS."</h2> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>CONTAINING FULL INSTRUCTIONS IN ALL THAT RELATES TO</p> + +<p class='center'> +THE BREEDING, REARING, BREAKING, KENNELLING, AND +CONDITIONING OF DOGS. +</p> +</div> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>TOGETHER WITH NUMEROUS VALUABLE RECIPES</p> + +<p class='center'><big>FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE VARIOUS DISEASES</big></p> + +<p class='center'>TO WHICH THE CANINE RACE IS SUBJECT.</p> +</div> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>AS ALSO</p> + +<p class='center'>A FEW REMARKS ON GUNS, THEIR LOADING AND CARRIAGE,</p> + +<p class='center'>DESIGNED EXPRESSLY FOR THE USE OF</p> + +<p class='center'><big>YOUNG SPORTSMEN.</big></p> +</div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="TO_THE_READER" id="TO_THE_READER"></a>TO THE READER.</h2> + + +<p>No one work that I am aware of contains the information that is proposed +for this little treatise, which does not aspire to any great originality +of idea; but the author having experienced in his early days very great +difficulty in finding to his hand a concise treatise, was induced to cull, +from various authors what he found most beneficial in practice, into +manuscript, and this collection he is induced to make public, in the hopes +that any one "who runs may read," and, without searching through many and +various voluminous authors, may find the cream, leaving the skim milk +behind.</p> + +<p>Wherever any known quotation is made, credit has been given to the proper +persons, but it may be as well to state that most if not all of the +Receipts are copies, though from what book is in a great measure unknown +to the author, who extracted them in bygone days for his own use.</p> + +<p>With this admission, he trusts that his readers will rest satisfied with +the little volume which he offers to their indulgent criticism.</p> + +<p class='right'>"<span class="smcap">Dinks.</span>"</p> + +<p><i>Fort Malden Canada West</i></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONTENTS_OF_DINKS_VADE_MECUM" id="CONTENTS_OF_DINKS_VADE_MECUM"></a>CONTENTS OF DINKS' VADE MECUM.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>Page</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Breeding of Dogs in general,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Setter,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Setter, Russian,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Spaniel,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Spaniel and Cocker,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Retriever,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Beagles,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Breeding,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bitch in Use,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bitches in Pup,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Feeding Pups and Weaning.—Lice.—Teats Rubbed,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Pointer and Setter,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Breaking,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ranging, how taught,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Quartering,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Feeding,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Condition,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Kennel,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Credit given for Recipes,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Recipes,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>General Remarks about Dogs in Physic,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Recipes for Diseases incident to Dogs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distemper,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tabular Form of Game Book,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE<br /> +SPORTSMAN'S VADE MECUM</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BREEDING_OF_DOGS_IN_GENERAL" id="BREEDING_OF_DOGS_IN_GENERAL"></a>BREEDING OF DOGS IN GENERAL.</h2> + + +<p>Before commencing to treat of the most correct methods to be observed in +the breeding, it will be as well to mention the different varieties of +sporting dogs, and also the various sub-genera of each species, of which +every one who knows anything of the subject need not be informed; but as +this work affects to be a Vade Mecum for sportsmen, young far more than +old, it is as well to put before the young idea certain established rules, +not to be violated with impunity, and without following which no kennel +can be great or glorious. A run of luck may perhaps happen, to set at +naught all well defined rules, but "breeding will tell" sooner or later; +and, therefore, it behoves any person who prides himself on his kennel, to +study well the qualities of his dog or bitch, his or her failings and good +qualities, and so to cross with another kennel as to blend the two, and +form one perfect dog. This is the great art in breeding, requiring great +tact and judgment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="POINTERS" id="POINTERS"></a>POINTERS.</h2> + + +<p>The breed of Pointers, as now generally to be met with, is called "the +English," distinguished by the lightness of limb, fineness of coat, and +rattishness of tail. Fifteen or twenty years ago this style of dog was +seldom seen; but, in place of it, you had a much heavier animal—heavy +limbs, heavy head, deep flew-jaws, long falling ears. Which of these +breeds was the best 'tis hard to say, but for America I certainly should +prefer the old, heavy, English Pointer. Too much, I think, has been +sacrificed to lightness, rendering him too fine for long and continued +exertion, too susceptible to cold and wet, too tender skinned to bear +contact with briers and thorns, in fact, far too highly bred. Not that for +a moment I am going to admit that American Pointers are too highly bred; +far from it, for there is hardly one that, if his or her pedigree be +carefully traced up, will not be found to have some admixture of blood +very far from Pointer in its veins. Now this mongrel breeding will not end +well, no matter how an odd cross may succeed, and the plan to be adopted +is never to breed except from the most perfect and best bitches, always +having in view the making of strong, well formed, tractable dogs, bearing +in mind that the bitches take after the dog, and the dog pups after the +dam, that temper, ill condition, and most bad qualities are just as +inherent in some breeds as good qualities are in others. Here, then, to +begin with, you have a difficult problem to solve; for, in addition to the +defects of your own animal, you have to make yourself acquainted with +those of the one you purpose putting to it. Is your dog too +timid—copulate<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> with one of high courage. But don't misunderstand me. In +this there is as much difference between a high couraged and a headstrong +dog as between a well bred dog and a cur. Is your dog faulty in ranging, +may be too high, or may be no ranger at all, mate with the reverse, +selecting your pups according to what has been stated above. If possible, +always avoid crossing colors. It is a bad plan, but cannot always be +avoided, for oftentimes you may see in an animal qualities so good, that +it would be wrong to let him go past you. But, then, in the offspring, +keep to your color.</p> + +<p>From this general statement it will be easy to see, that in breeding dogs +there is more science and skill required, more attention to minutiæ +necessary, than at first sight appears to be the case. Long and deep study +alone enables a person to tell whether any or what cross may be judicious, +how to recover any fading excellence in his breed, or how best to acquire +that of some one else. We will endeavor to give the experience of some +fifteen years—devoted to this subject—to our readers, merely resting on +our oars, to describe the various breeds of sporting dogs most desirable +for him to possess, together with certain data on which to pin his faith +in making a selection from a dealer, though as the eye may deceive, it is +always as well to call in the ear as consulting physician, and by diligent +inquiry endeavor to ascertain particulars.</p> + +<p>The characteristics of a well bred Pointer may be summed up as follows: +and any great deviation from them makes at once an ill bred, or, at all +events, a deformed dog. To commence, then, at the head:—the head should +be broad at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> top, long and tapering, the poll rising to a point; his nose +open and large; his ears tolerably long, slightly erect, and falling +between the neck and jaw bone, slightly pointed at the tip; eyes clear and +bright; neck and head set on straight; his chest should be broad and +deep—the contrary clearly shows want of speed and stamina; legs and arms +strong, muscular, and straight; elbows well in; feet small and hard; body +not over long, and well ribbed up—if not, he will be weak, and incapable +of doing a day's work; loins broad at top, but thin downwards; hind +quarters broad; hind legs strong and large; tail long, fine, and tapering; +hair short, sleek, and close. Here you have the pure English Pointer, and +as that is the best type of the dog, we shall not attempt to describe the +Spanish one, which is not by any means equal to the English, and is, +moreover, so quarrelsome, that he cannot be kennelled with other dogs. +Good dogs are of any colors, but the most favorite ones are liver and +white, white and fawn, pure black, and pure liver. The two first, however, +are better adapted for this country, being more easily seen in cover.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SETTER" id="SETTER"></a>SETTER.</h2> + + +<p>We next come to the Setter. His head, like the Pointer should be broad at +the top between the eyes; the muzzle though, must be longer and more +tapering, and not over thick. Towards the eyes he must have a deepish +indenture, and on the top of his skull a highish bony ridge. His ears +should be long, pendulous, and slightly rounded. The eyes rather dark and +full. His nose soft, moist, and large. Some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> breeds and breeders affect +black noses and palates; but I must say that there are full as many good +without the black as with it. I rather incline to the opinion that they +are the best notwithstanding. Body like the Pointer, only deeper and +broader, if anything; legs long to knee, short thence downwards; feet +small, close, and thickly clothed with hair between the toes, ball and toe +tufts they are termed; tail long, fine, and tapering, thickly feathered +with long, soft, wavy hair; stern and legs down to feet also feathered. +His body and feet also should be clothed with long, soft, silky hair, +wavy, but no curl in it. This last smells badly of water spaniel. Colors, +black and white, red and white, black and tan. These last I consider the +finest bred ones. Roan also is good. The Irish setter is red, red and +white, white and yellow spotted. The nose, lips, and palate always black. +He is also rather more bony and muscular than the English breed, and ten +times as headstrong and enduring. He requires constant and severe work, +under most rigid discipline, to keep in anything like decent subjection.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SETTER_RUSSIAN" id="SETTER_RUSSIAN"></a>SETTER, RUSSIAN.</h2> + + +<p>The Russian Setter is as distinct from either of the above varieties as +bulldog from greyhound. It is covered more profusely with long, thick, +curly, soft, and silky hair, well on to the top of the head and over the +eyes. He is also more bony and muscular, with a much shorter and broader +head. What he wants in dash and ranging propensities, he makes up for in +unwearied assiduity, extreme carefulness, and extraordinary scenting +powers. The cross between this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> and either of the other setters is much +valued by some breeders.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SPANIEL" id="SPANIEL"></a>SPANIEL.</h2> + + +<p>Of Spaniels there are several varieties, but of these the Suffolk Cocker +is the only one deserving a notice. All the others are too noisy, too +heedless, and too quick on their legs. It is almost impossible to keep any +one of them steady, and, therefore, in this country at least, they are +totally useless, since you would not see them from the beginning to the +end of the day. Yaff! yaff! half a mile off, all the time putting up the +birds, and you unable to stop them. The Suffolk Cocker, on the contrary, +is extremely docile, can be easily broken, and kept in order. They are +extremely valuable, thirty-five guineas being a low price for a brace of +pure bred and well broken ones in England. The right sort are scarce, even +there. Here, with two exceptions, I fancy they are not.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SPANIEL_AND_COCKER" id="SPANIEL_AND_COCKER"></a>SPANIEL AND COCKER.</h2> + + +<p>In appearance they are much like a raseed setter. The head and muzzle is +much the same length and size; ears rather more rounded, but not so long; +body deep, broad, and long; hair long and stiffish; legs and feet +remarkably short, amounting almost to a deformity, and extraordinarily +strong; tail short and bushy; it is usually curtailed a couple of joints. +The purest colors are liver and white, fawn and white, and yellow and +white. These dogs are slow and sure, remarkably close hunters, and +obedient; just the things<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> for cock shooting here. Too much cannot be said +in their favor. They are easily taught to retrieve.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="RETRIEVER" id="RETRIEVER"></a>RETRIEVER.</h2> + + +<p>A Retriever is a cross breed dog. There is no true type of them. Every +person has a peculiar fancy regarding them. The great object is to have +them tolerably small, compatible with endurance. The best I have seen were +of a cross between the Labrador and water spaniel, or the pure Labrador +dog.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BEAGLES" id="BEAGLES"></a>BEAGLES.</h2> + + +<p>In some parts of the States Beagles are used, and it may be as well to +point out the characteristics of them. First, then, a beagle ought not to +exceed fourteen inches in height; its head ought to be long and fine; its +ears long, fine also, beautifully round, thin, and pendulous, rather far +set back; body not too long; chest broad and deep; loins broad at top, but +narrow downwards; legs strong, but short; feet small and close; hair short +and close; tails curved upwards and tapering, but not too fine. There is +also another sort of beagles, wire-haired, flew-jawed, heavy hung, +deep-mouthed. They are very true hunters, seldom leaving the trail till +dead, or run to ground.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BREEDING" id="BREEDING"></a>BREEDING.</h2> + + +<p>It is needless to say that at certain indefinite periods of the year a +bitch comes into use, as the term is—generally twice a year, and still +more generally speaking, during the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> time you most require her services, +that is, April and September, spring snipe and grouse shooting, in +consequence of which you must either sacrifice your pups or your sport. +Now I am aware that in the States, for this reason, a bitch is seldom +kept. For my part, I do not object to them, for from experience I can so +regulate their failings as to prevent their family cares from interfering +with their hunting. The knowledge of this enables me to have my pups when +I want them, to get the cover of a dog I fancy, when a strange one comes +my way also. The best time, then, to put the bitch to the dog is early in +January. By this means you have your pups ready to wean by the middle of +April. They have all summer to grow in, get strong, and large, and are fit +to break in October on snipe first, and then quail, finishing off on snipe +the following spring. After this litter, the bitch probably comes into use +again in the end of July or in August. Young ones are not so fond of it as +old ones, and, consequently, for quail shooting, your bitch is all correct +and well behaved, so far as regards the dam. I look upon the breeding of +dogs from any except the best and most perfectly formed of their species, +as an act of great folly. There are times when it must be done to keep up +the breed, or to acquire one; for no one drafts his best bitches unless he +is an ass. For my part, I keep five or six constantly, and draft yearly +all my dog pups but two or three, say one pointer, setter, and cocker. By +this means I have the pick out of a large number of well bred ones for +myself, while the drafts pay the expenses of keep and breaking. This is +impossible for every one to do, and they must pick up their dogs the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> best +way they can. It is my intention for the future to draft my setters to New +York and my pointers westward. My cockers, I fear, will not go off yet, my +imported dog having taken it into his head to die, and, until he is +replaced from England—I have no stock for breed. I could only get a +chance of four while last there out of many valuable kennels. However, I +have promises of drafts from two or three parties, and ere summer cock +come in, doubtless a brace or so will dare the perils of the sea for me; I +have no hesitation in saying that, unless most amply remunerated, I would +as soon sell my nose as the best pup in the litter, if I wanted it, nor +would I advise any one else to do it. If done, you have to put up with +inferior dogs. No; I breed to put a brace or so of the best young dogs +yearly into my kennel, for my own use, and, while doing this, I also have, +probably, ten good, well formed dogs to pick from, any one of which were +one in want, would gladden the heart to get hold of. Sir William Stanley +used to breed some fifty pointers yearly. Out of this lot, two brace were +culled for his use. The rest were sold. They paid expenses. Many were +excellent dogs, but he got the tip-top ones, and so he ought. This is the +way a man who cannot afford to give great prices for good dogs must do, if +he is much addicted to shooting. It requires two brace of dogs to do a +day's shooting as it ought to be done. Each dog at full gallop the whole +time, except, of course, when on birds; and to do this he must be shut off +work about noon. Few dogs can go from morn till night without extreme +fatigue. I never yet saw the dog that I could not hunt off his legs in a +fortnight's hunt, taking him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> out every second day only, and feeding him +on the best and strongest food. However, for general purposes, three brace +of dogs are sufficient, and, when not often used, two are plenty; but no +one ought ever to have less than two brace. It may be managed by always +going out with a friend, he keeping one brace, you the other; he shooting +to your dogs, you to his. For my part, give me three brace of my own, and +let those be the best shaped, strongest, best bred, and best workers there +can be. That is my weakness, and to achieve this I yearly sink a +sufficient number of dollars to keep a poor man. But all this is +digressing most fearfully from the nursery of young pointers and setters.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BITCH_IN_USE" id="BITCH_IN_USE"></a>BITCH IN USE.</h2> + + +<p>By receipt on a subsequent page, you will see how your bitch is to be +brought into use. We will suppose her well formed and well bred. If +faultless, put her to a dog nearly equal, if you cannot get one equal. +Save the dog pups which will take after the dam. It is well understood +that by breeding from young bitches you have faster and higher rangers; +and this also reminds me to say that no bitch ought to be bred from till +she is full grown, that is to say, till she is two years old. Many people +breed at twelve months, but it is wrong. The bitch is not full grown, and, +consequently, the puppies are poor, weak, and miserable. If the bitch has +faults, find a dog of the same appearance as her, while he excels in those +points she is deficient in. The bitches are partakers of his qualities. +Are you short of bone, nose, size, form, temper, look for the excess of +these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>. The cross, or, at all events, the next remove from it, will be just +as you wish. Any peculiarity may be made inherent in a breed by sedulously +cultivating that peculiarity. Avoid above all things breeding in and in +brother and sister, mother and son, father and daughter—all bad, but the +first far worse than either of the others, since the blood of each is the +same. The other two are only half so. To perfect form should be added high +ranging qualities, high courage, great docility, keen nose, and great +endurance. That is the acme of breeding. A few judicious crosses will +enable you to acquire it for your kennel. To the inattention and +carelessness of sportsmen to these points are to be attributed the +innumerable curs we nowadays see in comparison to well bred dogs. Anything +that will find a bird will do. Far otherwise, to my mind. "Nothing is +worth doing at all if it is not to be well done," and I would as soon pot +a bevy of quail on the ground, as think of following an ill bred, ill +broken, obstinate cur. It may perhaps be as well to state, that when I +spoke of "crosses," I had not the slightest intention of recommending a +cross of pointer and setter or bull dog. Far otherwise. Let each breed be +distinct, but cultivate a "cross," be they pointer or spaniel, from +another kennel of another breed of the same class of dogs.</p> + +<p>With regard to setters, a little separate talk is necessary, for we have +three sorts, English, Irish, and Russian. The cross of English and Irish +may and does often benefit both races. So also does the Russian, but I +would be extremely careful how I put him to one or the other. Extreme +cases may and do justify the admixture, but the old blood ought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> to be got +back as soon as possible. He is of quite a different species to the other, +though with the same types or characteristics, yet this cross is rather +approaching to mongrel. Having descanted somewhat largely on the +preliminary portion, we will pass on to the rearing of the progeny.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BITCHES_IN_PUP" id="BITCHES_IN_PUP"></a>BITCHES IN PUP.</h2> + + +<p>Bitches in pup ought to be well fed, and suffered to run at large, and I +am rather of opinion that by hunting them occasionally, or rather, by +letting them see game while in this state, does not "set the young back +any." Every one is aware of the sympathy between the mother and the unborn +fœtus, and I for one rather do think it of use.</p> + +<p>Few bitches can rear more than six pups, many only four, and do them +justice. Cull out, therefore, the ill colored, ugly marked bitches first, +and if you find too many left, after a few days you must exercise your +judgment on the dogs. I don't like, however, this murdering, and prefer, +by extra feeding while suckling, and afterwards, to make up for pulling +the mother down, which having to nurse six or seven pups does terribly. My +idea always is in the matter, that the pup I drown is to be, or rather +would be, the best in the litter. It is humbug, I know, but I cannot help +it. At that age all else but color and markings is a lottery. Oft have I +seen the poor, miserable little one turn out not only the best, but +biggest dog. Therefore, I recommend the keeping of as many as possible.</p> + +<p>Let the bitch have a warm kennel, with plenty of straw and shavings, or +shavings alone. Let her be loose, free to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> go or come. Feed her well with +boiled oatmeal in preference to corn meal—more of this anon in the +feeding department, mixed in good rich broth, just lukewarm, twice a day; +About the ninth day the pups begin to see, and at a month old they will +lap milk. This they ought to be encouraged to do as soon as possible, as +it saves the mother vastly. At six weeks, or at most seven, they are fit +to wean.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="FEEDING_PUPS_AND_WEANING" id="FEEDING_PUPS_AND_WEANING"></a>FEEDING PUPS AND WEANING.—LICE.—TEATS RUBBED.</h2> + + +<p>Feed them entirely on bread and milk, boiled together to pulp. Shut them +in a warm place, the spare stall of a stable, boarded up at the end. +Examine them to see whether they are lousy, as they almost always are. A +decoction of tobacco water (<i>vide</i> receipt) kills them off. Rub the +bitch's teats with warm vinegar twice a day till they are dried up. If +this be not done, there is great danger of their becoming caked, besides +causing her to suffer severely. She must have a mild dose of salts, say +half an ounce, repeated after the third day. When the weather is fine, the +young pups should be turned out of doors to run about. Knock out the head +of a barrel, in which put a little straw, so that they may retire to sleep +when they feel disposed. Feed them three times a day, and encourage them +to run about as much as possible. Nothing produces crooked legs more than +confinement, nothing ill grown weeds more than starvation; so that air, +liberty, exercise, and plenty of food are all equally essential to the +successful rearing of fine, handsome dogs. Above all things, never +frighten, nor yet take undue notice of one over the rest. Accustom them to +yourself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> and strangers. This gives them courage and confidence. Remember, +if you ever should have to select a pup in this early stage, to get them +all together, fondle them a little; the one that does not skulk will be +the highest couraged dog, the rest much in the same proportion, as they +display fear or not. This I have invariably noticed is the case, and on +this I invariably act when I have to select a pup, provided always he is +not mis-formed. We have now brought our pups on till they can take care of +themselves, and while they grow and prosper and get over the distemper, we +will hark back a little, and say why we object to fall puppies,—simply +because they are generally stunted by the cold, unless they are +house-reared. They come in better, certainly, for breaking, but it is not +so good to have them after September at the latest, unless it be down +South, where, I fancy, the order of things would, or rather should, be +reversed.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="POINTER_AND_SETTER" id="POINTER_AND_SETTER"></a>POINTER AND SETTER.</h2> + + +<p>Hitherto I have omitted to compare the respective merits of pointer and +setter. This I had intended to have done altogether, but fearful lest +fault should be found with me for doing so, I state it as my deliberate +opinion, that there is nothing to choose between them "year in and year +out." A setter may stand the cold better and may stand the briers better, +but the heat and want of water he cannot stand. A pointer, I admit, cannot +quite stand cold so well, but he will face thorns quite as well, if he be +the right sort, and pure bred, but he don't come out quite so well from it +as the setter does. The one does it because it don't hurt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> him, the other +does it because he is told so to do, and his pluck, his high moral courage +won't let him say no. For heat and drought he don't care a rush, +comparatively, and will kill a setter dead, were he to attempt to follow +him. Westward, in the neighborhood of Detroit, the pros and cons are +pretty equal. I hunt both indiscriminately, and see no difference either +in their powers of endurance, see exceptions above, or hunting +qualifications. For the prairies, however, I should say the pointer was +infinitely superior, for there the shooting—of prairie hen—is in the two +hottest months of the year, and the ground almost, if not quite, devoid of +water. Therefore, the pointer there is the dog, and if well and purely +bred, he is as gallant a ranger as the setter. Eastward, in New Jersey and +Maryland, I am led to believe that setters may be the best there. Except +"summer cock," all the shooting is in spring or late fall. Westward, we +commence quail shooting on September the first. There, I believe, not +until November the first. Here we have few or no briers or thorned things, +save and except an odd blackberry or raspberry bush. There they have these +and cat briers also, and that infernal young locust tree almost would skin +a pointer. Therefore, for those regions, a setter is more preferable. +Still more so the real springer.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BREAKING" id="BREAKING"></a>BREAKING.</h2> + + +<p>We will now pass on to the breaking of our young dogs. This may be begun +when they are four or five months old, to a certain extent They may be +taught to "charge" and obey a trifle, but it must be done so discreetly +that it were almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> better left alone. Nevertheless, I generally teach +them some little, taking care never to cow them, one by one. This +down-charging must be taught them in a room or any convenient place. Put +them into the proper position, hind legs under the body, nose on the +ground between their fore-paws. Retaining them so with one hand on their +head, your feet one on each side their hind quarters, with the other hand +pat and encourage them. Do not persist at this early age more than a few +minutes at a time, and after it is over, play with and fondle them. At +this time also teach them to fetch and carry; to know their names. +Recollect that any name ending in o, as "Ponto," "Cato," &c., very common +ones by the way, is bad. The only word ending in o ought to be "Toho," +often abbreviated into "ho." This objection will be evident to any person +who reflects for a moment, and a dog will answer to any other short two +syllable word equally as well. These two lessons, and answering to the +whistle, are about all that can or should be taught them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="RANGING_HOW_TAUGHT" id="RANGING_HOW_TAUGHT"></a>RANGING, HOW TAUGHT.</h2> + +<p>Nine months, or better, twelve, is soon enough to enter into the serious +part of breaking. This is more to be effected by kind determination than +by brute force. Avoid the use of the whip. Indeed, it never in my opinion +ought to be seen, except in real shooting, instead of which we would use a +cord about five or ten yards long. Fasten one end round the dog's neck, +the other to a peg firmly staked in the ground; before doing this, +however, your young dogs should, along with a high ranging dog, be taken +out into a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> field where there is <i>no</i> game, and suffered to run at large +without control until they are well practised in ranging. Too much stress +cannot be laid on this point, as on this first step in a great measure +depends the future ranging propensities of the dog. Where a youngster sees +the old one galloping about as hard as he can, he soon takes the hint and +follows. After a few days, the old one may be left behind, when the pups +will gallop about equally as well. These lessons should never be too long +as to time, else the effect is lost. Another good plan also is to accustom +them to follow you on horseback at a good rate. They will learn by this to +gallop, not to <i>trot</i>, than which nothing is more disgusting in a dog. +When you have your pup well "confirmed in ranging," take the cord, as +above directed, peg him down. Probably he will attempt to follow you as +you leave him, in which case the cord will check him with more or less +force, according to the pace he goes at. The more he resists the more he +punishes himself. At last he finds that by being still he is best off. +Generally he lies down. At all events, he stands still. This is just what +you desire. Without your intervention he punishes himself, and learns a +lesson of great value, without attributing it to you, and consequently +fearing you, to wit:—that he is not to have his own way always. After +repeating this lesson a few times, you may take him to the peg, and "down" +or "charge," as you like the term best, close to the peg in the proper +position. Move away, but if he stirs one single inch, check him by the +cord and drag him back, crying "down" or "charge." For the future I shall +use the word "down."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> <i>You</i> can in practice which you please. Leave him +again, checking him when he moves, or letting him do it for himself when +he gets to the end of it, always bringing him, however, back to the peg, +jerking the cord with more or less severity. Do this for eight or ten +times, and he will not stir. You must now walk quite out of sight, round +him, run at him, in fact, do anything you can to make him move, when, if +he moves, he must be checked as before, until he is perfectly steady. It +is essential in this system of breaking that this first lesson should be +so effectually taught that nothing shall induce the dog to move, and one +quarter of an hour will generally effect this. In all probability, the dog +will be much cowed by this treatment. Go up to him, pat him, lift him up, +caress him, and take him home for that day. Half an hour per day for each +dog will soon get over a long list of them. There is no more severe, I may +as well remark here, or more gentle method of breaking than this; more or +less vim being put into the check, according to the nature of the beast. I +never saw it fail to daunt the most resolute, audacious devil, nor yet to +cow the most timid after the first or second attempt, for it is essential +in the first instance that <span class="smcap">they should obey</span>. The next day, and for many +days, you commence as at first. Peg him down, &c., and after he does this +properly lift him up and walk him about, holding on to the cord still +pegged in the ground, suddenly cry "<i>Down!</i>" accompanying the word with a +check more or less severe, as requisite, till he does go down. Leave him +as before. If he don't move, go up to him, pat him—a young dog ought +never to move while breaking until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> he is touched—lift him up, if +necessary, lead him about, again cry "down," and check him until he falls +instantly at the word. This will do for lesson No. 2. The next day +commence at the beginning, following up with lesson 2, making him steady +at each. Before proceeding to the next step, release the one end of the +cord from the peg, take it in your hand, cry "down;" if he goes down, +well; if not, check him, pat him, loose the end of cord in the hand, let +him run about, occasionally crying "down," sometimes when he is close at +hand, at other times further off, visiting any disobedience with a check, +until he will drop at the word anywhere immediately. At these times his +lesson may last for an hour twice a day. He will get steady more quickly +and better.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="QUARTERING" id="QUARTERING"></a>QUARTERING.</h2> + +<p>His next step is to learn to quarter his ground thoroughly and properly. +It is the most difficult to teach, and requires more care and ability, +than any other part of his acquirements, on the part of the preceptor. For +this purpose select a moderately sized field, say one hundred or two +hundred yards wide, where you are certain there is no game. Cast him off +at the word "hold up" to the right or left, up wind. This is essential, to +prevent their turning inwards, and so going over the same ground twice. (I +forgot to say that a cord fifteen feet is long enough now; it does not +impede his ranging, and he is nearly as much at command with it as with +one twice as long.) If a dog is inclined to this fault of turning inwards, +you must get before him up wind, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> whistle him just before he turns. +This will in the end break him of that habit. If he takes too much ground +up wind, call "down," and start him off, after you get to him, in the way +he should go. You ought also yourself to walk on a line with the direction +the dog is going. This will accustom him to take his beat right through to +the fence, and not in irregular zigzags, as he otherwise would do. He must +now be kept at these lessons in "down," charging, and quartering, till he +is quite perfect and confirmed, setting him off indiscriminately to the +right or left, so that when you hunt with another, both may not start one +way. Much time will be gained, and the dog rendered by far more perfect by +continuing this practice for some time. It is far better to render him au +fait at his work by slight punishments, frequently repeated, and by that +means more strongly impressed on his memory, than by a severe cowhiding. +This latter process is apt to make him cowed, than which there is nothing +worse. Many a fine dog is ruined by it. The punishment of the check is +severe, and, as I said before, whilst it never fails to daunt the most +resolute, so also it can be so administered as not in the end to cow the +most timid.</p> + +<p>Here it is you are to use your discretion so to temper justice and mercy +that you cause yourself to be obeyed without spoiling your creature. For +full a month this ought daily to be done, if fine. It is a good plan to +feed your young dogs at this stage all together, with a cord round each of +their necks, making them "down" several times between the trough and their +kennel. Pat one dog, and let him feed awhile. The rest being "down," call +him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> back and make him "down" also, checking him if he does not instantly +obey. Pat another now, and let him feed awhile, and so on all through one +day, sending one first then another. They learn by this a daily lesson of +<i>obedience</i>, and also to let another dog pass them when at <i>point</i>. After +your dog is perfectly steady, take him out as before, and when he has run +off what is termed the wire edge, introduce him to where there are birds. +Set him off up wind, and most probably he will spring the first bird, and +chase. Follow him, crying "down." This, in the first ardor of the moment, +he is not expected to do, but sooner or later he will. You must now pull +him back to where he sprung the birds. By repeatedly doing this, he will +chase less and less, always pulling him back to where the bird rises, +crying "down." Gradually, by this, he will learn to drop at the rise of +the bird, and ultimately to make a point; though most well bred dogs do +this the first time. When they do so, cry "down," very slightly checking +them if they do not. Great caution is necessary here to prevent their +blinking. It is always advisable to teach all young dogs to "down" when +they point. When once down, they will lie there as long as you please, and +are less likely to blink, run in, chase. You ought, if possible, to get +before the dog when you cry "down." It is less likely also to make him +blink.</p> + +<p>Every dog, old or young, ought to be broken to drop when a bird rises, not +at the report of the gun. It renders them far more steady. A young dog +ought to be hunted alone till he is perfectly confirmed in these points. +It is a very absurd idea to suppose that killing birds prevents their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> +chasing, quite "au contraire." Seeing the bird fall in its flight +encourages them to chase. It is far better to get a bird and peg it down +so as to flutter and run about before the dog when he is "down." This +persisted in soon brings them steady. The other plan takes a much longer +time to accomplish. A young dog may easily be taught to back. Make one dog +down, and then cry "down" to him, checking him if he does not, and pulling +him to where he ought to drop. In the field, after a time, you use the +word "toho," at which also he drops or points. A young dog ought never to +be hunted with an old one. The latter always has tricks; in fact, is +cunning; and at that age a bad fault is easily learnt, but not so easily +forgotten. This is Lloyd's art of breaking. A more sensible one I have +never seen, nor do I believe is. I have broken many dogs on it, and never +saw it fail. Patience, practice, and temper are all that is required, for +dogs can only be taught by lessons frequently repeated. When first you +shoot over a young dog, an assistant should hold the end of the long line +to check him, should he attempt to run in when the bird falls. Lloyd says +further, "I never use a whip on any occasion whatever." He trusts to the +cord. This is all right while breaking and finishing off a dog, but after +that one cannot be expected to lug fifteen feet of cord in one's pocket, +though, doubtless, it is very true that it is more efficacious than the +whip, and does not make them so apt to blink. Some will sneak away, and +are not easily caught, after committing a fault, and others are so shy, +that they would not bear a lash, and yet are readily broken with the cord. +By this means also dogs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> are broken to fetch a soft substance, for +instance, a glove stuffed with wool is put in their mouths, checking them +till they hold it, calling them to you, checking them if they drop it. By +degrees you get them not only to hold and bring, but also to fetch it. +Practice and patience only are required. Any one possessing them, and with +but a slight knowledge of sporting matters, by following the above plain +and precise rules, may break his own dogs. I have much pleasure in making +it known to the American public. Where the article is taken from I cannot +say. I got it a few years ago in manuscript, and Lloyd, Sir J. Sebright's +keeper, is the author, and very creditable it is to him. The springer is +broken by this equally well with the pointer or setter, omitting the +pointing part; teaching, however, the quartering and "down," in the open, +most perfectly and thoroughly before ever he goes into covert—till steady +on birds, dropping the moment a bird rises and a gun is fired—observing, +though, to teach him to take his quarters much closer and shorter. The +cocker ought never to be fifteen yards from the shooter, and when two are +shooting, should take his quarters from one to the other, turning at the +whistle, and only gaining a few yards each turn. For beagles, kennel +discipline is of more avail than out-door teaching. They must be taught to +come and go, when called. To such perfection is this kennel discipline +carried in England, that I have seen fifty couples of hounds waiting in a +yard to be fed; the door open, each one coming when called by name; +leaving his food when ordered "to bed" or "kennel." "Dogs come over," all +the dogs coming over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> "Bitches come over," when all the bitches come. To +do this requires time and patience. Out doors they are taught to follow +the huntsman to cover, receiving a hearty cut of the whip if they lag or +loiter by the way, whipped up if they neglect to come to the pipe of the +horn, if they run to heel, hang too long on the scent, follow false scent, +fox, rabbit, or anything else they be not hunted to. With them the whip is +used, and severely too, sometimes. And now I have done with the training +of dogs, all but the retriever. The cord will apply for him, though in +addition to this he must be taught to "seek lost" in any direction you +wave your hand. His lessons, however, will extend over a far greater +length of time than the others. Age only increases his abilities. The more +of a companion you make of him, the more tricks in seeking lost you teach +him, the more valuable he becomes. My brother has one that can be sent +miles to the house for any article almost, and he brings it. Last winter +he sent him for the roast before the fire, and after a tussle with the +cook it came sure enough. He is one of the most knowing dogs I ever saw. A +large black fellow, of what breed I know not, Newfoundland and setter +though, I fancy. Four pounds was his price. He is well worth five times +four. For wounded birds he is invaluable, and has only one fault; he does +not "charge," which all retrievers, as well as every other sporting dog, +should do; else while you are loading, and they rushing about like mad, +the birds get up, and you lose a chance, from either not being ready, or +your gun being empty. Before concluding, I will state all the words and +motions requisite to teach<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> your pointers and setters. "Down," "Hold up," +"Toho." Holding up your hand open means "down," or "Toho," where another +dog is pointing. A whistle solus to come in "to heel"—that word for them +to get behind you; a whistle and a wave of the hand to the right for them +to quarter that way; ditto whistle and wave to the left to quarter to the +left. Avoid shouting as much as possible. Nothing is more disgusting than +to be bawling all the time. If your dog don't heed your whistle, get him +to heel as fast and as quietly as possible, and administer a little strap, +whistling to them sharply to impress it on their mind. Never pass by a +single fault without either rating or flogging. Always make your dogs +point a dead bird before retrieving it; and nothing is more insane than to +loo on your dogs, after a wing-tipped bird. Hunt it quietly and +deliberately. I know it is difficult to restrain yourself sometimes. How +much more difficult, then, to restrain your dogs. Far better to lose a +bird, a thing I detest doing, than run the chance of spoiling a young dog. +Never take a liberty with him, however you may do so with an old one, +though even he can and will be made unsteady, by letting him chase or have +his own way. One thing leads to another. I thought I had got through, but +methinks it is as well to state the best plan to find a dead bird in +cover, or out also, for that matter. Walk as nearly as possible to where +you fancy the bird fell; there stand, nor move a step, making the dogs +circle round you till they find it. Practise them at this as much as any +other part of their education, calling them constantly back if they move +off. Should you find a dog going off, notice the direction, but call<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> him +back. If he should still return there, you may presume it is a runner. Let +him try to puzzle it out, while you keep the other dog at work close to +you. By this plan it is extraordinary what few birds you will lose in a +season. Always hunt a brace of dogs. More are too many; one is just one +too few. It is too pot-hunterish, too slow. You lose half the beauties of +the sport seeing your dogs quartering their fields, crossing one another +in the centre, or thereby, without jealousy, backing one another's +points—both dropping "to shot" as if shot. You get over twice as much +ground in a day. This, in a thinly sprinkled game country, is something. +Where very plentiful, you find them all the quicker.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="FEEDING" id="FEEDING"></a>FEEDING.</h2> + +<p>With regard to the feeding of dogs, some few words are necessary, and we +will endeavor to point out the best way to manage them properly, and with +a due regard to economy. Where only one or two dogs are kept, it is +presumed that the refuse of the house is ample for them. It will keep them +in good order and condition; but where more are kept, it will be necessary +to look further for their supplies. We will therefore treat them as one +would a kennel, distinguishing town from country; for in the one what +would be extremely cheap, in the other would be dear. For ordinary +feeding, then, in town, purchase beef heads, sheep ditto, offal, i.e. +feet, bellies, &c., which clean. Chop them up and boil to rags in a +copper, filling up your copper as the water boils away. You may add to +this a little salt, cabbage, parsnips, potatoes, carrots, turnips, or any +other cheap vegetable. Put this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> soup aside, and then boil <i>old</i> Indian +meal till it is quite stiff. Let it also get cold. Take of the boiled meal +as much as you think requisite, adding sufficient of the broth to liquefy +it. This is the cheapest town food. In the country during the summer, +skimmed milk, sour milk, buttermilk, or whey, may be used in place of the +soup. In the winter, it is as well to give soup occasionally for a change. +Never use new Indian flour. It scours the dogs dreadfully. Old does not. +The plan I adopt is, to buy Indian corn this year for use next, store it, +and send it to grind as I require it; and as the millers have no object in +boning the old meal, returning new for it, I insure by this means no +illness from feeding in my kennel. Although Indian corn has not either so +much albumen or saccharine matter in it as oats, it does tolerably well +with broth; but when the greatest amount of work is required in a certain +given time from a certain quantity of dogs, as in a week's, fortnight's, +or month's shooting excursion, I always use oatmeal, for two +reasons:—1st, it is far more nourishing in itself, a less bulk of it +going further than corn meal:—2nd, you cannot depend on getting old meal +in the country, nor yet meat always to make soup. The dogs fed on oatmeal +porridge and milk, which you always can get, do a vast deal of work, and +have good scenting powers. Using these different articles, I calculate +each dog to cost me one shilling York currency per week, and I pay fifty +cents per bushel for Indian corn, six dollars per barrel for oatmeal +(old), one York shilling for beef head, milk three cents per quart for +new, probably, one and a half for skim. In a house there are always bones, +potatoe peelings, and pot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> liquor. By cleaning the potatoes before +peeling, and popping all into the dog pot, a considerable saving is +effected in a year, and the dogs are benefited thereby. Mangel Wurtzel and +Ruta Bagas, I believe they call them this side the water, are easily +grown, and are good food, boiled up with soup.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONDITION" id="CONDITION"></a>CONDITION.</h2> + +<p>This brings me on to what is termed "condition," in other words, that form +of body best adapted to undergo long and continued exertion. It is equally +certain that a dog too fat, as well as one all skin and bone, is not in +this state. These are the two forms from which different people start to +bring their animals to the mark. Of the two, I certainly prefer the fat +one. During the summer time, dogs should have plenty of air, water, and +exercise. This is easily managed by taking them out whenever you go +walking or riding, or letting them be loose all day, kennelling at night, +and when this is done, by a mild dose of physic a fortnight before the +season, and additional exercise along a <i>hard</i> road to harden their feet, +say two or three hours daily, you have your dogs in fair working order. +When you have a dog too fat, you must purge him, and put him through a +course of long but slow exercise at first, quickening by degrees, till you +work off the fat, and leave substance and muscle in its place. With a lean +dog you have a far harder job to manage, and one which takes a long time +to accomplish. A mild dose to put him in form first, then the best, +strongest, and most nutritious food you can get. Oatmeal and strong broth, +gentle and slow exercise, this is the plan to put beef on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> bones +without fat. As he grows in substance, increase and quicken his work. Any +person living in the country does or ought to take his dogs out when he +rides or drives. The pace is fast and severe enough for them, and +generally lasts sufficiently long. My dogs are exercised this way every +time the horses go out, and are kept in fine order, if anything too fine, +perhaps; but, then, what there is, is all muscle and hard flesh. During +the shooting season, always feed your dogs with warm meals. Three o'clock +is the best time at that season of the year, and a separate mess kept warm +for your brace at work, when they return. Nothing conduces more to the +keeping your dogs in condition than regular feeding hours and regular +work. One meal a day is sufficient. Three o'clock is the best hour, as the +dogs have tolerably emptied themselves by the next morning. I omitted to +mention in the proper place to accustom your pups to the same food as when +kennelled they will get. For this purpose, as soon as they feed well, give +them regular kennel food, except that they must have three feeds a day for +some six months, and after that two, till they are full grown. Use as +little medicine as possible. Always feed your worked dogs immediately they +get home. If you wait awhile, and they are tired, they curl themselves up, +get stiff, and don't feed properly; and if they so refuse their food, and +are by any accident to be out next day, they will not be up to the work. +No dogs, however, can stand daily work properly for more than three days, +and even that is more than enough for them, but they will stand every +second day, if well attended to, for a considerable time. Always see your +dogs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> fed <i>yourself</i>. No servant will do it as it should be done. Ten +minutes or a quarter of an hour devoted to this as soon as you return from +the field, will be more than repaid when next you use them. If you ride, +or rather drive to your ground, as is best to do when more than a mile +away, ride your dogs also; ditto as you return. Every little helps, and +this short ride wonderfully saves your animals. I invariably do this. But +when I drive, say twenty miles or so, to a shooting station, I generally +run one brace or so the whole way, and the other brace perhaps ten miles, +taking out next day that brace which only ran the short distance. Always +on a trip of this kind take a bag of meal with you also. You are then +safe. The neglect of this precaution in one or two instances has obliged +me to use boiled beef alone, to the very great detriment of the olfactory +senses of my dogs. Their noses, on this kind of food, completely fail +them. Greasy substances also are objectionable for the same cause, unless +very well incorporated with meal. For this reason I object to "tallow +scrap" or chandlers' graves; but this I sometimes use in summer. Regular +work, correct feeding, and regular hours, that is the great secret of one +man's dogs standing harder work than others. A little attention to the +subject will enable any one to keep his animals pretty near the mark. +Amongst the receipts will be found one used in England for feeding +greyhounds when in training, if any one likes to go to the expense of it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="KENNEL" id="KENNEL"></a>KENNEL.</h2> + +<p>This treatise would not be complete without making some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> remarks on that +very essential thing, the kennel. Where only a brace of dogs are kept, the +common movable box kennel is sufficient. This should be large enough to +hold the two comfortably, with a sharp pitch to the roof and projecting +front; but I should recommend one for each dog slightly raised from the +ground, sufficiently high for the dog to stand up in, and wide enough for +him to turn round in. The entrance had better be boarded up, except a hole +for him to enter and get out by. But where a large number of dogs are +kept, this plan of separate houses is expensive, and in their place I +would recommend a brick building sixteen feet long by five feet wide and +six feet high, or, if brick be not get-at-able, a boarded house will do; +but it ought to be lined and boarded outside, the space between the two +filled up with sawdust, and weather-boarded. Besides, this sixteen feet +must be divided into three compartments right up to the top, one eight +feet for the dogs, one five for the bitches, and one three feet for the +worked dogs. The doors should be large enough to admit a man to clean. The +beds ought to be raised on a bench from the floor, this bench movable on +hinges at the back, so that it can be hoisted up, and cleaning done below. +The dogs ought to be prevented getting under their beds, by a board +reaching from the outside edge of the bench to the floor. Six or eight +inches is sufficient raise. The floor of this kennel should slope +outwards, to carry off wet. The door should have a small hole in it, with +a swing door, so that by pushing against it, the dogs can get either in or +out. In front of these two, that is to say, the dog and bitch departments, +a court-yard, either<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> paved or flagged, both preferable to brick, since +they dry quicker, and consequently there is less fear of kennel lameness, +caused by paddling on a damp floor. These courts ought to run out at least +ten or fifteen feet to the front, and of course the partition kept up +between the two. This outside court may be palisaded, but it should be at +least ten feet high, else the dogs are liable to break kennel; and the +front of the house also at the top should be fortified, to prevent their +eloping that way. If possible, a stream of running water should be +conducted through the yards; it aids its daily washing, as well as +enabling the dogs to get as much pure water as they choose. When this +cannot be had, a trough must be daily filled for their use. Clean wheat +straw, removed twice a week, or shavings of pine or cedar when to be had +are better, must be used for their beds. Always feed your dogs together in +a <big>V</big> shaped trough, raised slightly from the ground, taking care +to restrain the greedy and encourage the shy feeders. In a building of +this sort, they will be perfectly warm and comfortable. Every portion of +it must be daily cleaned out, and the rubbish carried away. Twice a year +it should be whitewashed inside and out, and fumigated with sulphur, +tobacco, &c. This considerably helps to destroy vermin. Nothing conduces +more to disease than a filthy kennel, nothing vitiates a dog's nose more +than fœtid smells. In the rear of this kennel should be your boiling +house, if your establishment requires one. All that is required is a +copper, set in brick, with a chimney, to boil mush and meat in, a barrel +to hold soup, and a ledge or tray, three or four inches deep, to pour the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +mush in to cool and set; a chopping block, knife, ladle, with long wooden +handle, to stir and empty the copper with, a few hooks to hang flesh on, +when you use horse-flesh, &c., in place of heads—equally good, by the +way, when you can get it—shovel, broom, and buckets. I believe all in +this department is now complete and requisite, when you keep six or more +dogs. The spare place is good for breeding bitches, when you do not +require it for your tired dogs, as also for sick ones. In fact, you cannot +well do without it.</p> + +<p>And now methinks I may safely add a few words on guns. This, of course, +especially to the rising generation. I need not tell you not to put the +shot all in one barrel and the powder in the other, though I have +frequently seen it done, aye, and done it myself, when in a mooning fit; +but I will say, never carry your gun at full cock or with the hammers +down, than which last there cannot be anything more dangerous. The +slightest pull upon the cock is sufficient to cause it to fall so smartly +on the cone or nipple as to explode the cap. Positively, I would not shoot +a day, no, nor an hour, with a man that so carried his gun. At half cock +there is no danger. By pulling ever so hard at the trigger, you cannot get +it off; and if you raise the cock ever so little, it falls back to half +cock, or, at the worst, catches at full cock. Never overcharge your gun. +Two to two and a half drachms of powder, and one ounce to one and a +quarter of shot, is about the load. For summer shooting, still less. Never +take out a dirty gun, not even if only once fired out of, even if you have +to clean it yourself. After cleaning with soap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> rubbed on the tow in warm, +or better, cold water, without the soap, if not over dirty, remove the +tow, put on clean, and pump out remaining dirt in clean warm water, +rinsing out the third time in other clean warm water. Invert the barrels, +muzzle downwards, while you refix your dry tow on the rod. Work them out +successively with several changes of tow, till they burn again. Drop a few +drops of animal oil—refined by putting shot into the bottle; neat's foot +oil is best for this—on to the tow, and rub out the inside of barrels +with it well. Wipe the outside with oil rag, cleaning around the nipples +with a hard brush and a stick; ditto hammers and the steel furniture. Use +boiled oil to rub off the stock, but it must be well rubbed in. Before +using next day, rub over every part with a clean dry rag. Nothing is more +disgusting than an oily gun, and yet nothing is more requisite than to +keep it so when out of use. In receipts you will find a composition to +prevent water penetrating to the locks, which ought to be as seldom +removed as possible. I shall not tell you how to do this, for if you do +know the how, where is the necessity, and if you don't, in all probability +you would break a scear or mainspring in the attempt, as I did, when first +I essayed, and after that had to get the gamekeeper to put it together. So +your best plan in this latter case is to watch the method for a time or +two, when you will know as much of the matter as I do.</p> + +<p>The finest barrels are rusted the most easily, and suffer the more +detriment by rusting. Of course the fouler the gun the greater the evil +that arises from its being left foul. In hot weather, barrels suffer +infinitely more than in cold;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> and in wet, than in dry. When dampness and +heat are combined, the mischief is yet augmented; and, probably, the worst +conditions that can be supposed are when, to dampness and heat, a salt +atmosphere is superadded.</p> + +<p>No man who owns a fine gun, which he values, ought ever to put it aside +after use without cleaning, even if he have fired but a single shot. +Again, every man who loves his gun, should make it a point to clean it +with his own hands. It may do in Europe, where one has a game-keeper at +his elbow who knows how to clean a gun better than he does himself, and +who takes as much pride in having it clean as he. Use strong and clean +shooting powders. Don't use too large, nor yet too small shot. Six, seven, +and eight are about your mark for ordinary work; for duck, from common +gun, number four. Never leave your dog whip at home: you always want it +most on those occasions. A gun thirty-one inch barrel, fourteen gauge, and +eight pounds weight, is as useful an article as you can have. Never poke +at a bird, that is, try to see him along the barrels. If you do, you never +can be a good or a quick shot. Fix your eye or eyes on the bird, lift up +your gun, and fire the moment it touches your shoulder. Practise this a +little, and believe me you will give the pokers the go by in a short time. +It is the only way to be a sharp shot. And now I will have done, trusting +I have not wasted your time in reading so far to no purpose.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CREDIT_GIVEN_FOR_RECEIPTS" id="CREDIT_GIVEN_FOR_RECEIPTS"></a>CREDIT GIVEN FOR RECEIPTS.</h2> + +<p>In the following receipts you will find those of Blaine Youatt, Myres, +Herbert, and several other people, but as I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> really don't know to whom the +credit is due for each individual one, I trust to be forgiven. This much, +however, I can say, there are not more than one or two of my own. I have +tried most, if not all, and found them good. Some are not quite as in the +original, having been amended by a sporting medical man, a friend of mine, +to suit the new fashion of preparing medicines.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="RECEIPTS" id="RECEIPTS"></a>RECEIPTS.</h2> + +<p>We will commence these by directions to give a dog physic. If he is not +over large, you can manage by your self. Invert a bucket, and sit on it. +Set the dog down on his haunches between your legs, holding him up with +your knees. Tie a cloth round his neck; this falling over his fore-paws is +pressed against his ribs by your knees. His fore-legs by this dodge are +hors du combat. With the finger and thumb of one hand force open his jaws, +elevating his head at the same time with the same hand. If a bolus, with +the other hand pass it over the root of the tongue, and give it a sharp +poke downwards. Close the mouth, still holding up the head, till you see +it swallowed. If a draught, give a mouthful, close the mouth, hold up the +head, and stop the nostrils. Repeat this, if the draught is too large to +be taken at once. If the dog is very large, you must have an assistant, +else in his struggles he will upset physic and yourself into the bargain.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GENERAL_REMARKS_ABOUT_DOGS_IN_PHYSIC" id="GENERAL_REMARKS_ABOUT_DOGS_IN_PHYSIC"></a>GENERAL REMARKS ABOUT DOGS IN PHYSIC.</h2> + +<p>Keep them dry and warm, especially when you use calomel or any mercurial +preparation. Always remove them from the kennel, and put them into an +hospital apart from the rest, to prevent infection, as well as to insure +the poor brutes quietness. Study the appearance of the eyes, feet, nose, +extremities, pulse, &c.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_052.jpg"><img src="images/img_052_th.jpg" width="500" height="298" alt="BEAGLES." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">BEAGLES.</span> +</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> +<p><i>To make a bitch inclined to copulate.</i>—Seven drops Tincture of +Cantharides twice a day till effect is produced—about six days, probably.</p> + +<p><i>Mange.</i>—Caused by dirty kennels, neglect, want of nourishing, or +improper, food. Cure—1 oz. salts, if dog of moderate size. Rub every +third day well into the skin quantum suf. of the following mixture:—</p> + +<p>Train oil—tanner's will do—one quart; spirits turpentine one large +wineglass full; sulphur sufficient to let it just run off a stick. Mix +well. Three applications are generally sufficient. Let it stay on the +animal for a fortnight, when wash well with soap and water. Remember, it +takes nearly two hours to well scrub the above into the skin. Smearing +over the hair is no use. It must get well into the skin; and if neatly and +properly done, the dog scarcely shows the application.</p> + +<p><i>Worms.</i>—℞ Cowhage, half a drachm; tin filings, very fine, four +drachms. Make into four or six balls, according to size of dog. One daily, +and a few hours afterwards a purge of salts or aloes. Powdered glass, as +much as will lie on a shilling, i.e. a quarter dollar, new coin, in lard. +Repeat once or twice alternate days. Finish off with one to two drachms +Socotrine Aloes, rolled up in tissue paper. Mind, the glass must be ground +into the finest kind of powder, else it will injure the coats of the +stomach.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>To make a dog fine in his coat.</i>—A tablespoonful of tar in oatmeal. Make +bolus.</p> + +<p><i>Distemper.</i>—Distemper is caused by low keep, neglect, and changes of +atmosphere. Symptoms of the disease are as follows:—Loss of spirit, +activity, and appetite, drowsiness, dulness of the eyes, lying at length +with nose to the ground, coldness of extremities, legs, ears, and lips, +heat in head and body, running at the nose and eyes, accompanied by +sneezing, emaciation, and weakness, dragging of hinder quarters, flanks +drawn in, diarrhœa, sometimes vomiting. There are several receipts for +this, the worst and most fatal of all diseases. One is better than +another, according to the various stages. This first, if commenced at an +early stage, seldom fails. Half an ounce of salts in warm water, when the +dog is first taken ill; thirty-six hours afterwards, ten grains compound +Powder of Ipecacuanha in warm water. If in two days he is no better, take +sixteen grains Antimonial Powder, made into four boluses; one night and +morning for two days. If no improvement visible, continue these pills, +unless diarrhœa comes on, in which case you must use the ipecacuanha +day about with the pills. If the animal is much weakened by this, give him +one teaspoonful Huxam's Tincture of Bark three times a day. Keep warm, and +feed on rich broth. James's Powder is also almost a certain remedy Dose +four grains; or Antimonial Powder and Calomel, three parts of first to one +of latter, from eight to fifteen grains; or, after the salts, Ant. Powder, +two, three, or four grains, Nitrate Potash, five, ten, or fifteen grains; +Ipecacuanha, two, three, or four. Make into ball, and give twice or three +times a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> day, according to appearances. Repeat the purge or emetics every +fourth day, but avoid too great looseness of bowels. Diarrhœa sometimes +supervenes, in which case give Compound Powder of Chalk, with Opium, ten +grains. In case of fits coming on, destroy the animal. The same may be +said of paralysis. If this disease is taken in its early stage, and +attended to, and the dog kept warm, there is not much danger. Otherwise it +is very fatal.</p> + +<p><i>Wounds.</i>—Poultice for a day or two; then apply Friar's Balsam, covering +up the place.</p> + +<p><i>For a Green Wound.</i>—Hog's lard, turpentine, bees' wax, equal parts; +verdigris, one fourth part. Simmer over a slow fire till they are well +mixed.</p> + +<p><i>Purgative Medicines.</i>—Salts, one ounce; Calomel, five grains; or +Socotrine Aloes, two drachms for moderate sized dog.</p> + +<p><i>Stripping Feet.</i>—Wash in bran and warm water, with a little vinegar; +after apply Tincture of Myrrh. Apply sweet oil before he goes out. If his +feet are tender, wash them in brine, to harden them. When actually sore, +buttermilk, greasy pot liquor, or water gruel, are best. Brine inflames. +The dog should be kept at home till feet are healed. Then apply the brine +and vinegar.</p> + +<p><i>Canker in the Ear.</i>—Wash well with soap and warm water; fill up the ear +with finely powdered charcoal or powdered borax. Clean out daily with +sponge on stick and warm water, and repeat the dusting till it heals. Or, +perhaps, the best receipt is,—clean out ear with sponge fastened on a +pliable stick, using warm soap and water. When quite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> clean, dip the +sponge in Sulphate of Copper-water, turning it gently round. Put seton in +the neck just under the ear.</p> + +<p>Oak Bark, one pound, chopped fine, and well boiled in soft water. When +cold, take of the Decoction of Bark four ounces, Sugar of Lead, half a +drachm. Put a teaspoonful into the ear night and morning, rubbing the root +of ear well, to cause it to get well into the cavities. This is one of the +best receipts in this book.</p> + +<p><i>To make Sulphate of Copper Water.</i>—Sulphate of Copper half a drachm, +water one ounce. Mix well and keep corked.</p> + +<p><i>External Canker of Ear.</i>—Butter of Antimony, diluted in milk to the +thickness of cream, will cure it; or Red Precipitate of Mercury, half an +ounce, with two ounces of hog's lard, mixed well.</p> + +<p><i>To make a Seton.</i>—Take a dozen or two strands of a horse's tail; plait +them; rub blistering ointment on them. Pass it through two or three inches +of the skin with a curved surgical needle. Tie the two ends together. Move +daily.</p> + +<p><i>Bleeding.</i>—You may readily bleed a dog in the jugular vein by holding up +his head, stopping the circulation at the base of the neck. Part the hair, +and with the lancet make an incision, taking care not to stick him too +deeply. If the animal rejoices in a heavy coat, it may be necessary to +shave away the hair. From one to eight ounces are the quantities; but in +this, as in most prescriptions, the old proverb is the safest—"Keep +between the banks."</p> + +<p><i>For a Strain.</i>—Use Bertine's Liniment; or one ounce Turpentine, half a +pint of old beer, half a pint of brine;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> bathe the part and repeat; or Sal +Ammonia, one ounce, vinegar one pint.</p> + +<p><i>Bruises or Strains of long standing.</i>—Gall, Opodeldoc, excellent. Shaved +Camphor two ounces, Spirits of Wine three quarters of a pint. Shake well, +and cork close, placing it near the fire till the camphor dissolves. Then +add a bullock's gall. Shake well together. Apply, rubbing it well into the +part affected till it lathers.</p> + +<p><i>Dog Poisoned.</i>—Give teacupful of castor oil. After he has vomited well, +continue to pour olive oil down his throat and rub his belly.</p> + +<p><i>Staggers and Fits.</i>—This generally happens in warm weather. Throw water +on them, if convenient. If not, bleed in neck, if you have lancets. If +not, with your knife slit the ears, which you can cause to adhere together +again; or run your knife across two or three bars next the teeth. Bitches +coming off heat are more subject to this than dogs in good health.</p> + +<p><i>To reduce the time a bitch is in heat.</i>—Give her a little Nitre in +water, and a dose of Calomel, four grains or thereabouts, followed by +salts or aloes.</p> + +<p><i>Bilious Fever.</i>—Is caused by want of exercise and too high feeding. +Calomel, six or eight grains; or, in an obstinate case, Turpeth Mineral or +Yellow Mercury, six to twelve grains in a bolus.</p> + +<p><i>To destroy Lice.</i>—Sometimes the receipt below for fleas will prove +efficacious, but not always; but a small quantity of Mercurial Ointment, +reduced by adding hog's lard to it, say an equal quantity, rubbed along +the top of the dog's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> back never fails. The greatest care must be taken to +keep the animal warm.</p> + +<p><i>Fleas.</i>—Scotch snuff steeped in gin is infallible; but must be used with +great care, and not above a teaspoonful of snuff to a pint of gin,—as the +cure, if overdone, is a deadly poison.</p> + +<p><i>Torn Ears.</i>—Laudanum and brandy, equal parts. Mix well. Apply +alternately with sweet oil.</p> + +<p><i>Feed for Greyhounds in training.</i>—Wheat flour and oatmeal, old, equal +parts. Liquorice, aniseed, and white of eggs. Make into a paste. Make +loaves. Bake them. Break up into very rich broth.</p> + +<p><i>Swelled Teats.</i>—Make pomade of Camphorated Spirit, or brandy, and goose +grease, two or three times a day.</p> + +<p><i>Inflammation of the Bowels.</i>—Symptoms: Dulness of appearance and eyes; +loss of appetite; lying on the belly, with outstretched legs; pulse much +quickened; scratching up of the bed into a heap, and pressing the belly on +it; desire to swallow stones, coal, or any cold substance not voidable; +inclination to hide away. It is very dangerous; requires active treatment. +Bleed most freely, till the dog faints away. Clap a blister on the pit of +the stomach. Give Aloes, fifteen grains, and Opium, half a grain. Repeat +dose three times a day. Bleed after twelve hours, if pulse rises again, +and continue dosing and bleeding till either the dog or inflammation gives +in. No half measures do in this disease. After determining that it is +inflammation of bowels, set to work to get the upper hand. When that is +done, there is no trouble. Otherwise it is fatal. Feed low, and attend +carefully to prevent relapse.</p> + +<p><i>Films over the Eyes.</i>—Blue stone or Lunar Caustic, eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> grains, spring +water, one ounce. Wash the eyes with it, letting a little pass in. Repeat +this daily, and you will soon cure it.</p> + +<p><i>Films caused by Thorn Wounds.—</i>Rest the dog till perfectly healed over, +washing with rose water. If much inflammation, bleed, and foment with hot +water, with a few drops of laudanum in it—about forty drops of laudanum +to one ounce of water; or two grains of opium to one ounce of water—one +as good as the other. Then apply four or five times a day the following +wash:—Superacetate of Lead, half a drachm, Rose Water, six ounces.</p> + +<p><i>To extract Thorns.</i>—Cobbler's wax bound on to the place, or black pitch +plaster or a poultice, are equally good.</p> + +<p><i>To preserve Gun Barrels from rust of salt water.</i>—Black lead, three +ounces; hog's lard, eight ounces; camphor, quarter ounce; boiled together +over a slow fire; the barrels to be rubbed with this mixture, which after +three days must be wiped off clean. This need not be repeated above twice +in the winter.</p> + +<p><i>Bite of a Snake.</i>—Olive oil, well rubbed in before a fire, and a copious +drench of it also.</p> + +<p><i>To render Boots or Shoes Water-proof.</i>—Beef suet, quarter of a pound; +bees' wax, half a pound; rosin, quarter of a pound. Stir well together +over a slow fire. Melt the mixture, and rub well into the articles daily +with a hard brush before the fire.</p> + +<p><i>To Soften Boots.</i>—Use hog's lard, half a pound; mutton suet, quarter of +a pound; and bees' wax, quarter of a pound. Melt well, and rub well in +before the fire; or currier's oil is as good, barring the smell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Water-proofing for Gun Locks.</i>—Make a saturated solution of Naphtha and +India rubber. Add to this three times the quantity of Copal Varnish. Apply +with a fine, small brush along the edges of the lock and stock.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DISTEMPER1" id="DISTEMPER1"></a>DISTEMPER.</h2> + +<p>How best to convey to my readers a clear, and at the same time succinct +account of this disease, has much troubled me. This is now the third +attempt made to set before my brother sportsmen, who have had little or no +experience, in the plainest terms, the symptoms and features of the +disease, as well as the best remedies to be applied to its various stages +and ever varying types. After considerable doubts on the subject, I fancy +that by setting before you a series of cases which have come under my own +treatment, the peculiar features of each case, the remedies prescribed, +and the termination, whether fatal or otherwise, I shall best serve the +interests of my readers. I beg expressly to state, that with one or two +exceptions—the cases of the older dogs—of which I write from +recollection, after a lapse of several years, and consequently cannot be +so positive about, the others have all recently passed through my hands, +and the course of treatment, &c., has been especially noted, and here +recorded with minute exactness. The range of cases are, I believe, +sufficiently numerous to meet any form and stage of the disease, from the +most simple to the most complicated and fatal. With the sole exception of +chorea or paralysis, a case of which I have never fairly seen through, one +or two cases are noted, in which this would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> have been the termination, +but for the remedies applied. The system pursued has been a combination of +a great many various receipts, adapted to each peculiar case; and through +the very severe cases that this year have depopulated my kennel, I have +been under great obligations to a very talented medical man, whose advice +I ever found of great service, and whose professional knowledge enabled +him so to vary the quantities and forms of the medicines as best to +overcome some particular form or other. Every keeper or sportsman has, or +professes to have, some never-failing nostrum or other. Believe me, this +is all stuff. There have been, are, and ever will be, cases incurable; but +I will venture to say, that ninety-nine out of a hundred who know anything +of the subject will admit that these remedies contain some one or more of +the following medicines, all of which are of value:—Epsom Salts, Calomel, +Jalap, Tartar Emetic, as purgatives or vomits; Antimony, Nitre, James' +Powder, Ipecacuanha, as sudorifics, diaphoretics, or febrifuges. From +these medicines, the most used, it is evident to see what tendency the +course of treatment is designed to have, and when it fails, extra means +must be employed till that is effected. Here it is that study, practice, +and an intimate knowledge of medicines and their combinations prove of +great advantage. At this stage more dogs are lost for want of knowledge +what next to do than in any other way; for they are either getting worse +or better, never standing still, and each day's illness tells much against +the recovery, from the great emaciation and weakness which commences from +the first, and keeps increasing daily. Never was there a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> more appropriate +quotation than "Opus est consulto, sed ubi consulueris mature facto." It +were idle to speculate on the origin of the disease. Suffice for us that +we have it, and that we consider it an affection of the mucous membrane, +solely, in the earlier stages, but ultimately combining itself with +general mucous affections. But it will not be foreign to our purpose to +state several influences which are supposed, if not actually to cause, at +all events, greatly to increase its virulence. They are these:—<i>Low +Diet</i>, <i>Dirt</i>, <i>Confinement in close, unhealthy, damp kennels</i>, <i>too great +a quantity of raw, or even boiled flesh</i>, <i>too little exercise</i>, <i>sudden +changes in the atmosphere</i>, and <i>contagion</i>. It cannot be called endemic, +since it exists everywhere. Neither is it exactly an epidemic, though some +years it does assume that form, while at other times it does not.</p> + +<p>Bleeding we see recommended in the Field Sports. Some practitioners are +very fond of the lancet. We confess quite a contrary penchant, and hold +that bleeding is seldom or ever justifiable, except in cases of violent +inflammations.</p> + +<p>In distemper, we would not draw blood, once in a hundred times; for the +usual course of the disease is so enervating, that in ordinary +circumstances nature is reduced far more than agreeable; and as purgatives +must be used under any circumstances, they will in general be sufficient +to reduce any fever. We will now mention the ordinary symptoms whence we +determine this complaint. Lowness of spirit, drowsiness, dimness of the +eyes, staring of the coat, loss of appetite, may be noticed, and +frequently disregarded. Here we will remark that a mild dose of Epsom +salts, according to age—vide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> prescriptions at the end, No. one,—will +suffice. In a day or two, however, if neglected, sometimes a running at +the nose will be seen; or the ears and feet will be cold, while the head +and body will be feverish; the nose will be hard, dry, and cracked. By +degrees, if neglected, the nose will discharge a thick purulent matter, +the belly become hotter and distended, the dog will lie full stretch, +belly to the ground, the hind legs begin to fail. He may also have +spasmodic and convulsive twitchings, giddiness, foaming at the mouth, +epileptic fits. Now he will ravenously eat anything cold, drink any +quantity of water.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="FIRST_CASE" id="FIRST_CASE"></a>FIRST CASE.</h4> + +<p><i>Three Setter pups, two to three months old. Appearance, &c.—Slight</i> +drowsiness, dimness of eyes, staring of coat, fæces hard. Gave two +teaspoonfuls No. one, and repeated next day. Intermitted a day. Repeated +dose to make sure. All well.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="SECOND_CASE" id="SECOND_CASE"></a>SECOND CASE.</h4> + +<p><i>Three Setter puppies, same age at the same time.</i>—Symptoms same, and +also heat in body and head; coldness of extremities; bodies inclined to +hardness; fæces dark and irregular. Gave four teaspoonfuls No. one. Next +morning, if anything worse, belly still hard and swelling, gave each half +a grain of Calomel, half a grain of Tartar Emetic. After an hour, no vomit +having been attained, repeated the dose. At night gave each a +pill—Antimony, two grains, Nitre, ten grains, Ipecacuanha, three grains.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Third day.</i>—Saw pups about eight <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> One had had a fit, another had one +while we were present, and the third seemed likely to have one. Its eyes +looked wild; it was unnaturally brisk, and running about; the nose +discharged more freely, but not yet any foul matter. Gave all three +Calomel and Tartar Emetic as before, and repeated, it not having produced +any effect. Between the doses, the two had each a fit, and several, we may +as well mention, through the day, the earlier ones being the most severe. +About one hour after the vomit, gave each one tablespoonful Castor oil. +Fed them with bread and milk. At night gave pill to each—Antimony, three +grains, Nitre, ten grains, Ipecacuanha, two grains. Next morning two pups +were better. Gave them No. one, two teaspoonfuls, pill as before, night +and morning, for two days. No. one the third day. Sent them to kennel. The +third of this lot we found not to have had fits; but his bowels were hard, +and his secretions black and improper. Gave him Calomel and Tartar Emetic +as before, with No. one, usual dose, and pills as above. Gradually he got +weaker and weaker, and at last he died. The error here was undoubtedly in +not increasing the calomel, and leaving out emetic, so as to endeavor to +alter the secretions. A pill, for instance, in this form, would have +better met the case. Calomel, one grain, Antimony, two grains, Nitre, five +grains, followed up in three hours by one teaspoonful No. two.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="THIRD_CASE" id="THIRD_CASE"></a>THIRD CASE.</h4> + +<p><i>Two Setter pups, same age as the last.</i>—Case very bad. Fits had taken +place more than once. Bodies hard, tumid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> head and belly hot, evidently +much pain in body; ears and feet icy cold; nose hard and thick, pus in it; +fæces not noticed. Gave instantly, vomit as before; Calomel and Tartar +Emetic, half a grain. Repeated in one hour, not having operated. Half an +hour after this had taken place, gave two teaspoonfuls No. two to each. +This purged very quickly. One of the puppies appeared to be in much pain. +Gave it a saltspoonful of mustard in a little milk. Fits constantly +occurring, with intervals of one or two hours, repeated the mustard, and +gave Spirits of Hartshorn, six drops, Camphor water, sixty drops, Sweet +Spirits Nitre, twenty drops, Laudanum, six drops. Repeated this dose in +six hours' time. Kept them all night by the kitchen stove. Slightly better +next morning. Gave pill—Antimony, three grains, Calomel, one grain, +Nitre, ten grains. Three hours after, two teaspoonfuls No. two. Fits had +ceased before night. Gave pill—Antimony, two grains, Ipecacuanha, three +grains, Nitre, ten grains, each night and next morning. Next day +improvement visible. Wildness of the eye abated; fever in body and +coldness of extremities much diminished: secretions, however, still +irregular; nose dry and hard. At night gave pill—Ipecacuanha, three +grains, Nitre, ten grains, Ginger Essence, five drops. Next morning gave +two teaspoonfuls No. two. At night, half teaspoonful diluted Quinine +Mixture. Next day gave Quinine twice. Day after, two teaspoonfuls No. one. +Sent well to kennel. These were the worst cases of epileptic fits we ever +saw. The pair could not have had less than twenty fits each, which lasted +from a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> quarter to half an hour, during which they uttered most piercing +howlings.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="FOURTH_CASE" id="FOURTH_CASE"></a>FOURTH CASE.</h4> + +<p><i>Pointer puppy ten months old.</i>—Brought in from kennel: food chiefly raw +flesh. Condition high. Appearance—Eyes very dull; drowsy; nose hard, dry, +with thick mucous effusion; evacuations very offensive. Should consider +this the putrid type. Gave half an ounce of salts in warm water. Two days +after, gave ten grains Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha. No better: nose +running a thick, heavy matter; fæces very offensive. Two days after giving +last medicine, gave four grains Antimonial Powder, night and morning, for +two days. Dog died.</p> + +<p><i>Remarks.</i>—This case happened years ago, when we were young. Our +treatment was bad from the commencement, but the case was a vile one also. +The following formulæ would have been more befitting:—Calomel, half a +grain, Tartar Emetic, half a grain, repeated with intermissions of an +hour, till a vomit was secured. Wineglassful of No. two in an hour +afterwards. At night, Antimony, four grains, Nitre, ten grains, repeated +next morning. If secretions then offensive, Calomel, two grains, followed +by wineglass No. two, in three hours. Then use Antimony, Nitre, and +Ipecacuanha, more or less, according as you wish to act on the skin, or on +the lungs or kidneys. If the cough is bad, increase the Ipecacuanha. If +fever prevails, add to the Antimony. Nitre acts on the bladder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="FIFTH_CASE" id="FIFTH_CASE"></a>FIFTH CASE.</h4> + +<p><i>A Terrier bitch in very low condition, pups having been lately weaned. +Age, two or three years.</i>—Symptoms very mild. Gave half an ounce of +salts, and two days after, ten grains Ipecacuanha, followed up by four +grains Antimonial Powder, for two days. Results: bitch was cured of +distemper, but so dreadfully weak, could not feed itself. Gave one +teaspoonful of Huxam's Tincture of Bark, three times a day. Hand-fed her +frequently with rich beef soup, milk, and bread. After a very hard fight, +brought her round.</p> + +<p><i>Remarks.</i>—Could not have done better much, except would have given a +combination of Antimony, Ipecacuanha, and Nitre at first, i.e. after +purging with salts. Got great credit at the time for the cure, more +deserved for nursing well.</p> + +<p>From these cases you will be able to see, that for a simple purgative we +prefer salts, as being a very cooling dose, and suiting a dog's +constitution well. In the earlier stages, it sometimes effects a cure. +Where there is a discharge of the nose, you must, after purging, work on +the lungs. Where there is fever, you must double your purging, i.e. clean +them out front and rear as quickly as possible. Where to this is added a +visible disorganization of the secretions, you ought to call in Calomel in +large doses, one or two grains, repeated, and this you may continue with +Antimony, and so at the same time subdue the inflammation of the lungs. In +the earlier part of spring and in fall, there is little fear of +diarrhœa supervening. A slight attack of it will not be of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> much +consequence provided you take care to keep it well in hand. Opium must be +used with great caution; it rather tends to epileptic fits, which, by the +way, we consider to result from an almost stoppage of the bowels. Compound +Powder of Chalk, Quinine Mixture, Rhubarb, Catechu, will generally be +sufficient.</p> + +<p>In the Field Sports is the following receipt, and as we have invariably +found Blaine and Youatt's horse and dog receipts the most reliable, we +quote it. It is new to us, and so is a violent case of diarrhœa, for +that matter.</p> + +<p>℞ Magnesia, one drachm; powdered Alum, two scruples; Powdered +Calumba,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> one drachm; P. Gum Arabic, two drachms. Mix with six ounces +boiled starch, and give a dessert or table spoonful every four or six +hours, pro re natâ.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Catechu, one drachm, will be better than the Calumba. It is +far more efficacious.—<i>Dinks.</i></p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="CASE" id="CASE"></a>CASE.</h4> + +<p>We will now suppose a case, for our practice of late years has been +confined to young puppies. Ears and feet cold; body and head very hot; +body hard and distended; nose hard, dry, and almost stopped up with thick +matter; dry, husky cough; fæces, hard; pulse rapid, evidencing much fever. +Give instantly, Calomel and Tartar Emetic, half a grain each, repeating it +with intermissions of an hour, till you get a vomit. One hour after, give +wine glass No. two. Twelve hours after, if fever has not abated, give +three grains Calomel, followed in three hours by wine glass of No. two. If +the next day you find any fever still lingering, give Calomel,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> three +grains, as before, Antimonial Powder, eight grains. This will, with, in +three hours, the usual quantity of No. two, be pretty sure to be +successful. You must now address yourself to the cold and other symptoms; +and you may give large doses of Ipecacuanha and Nitre. Keep the bowels +open, but avoid active purging, except in cases of fever. If you find at +any time the body getting hard and distended, administer the emetic. Let +the dog out into the air whenever it is fine and warm, keep his nose well +cleaned out, and change his bed daily. Encourage him to drink fresh water, +if he will.</p> + +<p>The receipts alluded to in the previous pages are as follows:—</p> + +<p><i>No. 1.</i>—<i>For young pups up to six months old.</i>—Of Epsom salts, take two +ounces; of water, one quart. Mix well, and keep close corked.</p> + +<p><i>No. 2.</i>—Eight ounces of Saturated Solution of Epsom salts, in water; +thirty drops Sulphuric Acid. Mix well, and cork close.</p> + +<p>Antimony is preferable, when there is fever. It is an antiphlogistic. +Ipecacuanha, when there is much debility. The last also affects the lungs, +and is more efficient in removing cold.</p> + +<p>Half an ounce of salts is a fair dose for a dog from nine months to any +age. No. 2 is particularly recommended, whenever an early action is +required. It is essentially short, sharp and decisive.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<h4><a name="FORM_OF_GAMEBOOK" id="FORM_OF_GAMEBOOK"></a>FORM OF GAMEBOOK</h4> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Total</td><td align='left'> + + </td><td align='left'>Date.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Deer.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Turkey.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Ruffed Grouse.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Pinnated Grouse.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Quail.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Snipe.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Woodcock.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Duck.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Teal.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Rail.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Plover.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Guns.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Shots.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Place where<br /> shooting.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>No. of Head to<br /> own Gun.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'> </td><td align='left'> <br />REMARKS.<br /> </td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This will be found as convenient a form as any for recording the season's +bag, and I would suggest as a means to accurately determine the number of +shots, to put a given number, say 50 or 80 caps, into your cap pocket +every day on going out, deducting any miss-fired and wasted ones from the +balance left on returning. This will give you an exact idea of your +average shootings, which will be found not to exceed three out of five +shots. In the column of remarks you can state your companion, quantity of +game seen, &c.; in fact, any point worthy of notice, and to which +afterwards you can refer. The writer's book dates back to 1845, and +records every head of game killed while he was out, by his own, as also +his friend's gun, remarks on the weather, curious ornithological +observations, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>&c.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1><a name="DOGS" id="DOGS"></a>DOGS,</h1> + +<h2>AND THEIR MANAGEMENT;</h2> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'> +BEING A NEW PLAN FOR TREATING THE ANIMAL,<br /> +BASED UPON A CONSIDERATION OF<br /> +</p></div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>HIS NATURAL TEMPERAMENT.</p> +</div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>Illustrated by numerous Engravings,</p> + +<p class='center'> +DEPICTING THE CHARACTER AND POSITION OF THE DOG<br /> +WHEN SUFFERING DISEASE.<br /> +</p></div> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>BY</p> + +<h2>EDWARD MAYHEW, M.R.C.V.S.</h2> +</div> + +<p class='center'>SECOND AMERICAN EDITION.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>In the following pages is laid before the public the result of several +years' study. The Author hopes to be able, ultimately, to perfect a system +of treatment which shall change only with the progress of the science, of +which it can be no more than an offshoot. Saying this, the writer cannot +be accused of self-glorification, since there is in the field no living +author over whom he might appear to triumph.</p> + +<p>The book was also written with the hope of inducing the gentlemen of the +Author's profession to study more carefully the Pathology of the Dog. This +is at present not properly taught, nor is it rightly understood by the +Veterinarians who profess to alleviate canine afflictions. Of all the +persons who accept such offices, there is but one who, to the Author's +knowledge, devotes the time, attention, or care which disease in every +shape demands; and the individual thus honorably distinguished, is <span class="smcap">Mr. +Gowing</span> of Camden Town.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONTENTS_OF_MAYHEWS_MANAGEMENT" id="CONTENTS_OF_MAYHEWS_MANAGEMENT"></a>CONTENTS OF MAYHEW'S MANAGEMENT.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>Page</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>General Remarks,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distemper,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Mouth, Teeth, Tongue, Gullet, &c.,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bronchocele,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Respiratory Organs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Hepatitis,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Indigestion,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Gastritis,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>St. Vitus's Dance,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bowel Diseases,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Paralysis of the Hind Extremities,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Rheumatism,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Rectum,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_278">278</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Fits,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_295">295</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Rabies,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_299">299</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Generative Organs—Male,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_313">313</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> " " Female,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Skin Diseases,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_410">410</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Canker within and without the Ear,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_419">419</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Eye,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_429">429</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Diseases of the Limbs,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_437">437</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Fractures,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_444">444</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Operations,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_450">450</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 319px;"> +<a href="images/img_077.jpg"><img src="images/img_077_th.jpg" width="319" height="500" alt="" title="" /></a> +</div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DOGS_THEIR_MANAGEMENT" id="DOGS_THEIR_MANAGEMENT"></a>DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GENERAL_REMARKS" id="GENERAL_REMARKS"></a>GENERAL REMARKS.</h2> + + +<p>There is no animal so widely distributed as the dog. The like assertion +could not be made of any other domesticated creature. In countries +subjected to the extremes of heat or cold, in the centre of Africa, and at +the Northern Pole, the horse is absent; but wherever man is able to exist, +there, in some shape or other, the dog is represented. Various have been +the speculations as to its original. There is no animal in any way +approaching in outward appearance to the Canine Species (properly so +called), but has been assumed to be the original parent of the family. +Some have even fancied the fox was father to all the dogs that trot by the +side of man; but this idea seems too preposterous to be maintained. +Others, with more reason, have supposed the prototype of the dog was +discovered in the wolf. There are, however, many differences to reconcile +before this hypothesis can be received. The formation of the two animals +is distinct,—their anatomy presents positive differences,—their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> time of +breeding does not agree,—their habits are opposite, and their outward and +inward character is entirely dissimilar. The above engraving is the +portrait of the wolf. Is the reader in any danger of mistaking it for that +of a dog?</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 329px;"> +<img src="images/img_079_th.jpg" width="329" height="245" alt="THE WOLF." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE WOLF.</span> +</div> + +<p>Thus the apparent separation of the two species appears to be so wide, +that a child could point it out, and none but a philosopher could confound +it. Others, again, have gone to warmer climates for the founder of the +kind, which they have, to their own satisfaction, discovered in the +jackal: but there are very many obstacles to be surmounted, before this +supposition can be acknowledged. In the first place, although the dog is +to be found in warm climates, he thrives least in those to which the +jackal is entirely confined. Then all that has been urged against the +fancy which conceived the prototype of the dog was to be found in the +wolf, applies with even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> greater force to the jackal. However, to settle +the dispute, we here give the likeness of the beast, and leave to the +reader to point out the particular breed of dogs to which it belongs.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 412px;"> +<img src="images/img_080_th.jpg" width="412" height="301" alt="THE JACKAL." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE JACKAL.</span> +</div> + +<p>Beyond the circumstance of the habitats of the animals being distinct, is +the well-known fact that all domesticated animals have a disposition to +return to their original formation; but who ever heard of a dog, however +neglected, or however wild, becoming either a wolf or a jackal?</p> + +<p>The dog is spread all over the world, and not only is the animal thus +widely distributed over the face of the earth, but there is no creature +that is permitted with such perfect safety to the human race to have such +continual and intimate intercourse with mankind. It is found in every +abode: the palace, the warehouse, the mansion, and the cottage, equally +afford it shelter. No condition of life is there with which the dog is not +connected. The playmate of the infant, the favorite of the woman, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> +servant of the man, and the companion of the aged, it is seen in and +around every home.</p> + +<p>Thus brought into intimate connexion with the human race, and continually +subject to observation, it is not a little strange that the dog should be +universally misunderstood. There is no quadruped which is more abused; +whether treated kindly or otherwise, the dog is equally made to suffer; +and probably the consequences of over indulgence are more cruel in their +result than is the opposite course of treatment. The health of the beast +is perhaps best preserved when neglect deprives it of man's attention; +then it may suffer from want, but it escapes many of the diseases which +caprice or ignorance entail upon the generality of the tribe. There exists +no creature more liable to disorder, and in which disease is prone to +assume a more virulent or a more complicated form. To minister to its +afflictions, therefore, demands no inconsiderable skill; and it becomes +the more difficult to alleviate them, since canine pathology is not fully +comprehended, nor the action of the various medicines upon the poor beast +clearly understood; yet there are few persons who in their own estimation +are not able to vanquish the many diseases to which the dog is liable. +About every stable are to be met crowds of uneducated loiterers, +possessors of recipes and owners of specifics, eager to advise and +confident of success. I seldom send a diseased dog into the park for +exercise, that my servant does not return to me with messages which +strangers have volunteered how to cure the animal. I hear of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> medicines +that never fail, and of processes that always afford relief. Persons often +of the upper rank honor me with secret communications which in their +opinion are of inestimable value; ladies frequently entreat me to try +particular nostrums, and sportsmen not seldom command me to do things +which I am obliged to decline. In fact, the man who shall attempt to treat +the diseases of the dog, will have no little annoyance to surmount. He +will soon discover that science unfortunately can afford him but partial +help, while prejudice on every side increases the difficulties with which +he will have to contend.</p> + +<p>Happily, however, the majority of pretended cures are harmless. A roll of +sulphur in the animal's water may be permitted, since it amuses the +proprietor while it does not injure his dog. Some of these domestic +recipes, nevertheless, are far from harmless, and they are the more to be +deprecated, because those which most people would imagine to be safe are +the very ones which are attended with the greatest danger. Common salt is +a poison to the dog; tobacco is the source of many a death in the kennel; +castor oil often does the ill which months of care are needed to efface, +even if the life be not destroyed. In the majority of cases vomits are far +from beneficial; bleeding is very seldom required, and the warm bath has +sealed the doom of innumerable animals.</p> + +<p>The foregoing observations will have informed the reader of the reasons +that prompt the publication of the present work, which is put forth only +as a step towards<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> the point the author does not yet pretend to have fully +attained. The study of years will be required to perfect that which is now +commenced, and further experience will probably demand the retraction of +many of the opinions herein advanced. The reader will understand, the +author in the present work asserts only that which he now believes. It +must not be imagined, however positive may read the language in which his +sentiments are expressed, that the writer is pledged to uphold any of the +conclusions at which he may have arrived; knowledge is in its nature +progressive, and canine pathology is not yet clearly made out. The +advantages which accompany the study of anatomy, physiology, and +therapeutics have yet to be more largely applied to the diseases of the +dog, and until this has been accomplished, science, not reposing upon +truth, will be constantly subjected to change. The present work, +therefore, will be accepted only as a contribution to veterinary +literature, and its contents will be viewed as doing nothing more than +declaring the temporary convictions of one, who, desirous of truth, does +not conceal that his mind is oppressed by many doubts.</p> + +<p>In the following pages advantage will be freely taken of the labours of +those authors who have written upon the subject; nor must it be supposed, +because the writer may feel himself obliged to dissent from, he therefore +undervalues the genius of Blaine or Youatt. Before Blaine collected and +arranged the knowledge which existed concerning the diseases of the dog, +canine pathology,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> as a separate or distinct branch of veterinary science, +hardly existed. The task he accomplished; but if after the lapse of years +some of his opinions are found to be unsound, and some of his statements +discovered to require correction, these circumstances may be regarded as +the natural consequences of progression, while they in no way deteriorate +from the honor due to his name. Youatt enlarged and softened the teaching +of his master, and by the liberality of his communications, and the +gentleness of his example, improved and adorned the science to which he +was attached. To others than these two great men I have no obligations to +acknowledge. For their memories I take the opportunity of expressing the +highest respect, and confess that to their instruction is fairly due any +novelty which the present pages may contain; since but for those +advantages their teaching afforded, it is more than doubtful if I had +perceived the facts herein made known.</p> + +<p>Before any mention is made of the diseases of the dog, it will be proper +to take some notice of the temperament of the animal, as without regarding +this the best selected medicines, or the most assiduous attention, may be +of no avail. Any one who will observe the animal will soon be made aware +of its excessive irritability. The nervous system in this creature is +largely developed, and, exerting an influence over all its actions, gives +character to the beast. The brain of the dog is seldom in repose, for even +when asleep the twitching of the legs and the suppressed sounds which it +emits inform us that it is dreaming.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> No animal is more actuated by the +power of imagination. Who is there that has not seen the dog mistake +objects during the dusk of the evening? Delirium usually precedes its +death, and nervous excitability is the common accompaniment of most of its +disorders. To diseases of a cerebral or spinal character it is more liable +than is any other domesticated animal. Its very bark is symbolical of its +temperament, and its mode of attack energetically declares the +excitability of its nature. The most fearful of all the diseases to which +it is exposed (rabies), is essentially of a nervous character, and there +are few of its disorders which do not terminate with symptoms indicative +of cranial disturbance. This tendency to cerebral affections will, if +properly considered, suggest those casual and appropriate acts which the +dog in affliction may require, and which it would be impossible for any +author fully to describe. Gentleness should at all times be practised; but +to be truly gentle the reader must understand it is imperative to be firm. +Hesitation, to an irritable being, is, or soon becomes, positive torture.</p> + +<p>He who would attend upon the dog must be able to command his feeling, and, +whatever fear he may be conscious of, he must have power to conceal his +emotion. The hand slowly and cautiously advanced, to be hastily retracted, +is nearly certain to be bitten. Whatever therefore is attempted should be +done with at least the appearance of confidence, and the determination of +the man will, in the generality of cases, check the disposition<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> of the +beast. There should be no wrestling or fighting. The practitioner should +so prepare his acts as to prevent the dog in the first instance from +effectually resisting, and the animal mastered at the commencement is +usually afterwards submissive. If, however, from any cause, the primary +attempt should not be effective, the attendant, rather than provoke a +contest which can be productive of no beneficial result, should for a +brief period retire, and after a little time he may with better success +renew his purpose.</p> + +<p>Strange dogs are not easily examined in their own homes, especially if +they be favorites and their indulgent owners are present. Like spoiled +children, the beasts seem to be aware of all the advantages which the +affections of their master give to their humors. They will assume so much, +and play such antics, as renders it impossible to arrive at any just +conclusion as to the actual state of their health. Dogs in fact are great +impostors, and he who has had much to do with them soon learns how +cunningly the pampered "toy" of the drawing-room can "sham." For +deception, consequently, it is necessary to be prepared, and practice +quickly teaches us to distinguish between what is real and that which is +assumed. The exertion, however, required to feign disturbs the system, and +the struggle which always accompanies the act renders it frequently +impossible to make the necessary observation with requisite nicety. Petted +dogs are, therefore, best examined away from their homes, and in the +absence of any one who has been in the habit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> of caressing them. +Frequently I have found it of no avail to attempt the examination of these +creatures at the residences of their owners; but the same animals brought +to my surgery have, without a struggle, allowed me to take what liberties +I pleased. I usually carry such dogs into a room by myself, and commence +by quickly but gently lifting them off their legs and throwing them upon +their backs. This appears to take the creatures by surprise, and a little +assurance soon allays any fear which the action may have excited. The dog +seldom after resists, but permits itself to be freely handled. Should, +however, any disposition to bite be exhibited, the hand ought immediately +to grasp the throat, nor should the hold be relinquished until the +creature is fully convinced of the inutility of its malice, and thoroughly +assured that no injury is intended towards it. A few kind words, and the +absence of anything approaching to severity, will generally accomplish the +latter object in a short period, and confidence being gained, the brute +seldom violates the contract.</p> + +<p>Dogs are intelligent and honorable creatures, and no man will have reason +to regret who teaches himself to trust in their better qualities. I have +hitherto, in a great measure, escaped their teeth, and being slow and +infirm, my good fortune certainly cannot be attributed to my activity. +Kindness and consideration work upon animals; nor do I believe there are +many of the lower creatures that will not appreciate such appeals. It is +better, therefore, to work upon the sympathetic nature<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> of the brute, than +to compete with it in strength, or endeavor to outvie it in agility. +Manual dexterity will often fail, and is seldom employed save when danger +is present. Mental supremacy appealing to the source of action ensures +safety, by subduing, not the resistance, but the desire to resist.</p> + +<p>It is easy to ascertain when the dog has regained that tranquillity which +would allow of its being trusted with security. The eye need alone be +consulted, and a little observation will speedily instruct any one to read +its meaning correctly. When the creature is irritated, the pupil +invariably dilates, and by singly marking this circumstance, the temper of +the beast may be correctly ascertained. Nor should caution be discarded +until the contracted circle assures that the agitation has passed away.</p> + +<p>With the smaller kind of spaniels and the generality of petted animals, +the indications of the eye may be depended upon; but with the more robust +and less familiarized species it is safest to take some precaution, even, +while the sign of sagacity is exhibited. Certain dogs, those of coarse +breeds and large size, are exceedingly treacherous, and sometimes are not +safe even to their masters. Creatures of this kind are, however, usually +as devoid of courage as they are deficient of magnanimity; and by the +display of resolution are to be readily subdued.</p> + +<p>When, however, really sick, there are few dogs which may not be +approached. Under such circumstances, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> utmost gentleness should be +employed. The stranger should advance quietly, and not bustle rudely up to +the animal. He should speak to it in accents of commiseration, which will +be better comprehended than the majority of reasonable beings may be +willing to admit.</p> + +<p>The hand after a little while should be quietly offered to the dog to +smell, and that ceremony being ended, the pulse may be taken, or any other +necessary observation made, without dread of danger. Every consideration, +however, ought to be given to the condition of the beast. No violence on +any account should be indulged; it is better to be ignorant of symptoms +than to aggravate the disorder by attempting to ascertain their existence. +If the brain should be affected, or the nervous system sympathetically +involved, silence is absolutely imperative. No chirping or loud talking +ought under such circumstances to be allowed, and the animal should not be +carried into the light for the purpose of inspecting it. The real +condition of the patient, and the extent or nature of its disease, will be +best discovered by silently watching the animal for some time, and +attentively noting those actions which rarely fail to point out the true +seat of the disorder. Consequently manual interference is the less needed, +and in numerous instances I have, when the creature has appeared to be +particularly sensitive to being handled, trusted to visible indications, +and done so with perfect success. The hand certainly can confirm the eye, +but the mind, properly directed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> can often read sufficient without the +aid of a single sense.</p> + +<p>Having made the foregoing remarks, which the intelligence of the reader +will readily enlarge, it will next be necessary to describe in what way +the dog should be examined. Simple as this operation may appear, it is one +which few persons properly comprehend; and as upon it everything depends, +it will not be out of place to devote a few lines to its explanation.</p> + +<p>The dog, in the first place, should be permitted to run about, released +from every restraint, or only so far confined as is necessary to prevent +his escape from the limits of observation. No attempt should be made to +attract the animal's attention, but the practitioner, seating himself in +one corner, ought to be perfectly still and silent. The way in which the +creature moves; whether it roams about, stands motionless, appears +restless or indifferent, avoids the light, seems desirous of +companionship, or huddles itself into some place as far as possible +removed from inspection; whether it crouches down, curls itself round, +sits upon its haunches, turns round and round trying to bite its tail, +drags itself along the floor, or lies stretched out either upon its side +or belly; in what manner the head is carried, and to what part it is +directed; if any particular place is licked, bitten, or scratched; if +thirst is great, or the dog by scenting about shows an inclination for +food; the nature of the breathing, the expression of the countenance, the +appearance of the coat, and the general condition of the body, should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> all +be noted down. When such points have been observed, the animal is +addressed by name, and attempts may be made to approach and to caress it; +the way in which it responds, submits to, or resents such advances being +carefully remarked.</p> + +<p>The dog may then be handled. The eyes and their membrane are inspected, to +see if the one be dull or moistened by any discharge, and if the other be +reddened, pallid, yellow, or discolored.</p> + +<p>The ears are next felt around, their edges lifted to discover if any +blackened wax or soreness be present in their convolutions, and slightly +squeezed to ascertain if any crackling sensation is communicated to the +fingers, or sign of pain evinced by the animal.</p> + +<p>The nose is now to be remarked. If it be moist or dry; and if dry, whether +it is at all encrusted. The back of the hand or side of the cheek should +be applied to the part to ascertain its temperature.</p> + +<p>The lips should next be raised, and the state of their lining membrane, +with the condition of the teeth, observed.</p> + +<p>The jaws should then be separated, that the tongue may be seen +sufficiently to note its color, and the breath smelt.</p> + +<p>The hand should subsequently be passed over the head and along the back, +to feel the hair, and discover whether there exist any sore places or +tumors concealed beneath it. The coat may now be generally examined, to +find whether in any part the covering is thin or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> deficient. Its firmness +should afterwards be tried, and the itchiness of the skin tested by the +nails, as well as its thickness and pliancy ascertained between the +fingers.</p> + +<p>The hand should also be applied to the throat, and carried along the +course of the windpipe, feeling for any swelling of the salivary glands, +or enlargement of the thyroid. It is next passed to the abdomen, and the +inferior part of the cavity is gently pressed upwards, to ascertain if the +rectus abdominis muscle be contracted, or the animal shows symptoms of +tenderness. The abdomen may subsequently be kneaded between the fingers. +The amount of fat should not be unnoticed, nor should the firmness of the +muscles pass unobserved.</p> + +<p>When all this is accomplished, the dog is laid upon its side or back, and +the tail being elevated, the anus is inspected and felt, to see whether it +be inflamed or protruded, and to feel if it be indurated or thickened.</p> + +<p>The feet are now taken up, and the length and shape of the nails, with the +condition of the dew claws, inspected, to see whether they are growing +into the flesh, or by their shortness indicate the animal has been +accustomed to healthful exercise. The pad and web also receive a glance.</p> + +<p>If the animal be a male, the prepuce is first pressed and then withdrawn, +to perceive if any discharge be present, or if the lining membrane be +inflamed or ulcerated.</p> + +<p>Should it be a bitch, the vulva are inspected, to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> observe if they are +moistened by any exudation, or if they are swollen and excited by the +touch. They are separated to observe the color of the lining membrane.</p> + +<p>The mammæ are then felt, to know if the animal has ever borne pups, or if +any of them are hardened. At the same time the parts are squeezed, to +discover whether or not they contain milk.</p> + +<p>Such is a general description of the manner of proceeding, but there are +many possibilities which the above directions, lengthy and minute as they +may read, do not include. Such, for instance, as hernia, and disease of +the testicle or scrotum. All, however, it would not be necessary to +describe at length, and the foregoing instructions will lead the eye to +any extraordinary appearances should they exist. The experienced +practitioner probably will do less than is here set down, being educated +to a promptitude which enables him to leap as it were at once to those +parts which deserve his attention. For such the above is not intended; but +he who has not made the dog his special study, will certainly find his +advantage in going through the whole ceremony; nor will the most +experienced practitioner habitually neglect any portion of it, without +having cause to lament his inattention. To examine the dog properly, is +perhaps even more difficult than to perform the same office upon the +horse, and certainly it is a duty which there are few persons qualified to +discharge.</p> + +<p>Having spoken of the proper manner of examining the animal, before I +proceed to describe its diseases, I shall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> touch upon some of those +matters which are essential to its health. It will, however, be understood +that I do not here pretend to treat of hounds, which for the most part are +well attended to, and fed, exercised, &c., according to the judgment of +the individual entrusted with the superintendence of the kennel. Little +probably could be written which would materially amend the condition of +these creatures; but petted and housed dogs are commonly treated after a +fashion with which judgment has nothing to do. Persons are indulgent to +their animals, and imagine that they are also kind, when too often they +oppose the dictates of their reason to gratify the weakness of their +momentary impulses. A little reflection will convince such people that +humanity does not consist in the yielding to every expression of desire. +The dog, in a state of nature, being carnivorous, and obliged to hunt for +its food, in all probability would not feed every day; certainly it would +seldom make more than one meal in twenty-four hours. When the prey was +caught, it would be torn to pieces, and with the flesh much earth would be +swallowed. The animal, however, is now to be regarded as subjected to man; +but while so viewing it, nothing will be lost by keeping in sight its +primitive habits.</p> + +<p>The dog can fast for a great number of days. Abstinence for forty-eight +hours seldom injures it; but it is a practice which ought not to be too +frequently adopted, as by its repetition the digestion is weakened. One +meal, however, is sufficient, in every case, for the twenty-four hours. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>Animals not worked, but kept as favourites, or allowed only to range at +pleasure, should not have any meat, nor be permitted to consume any large +quantity of fatty substances. Butter, fat, or grease, soon renders the +skin of the dog diseased and its body gross. Milk, fine bread, cakes, or +sugar, are better far for children, and can be on the human race bestowed +with advantage; while given to the brute they are apt to generate +disorders, which a long course of medicine will not in every case +eradicate. Beer, wine, or spirits, all of which the dog can be induced to +drink, show rather the master's ignorance than the creature's liking. Nice +food, or that which a human being would so consider, is in fact not fitted +to support the dog in health. It may appear offensive to ladies when they +behold their favourites gorge rankly, but Nature has wisely ordained that +her numerous children should, by their difference of appetite, consume the +produce of earth. The dog, therefore, can enjoy and thrive upon that which +man thinks of with disgust; but our reason sees in this circumstance no +facts worthy of our exclamation. The animal seeking the provender its +Creator formed its appetite to relish, is not necessarily filthy or +unclean; but could dogs write books, probably the opinions of these beasts +upon many of the made dishes and tit-bits of the fashionable circles, +would be opposed to the ideas which delicate epicures entertain concerning +such luxurious fare. The spaniel which, bloated with sweets, escapes from +the drawing-room to amuse itself with a blackened bone picked from a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>dung-hill, follows but the inclination of its kind; and while tearing with +its teeth the dirt-begrimed morsels, it is, according to its nature, +daintily employed. Could we read its thoughts, probably the perverse +little pet, even while it is provoking its mistress's horror, is +reflecting upon the nasty trash which the human stomach can endure, and +upon the tempting relishes which mankind know not, like dogs, how to +appreciate. An occasional bone and a little dirt are beneficial to the +canine race, while food nicely minced and served on plates is calculated +to do harm. Such keep fattens to excess, destroys activity, renders the +bowels costive, and causes the teeth to be encrusted with tartar.</p> + +<p>A bone is of great service to the animal, which cannot employ a +tooth-brush; and the larger it be and the less meat upon it, the better it +will prove for little high-fed favorites. A dog in strong health may +digest an occasional meal of bones; but the pet has generally a weak and +often a diseased stomach, which would be irritated by what would otherwise +do it no harm. The animal, nevertheless, true to its instinct, has always +an inclination to swallow such substances, provided its teeth can break +off a piece of a size fitted for deglutition. Game and chicken-bones, +which are readily crushed, should therefore be withheld, for not +infrequently is choking caused by pieces sticking in the œsophagus; +though more often is vomiting induced by irritation of the stomach, or +serious impactment of the posterior intestine ensues upon the feebleness +of the digestion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>The bone, therefore, should be large, and on it there should be nothing +which the knife can remove. It ought to be thrown upon the earth, and the +animal should be allowed to gnaw it at leisure. During the act, a +considerable quantity of earth and saliva will be swallowed, and little +actual food be added to an already loaded stomach. In all points of view +the animal is benefited. The soil is always slightly alkaline, and so is +the saliva; any undue acidity is by both in some measure counteracted; but +the earth is also of further service. Food too highly or purely nutritive +will not support life; but to render it healthy, a certain quantity of +indigestible or refuse matter is imperative. The latter portion acts +mechanically as a stimulant to the intestines, and hence, gentlemen by +choice consume bread in which a portion of the husk is mingled, finding it +prevents the costiveness that the baker's "best" induces. Dogs are here +very like men, but they require more of the mixture than the human being +could bear. The animals, therefore, should not be fed off plates.</p> + +<p>The better practice is to take the day's allowance and throw it upon the +ground, letting the beast eat it with what addition it may please. Neither +should the nature of the food itself be disregarded. Oatmeal or +ship-biscuit ought always to be given, if alone the better, else rice upon +which gravy has been poured. Meat, when allowed, should be lean, and the +coarser the better. Paunch or tripe is excellent food for dogs, and for a +continuance I have found nothing agree so well. Horse-flesh or any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> such +filth is never to be allowed; this kind of food being very apt to generate +diseases of the skin. Dogs will thrive on liver, but it is too valuable an +article of diet for these creatures to be regularly given. When only +occasionally administered it has a well-marked laxative property, and on +this account will often be of service in rendering needless the use of +medicinal agents. In the raw state, if the animal will take it, its action +is more powerful; but after it has been boiled it generally is +sufficiently operative. The meat, whatever it may be, should, for animals +not in work, be boiled, raw flesh being more stimulative than their +comparatively idle pursuits demand. Such animals, in fact, may be said to +lead sedentary lives, and their diet must be lowered to suit their habits. +For the pointer, &c., during the season, raw flesh is actually to be +preferred, nor should the quantity be limited. The exertion is great, and +the utmost indulgence in this respect will seldom do harm; but my own +experience teaches me that the sporting dog is often crippled by being +under-fed. It cannot consume too much, neither can that much be too +nourishing, especially if the country to be shot over is of a hilly +nature. It is one of the prejudices of most men to believe that a feed of +oats to the horse, or a meal of flesh to the dog, just before starting, +gives strength for the labor which is to be endured. We cannot, however, +make strength as beds are made, at any moment, but the invigoration of a +living body must be the result of a slow and a long process. On the day of +work it is of less consequence what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> food is given than is the diet which +has been allowed the many previous weeks.</p> + +<p>Regularity in the hour of feeding should equally be observed; and if this +matter be generally attended to, there will be no danger of its being +forgotten, since dogs' stomachs are excellent time-keepers, and the brutes +are not by any delicacy of feeling restrained from asking. The hour, after +a little while, will always for the sake of peace be kept, and the animals +will soon learn the rules to which they are subjected.</p> + +<p>For home-kept dogs there is no possibility of stating the quantity of food +that ought to be allowed. No two animals in this respect are alike. One +eats much, and its fellow consumes but little; yet the small feeder in +most cases thrives the best even where neither is stinted. The quantity, +therefore, cannot be measured. The only rule to be observed is, that there +be enough placed before the animal at a stated hour. Let him eat of this +till the slackening of the jaws' movement and the raising of the head +indicate that hunger has been for the present appeased. So soon as this is +remarked the food ought to be withdrawn. On no account should the creature +be allowed to gorge to repletion, or eat after its healthy craving has +been satisfied. While the dog eats it should therefore be watched; and +this custom works well, as the failure of the appetite often gives to the +attendant the earliest indication of disease.</p> + +<p>The dog that neglects its day's allowance should not be coaxed to feed, +but ought to be left alone for some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> minutes, or until its companions have +finished their meal. It should then be examined, and if nothing can be +detected, perhaps the abstinence of a day may restore it. Until the proper +hour arrives on the following day, nothing ought to be given to the +animal, nor should any inclination on its part for food be noticed.</p> + +<p>Where eating is concerned, dogs have lively sympathies. The animal which +at its own kennel has feasted to satiety, will wake from its digestive +slumber to taste anything of which it sees its master partaking. These +creatures are so peculiarly sensitive in this respect, that they will do +violence to their feelings rather than be left out when eating is going +forward. Dogs moreover are most pertinacious beggars, and they soon learn +the cunning of the trade. On no account should they be permitted to +frequent the kitchen. If properly reared, they will be rigidly honest, +but, like the "audacious cats," they offer a ready excuse to dishonest +kitchen-maids, who will sometimes do injury by subjecting the animal to +undeserved chastisement.</p> + +<p>Where the servants are trustworthy this danger will not arise; but good +servants mostly have tender hearts, and dogs have a peculiar tact in +appealing to female weaknesses. However strict may be the orders, and +however sincere may be the disposition to observe them, bits will +fall,—scraps will be thrown down,—dishes will be placed upon the ground, +and sometimes affection will venture to offer just "the little piece," +which no one could call feeding. It is astonishing how much will in this +way be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> picked up, for the dog that lies most before the kitchen fire is +generally the fattest, laziest, and at feeding time the best behaved of +his company. Consequently no dog should be allowed to enter the kitchen, +for their arts in working upon mortal frailty can only be met by insisting +on their absence. The dog that is well fed and not crammed, should not +refuse bread when it is offered. If this be rejected, while sugar is +eagerly snapped up, it will be pretty certain that the animal is either +too much indulged, or that its health requires attention.</p> + +<p>Some writers recommend pot-liquor for dogs. It is not advisable to use +this. The water in which salt meat has been boiled ought never to be +employed. Greens are not nutritious, but they often purge; and if the +animal will eat them, they can sometimes be given when liver cannot be +obtained. Potatoes will, with other substances, agree with animals not +required for work, but the rice I have recommended will be found for +general purposes the best, and not the most expensive food upon which the +animal can be sustained. Persons having lap-dogs will moreover find the +keep upon rice, properly seasoned, or soaked in gravy, less liable to +render these creatures strong or tainted than the provender which is +choicely selected from the joint provided for the family dinner. The warm +meat too often presented to these creatures is apt to enfeeble their +digestions; for their stomachs are soon deranged, and they never should be +allowed to taste any kind of food which is not perfectly cold.</p> + +<p>The food for diseased dogs should be prepared with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> extreme care, and no +disregard of cleanliness; in fact, it should in every respect be such as a +human being could partake of, provided the ingredients were not repugnant +to his taste. Sickness cannot be relieved without trouble, and in many +cases an animal requires as much attention as a child. To gain success, +neither time, labor, nor expense must be begrudged; but the attendant must +be assiduous and the cook skilful. Nothing smoked or burnt, no refuse or +tainted flesh, must on any account be made use of. The meat may be coarse, +but it should be fresh and wholesome. Dirty saucepans or dishes ought not +to be employed; and so very important are these circumstances, that the +practitioner who engages in dog practice will often surprise his +acquaintances by being seen at market, or busied over the fire. Beef tea +is one of the articles which in extreme cases is of great service. Few +servants, however, make it properly, and when a dog is concerned there are +fewer still who will credit that any pains should be bestowed upon the +decoction. I generally either prepare it myself or superintend the person +who undertakes that office, and not unfrequently give serious offence by +my officiousness; or, spite of studious attention, fail in procuring that +which I desire. Still, as in the last extremity food is even of more +importance than medicine, my anxiety cannot be conquered by such +schooling, and I am therefore content to bear the sneers of those who +cannot understand my motives.</p> + +<p>To make beef-tea properly, take a pound and a half of coarse, lean beef: +that cut from the neck or round is best.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> The leg does not answer so well, +however excellent it may be for soup. The rump steak is good for the +purpose, but no better than other and cheaper parts; though I often use it +when nothing else can be obtained so well suited for this beverage. Let +the flesh be carefully separated from every portion of skin or fat, and +chopped as fine as for sausage meat—the smaller the better—it cannot be +too minutely minced. Without washing it, put the flesh into a clean +saucepan, with a pint of water, and so place it upon the fire that it will +be half an hour at least before it boils. When it boils, allow it to +remain in that state for ten minutes, and then remove it, pouring off the +liquor, which should be set aside to cool. When cold, any fat upon the +surface should be removed, and, no salt or seasoning of any kind being +added, the beef-tea is fit for use.</p> + +<p>To the meat, which has been drained of moisture, the skin and fat may now +be added and a pint and a half of water, which should be allowed to boil +till it is reduced to a pint. This being set aside and afterwards cleared +of fat, will be of some service if used instead of water when the next +potion is required; and there is no limitation in the quantity which may +be needed.</p> + +<p>Besides beef-tea, wheaten flour, oatmeal, arrow-root, starch, biscuit +powdered, and <i>ground rice</i> are also to be employed. These are to be mixed +with water, or more often with beef-tea, and boiled; but for sick animals +the compound should not be made too thick. The ordinary consistence of +gruel will be about the proper substance,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> and a little only should be +administered every hour or half-hour, as the case may require. From half a +pint to a quart, divided so as to allow of a portion being given at the +stated periods, will be sufficient for a large or small animal, the +quantity being proportioned to the size. When the creature is so far +exhausted that it is no longer willing or able to lap, the nourishment +should be administered by means of a tube passed down the throat or into +the œsophagus; for if given with a spoon, as the breathing is always +disturbed, the consequence may be fatal, from the fluid being drawn into +the lungs. The food should always be made fresh every morning; and none +left from the previous day ought on any account to be mixed with it, more +especially if the weather be at all warm.</p> + +<p>These directions may to some appear needlessly particular; but so rapid +are the terminations of canine diseases, and so acute are they in their +development, that while the tax upon the patience is not likely to be of +long duration, the care demanded during their existence must be +unremitting.</p> + +<p><i>Exercise</i> is next to food, and if of one dogs generally have too much, of +the other few have enough. In towns, if dogs are kept, a chain and collar +should always be at hand. The servants should be ordered to take the +creatures out whenever they go upon their errands, and an occasional free +journey with the master will be a treat which will be the more enjoyed +because of the habit thus enforced.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Washing dogs</i> is not a custom deserving of half the consideration which +is bestowed upon it. The operation is not so necessary as it is generally +imagined. Soap and water make the hair look white; but the coat usually +becomes soiled the quicker because of their employment.</p> + +<p>The use of alkalies, soda, or potash, in the water, renders the immediate +effects more conspicuous; but unfortunately these substances also make the +after-consequences more vexatious. They take the sebaceous or unctuous +secretion from the coat. The skin is deprived of its natural protector in +this animal; the cuticle grows weak and dry. The hair is rendered rough; +is prepared to catch the dirt; and not unfrequently the skin itself, by +nature striving to counteract the effect of its deprivation, pours forth a +secretion that aids in causing it to appear foul. Above all, the warmth, +so repeatedly and often inhumanly applied to the entire surface of the +body, debilitates the system of the creature, and generates in the long +run certain disease, even if by the drying immediate disorder be not +engendered. The warm-bath to the dog is peculiarly debilitating, and the +heat which the hand of a cook would endure with a sense of comfort, will +sometimes cause the dog to faint. Panting is a sign of sensible weakness +in this animal, and few of these creatures are washed without exhibiting +it. If washing is insisted upon, the water should never be warm, and in +cold weather only should the <i>chill</i> be taken off. The soap ought to be of +the mildest quality; but the yelk of an egg is much to be preferred, and +in its effects is every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> way more beneficial where the hair, either of man +or beast must be cleansed. A small dog will require the yelk of one egg; +and a Newfoundland the yelks of a dozen eggs. The yelks are to be +separated from the whites and smeared well into the hair. A little water +is then to be poured upon the back, and the hand is to be rubbed upon the +coat till a lather covers the body, after which the hair may be cleared by +copious ablutions. This process is much to be preferred, and the dog +dislikes it far less than when soaps are employed. His eyes are not made +to smart, or his skin to burn, and if he tastes the substance he does not +therefore sicken. Moreover, when the business is ended, even if some +portion of the egg should cling to his hair he will not on that account +neglect his personal appearance. The coat will be found to look bright, +and to remain clean for a longer period than after the adoption of the +customary thoughtless process.</p> + +<p>Washing, however, is not constantly required, if a dog be kept combed and +brushed every morning, and does not reside in a very filthy locality. A +little dirt after a walk is easily removed, if it be allowed to dry +perfectly, and the hair is then rubbed and picked by the hand of its +attendant, when the comb will complete the proceeding. A bath every +morning does the generality of dogs good; but it should be cold, and the +animal ought not to be punished by having its head submerged. It should be +plunged up to the neck, the head being held above the surface. While in +the water the coat should be well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> rubbed with the hand, that every +portion of the hair may become thoroughly soaked. This over, no attempt +should be made to dry the dog, for that is not by any industry to be +perfectly accomplished. Neither ought the dog to be wrapped up, placed +before the fire, or suffered to lie about, which it is always by a sense +of discomfort induced to do, if not made to move. The animal ought +immediately to be started for a scamper, and never allowed to remain +quiescent until its activity has driven every trace of moisture from its +body. Not until this is thoroughly effected should the creature be brought +in-doors, or be suffered to rest for a moment. If healthy it will require +little exertion on its attendant's part to make it jump and run about; but +some of these little animals have to carry a burthen of fat which no sense +of uneasiness can provoke them to move under of their free wills. An +active lad with a chain may, in these last cases, be of much use; but he +should be told to exercise his charge in some spot open to the master's +eye, else the boy may play while the animal shivers.</p> + +<p>Some dogs show a great dislike to, strenuously fighting with, the collar +and chain; others will exhibit the most piteous distress, by squatting +upon their hocks, and whining, while they pant vehemently, and look +imploringly up to the face of their leader. The first are probably not +aware of the intention of the bonds to which they are subjected, and +should not be harshly rebuked. The voice ought to assure them, and means +be resorted to calculated to allay their fears. Gentleness and firmness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> +will in two or three days render such animals perfectly submissive for +ever after. The last kind are rank impostors. No one not familiar with +these animals would credit the arts which they can with such excellent +effect and apparent genuineness practise to gain their ends. They have +been used to be carried, and they prefer riding in the arms of a human +being. Their insinuating tricks ought to be rewarded only by laughter, +accompanied with an admonition.</p> + +<p>Dogs are very intelligent. They understand much more than men choose to +give them credit for. Their pride is enormous, and through this feeling +they are easily moved. Laughter, when directed against himself, no dog can +endure, and the slightest reprimand is always answered by an immediate +change of aspect. Rather than have their dignity offended, dogs will +quickly become honest, especially when deceit is experienced to be of no +avail. People who are physiognomists may detect this sentiment impressed +upon the countenance. Upon the next page is a portrait of a Mastiff. Mark +the absolute Asiatic dignity, only outwardly slurred over by a +heedlessness of behaviour. Does it not seem as though the creature, +through very pride reposing upon strength, was above forms? Who could +think of laughing at such gravity? Would it not be like ridiculing nature +to insult one who has such outward claims to our respect?</p> + +<p>Sporting dogs will always take the exercise that is beneficial, and for +such the cold bath is much to be recommended. Only in skin diseases should +the tepid bath be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> resorted to. It is of much service when the skin is hot +and inflamed, but after it, exercise ought not to be neglected. For +healthy animals the hot or warm bath should never be employed; but the sea +is frequently as beneficial to dogs as to their owners; only always +bearing in mind that the head should be preserved dry.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_104_th.jpg" width="500" height="414" alt="THE MASTIFF." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE MASTIFF.</span> +</div> + +<p>Vermin often are very troublesome to dogs, and I have known these animals +destroyed because their owners were ignorant of the process by which the +annoyance might have been readily conquered. There are many powerful drugs +recommended by different writers to effect this end; but though all of +them are sufficiently potent to annihilate the parasite, most of them are +also strong enough to kill the dog. When fleas are numerous, the dog must +be taken from the place where it has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> been accustomed to sleep. The bed +must be entirely removed, and the kennel sluiced—not merely washed—with +boiling water, after which it ought to be painted over with spirits of +turpentine. The dog itself ought to be washed with eggs and water, as +before directed; but with the yelk of every egg a teaspoonful of spirits +of turpentine should be blended. After this, the animal should have pine +shavings to sleep upon, and if these are frequently renewed, the annoyance +will seldom be again complained of. As, however, exceptional cases will +always start up, should the tribe not be entirely dispersed, the washing +must be repeated; or if from want of time or other cause it be +inconvenient to renew that operation, a little powdered camphor rubbed +into the coat will mostly abate and often eradicate the nuisance.</p> + +<p>Lice often cover the body of the dog, and especially crowd upon its head +around the eyes and lips. There need be no dread of their presence, since +these vermin will not live upon the human being, though similar to the +kind which will. When they are perceived, the dog should be carried into +some place in which grease stains are not of much consequence. It ought +then to be covered with castor oil till the hair is completely saturated. +In this state it should be allowed to remain at least twelve hours, at the +expiration of which time the oil may be removed with yelk of eggs and +water: only an additional number of eggs will be required. As to the +quantity of castor oil which may be necessary, a moderate-sized dog with a +long coat will require about a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> pound, and a large Newfoundland four times +that amount. The process, as might be anticipated, operates upon the +bowels; but I have never found it to do so with any dangerous power; on +the contrary, the laxative effect is generally in these cases beneficial.</p> + +<p>Medicine to the dog requires to be administered with caution. The nostrums +which are so particularly recommended by grooms and farriers ought never +to be made use of. The veterinary surgeon is less likely to commit error; +but there are, however, few of the profession who devote attention to the +dog with the zeal which the comprehension of its diseases and their +treatment demand. Huntsmen and gamekeepers are generally from practical +experience not altogether inapt dog doctors, where the larger and more +robust kind of animal is to be treated, but for the smaller and petted +species these persons ought not to be consulted. Many of their receipts +are harsh—not a few of them inoperative—and some even dangerous; while +all for the most part are pushed down at random, or in total ignorance of +any effect the agents employed may induce beyond the intended one of doing +good or working a certain cure. Nevertheless, with the kind of animals +generally entrusted to their charge, such persons are so far successful +that, in the absence of better advice, they deserve to be consulted for +the larger species of dogs. The human physician will also, on occasions, +be enabled to prescribe advantageously for the canine race; but not +knowing the treatment of the diseases, and the symptoms being too often +deceptive, the highest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> opinions are by no means to be absolutely relied +upon.</p> + +<p>Dog-doctoring is, in fact, a separate branch of science so intricate as to +call for intense study strengthened by constant observation. No one not +attached to the animal should attempt to master it, for success in such a +case would be hopeless. The annoyances are so great that the patience is +continually being tried; and the facts on which reliance can be placed are +so few, that he who is content to depend upon the received assertions will +never be able to realize his expectation. Nothing is more erroneous than +to believe that there is any close analogy between man and the dog in the +operation of medicinal substances. Aloes, rhubarb, &c., are not purgatives +to the dog; but castor oil, which to the human being is a gentle laxative, +to the dog is an active purge; while Epsom salts are a violent hydragogue +to the canine patient, producing copious and watery stools. Common salt is +in large doses a poison, and in apparent small quantities is so strong an +emetic as to be dangerous. Salivation speedily ensues upon the use of +minute quantities of mercury, which therefore cannot be considered safe in +the hands of the general practitioner. Secale cornutum has little specific +action beyond that of inducing vomiting; and strychnia cannot be with +security administered, on account of its poisonous operation upon the +animal. Other instances, casting more than suspicion upon the inferences +which every writer upon Materia Medica draws from the action of drugs +given to dogs,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> could easily be quoted, but they would here be somewhat +out of place; and probably sufficient has been said to check a dangerous +reliance upon results that admit of no positive deduction.</p> + +<p>It is painful to peruse the "<i>experiments</i>" made especially by the French +authors. We read that so much of some particular agent caused death to a +dog in such a period; but he must be wise indeed who learns anything from +statements of this kind. The word dog represents animals of various sizes +and very diverse constitutions; therefore no conclusion can be drawn from +an assertion that does not embrace every particular. Unfortunately, +however, the operators think it no disgrace to their scientific +attainments to put forth such loose and idle assertions; nor do they seem +to hold it derogatory to their intelligence that they assume to reach a +show of certainty by experimentalising upon a creature about which, as +their reports bear witness, they literally know nothing. Equally +unsatisfactory are the surgical and physiological experiments made upon +these creatures. No results deduced from such acts can be of the slightest +importance. The anatomy of the dog is not by them generally understood. +There is no book upon this subject that is deserving of commendation; and, +to instance the ignorance which prevails even in places where a +superficial knowledge ought to exist, I will mention but one circumstance.</p> + +<p>At the Royal Veterinary College there is a professor of Particular +Anatomy, whose duty it is specially to instruct<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> the pupils concerning the +dog. The lectures, however, embrace but little, and that little is +principally devoted to wandering remarks upon the osseous structure. Of +the value of such teaching some opinion may be formed when the skeleton at +the College actually exhibits the bones placed in wrong or unnatural +situations. After the proof thereby afforded, with what reliance can any +sane mind accept the awful declarations of those anatomists who, upon the +living bodies of these creatures, have, according to their own accounts, +exhibited a nicety and certainty of skill which the profoundest +acquaintance with the various structures and parts would still leave +incomprehensible? Such reports evidence only the presumptuous folly of +individuals—the publication of such records testifies no more than the +ignorance of the age.</p> + +<p><i>To give medicine to the Dog</i> often creates more bustle than the magnitude +of the creature appears to justify. Moreover, if the parties concerned in +the undertaking are not quite up to their business, the animal, which, +between its gasping, howling, and struggling, will find time to bite, +increases the activity by provoking human exclamations. I have known this +species of confusion to have been continued for half an hour; during which +work was stopped in a forge, and three brawny smiths joined a veterinary +surgeon's efforts to give a pill to a little spaniel that could not have +weighed above eight pounds. The dog was beaten and hands were bitten, but +after all no pill was swallowed. The result was the natural consequence of +the manner of proceeding. No<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> man should contend with an animal, and +especially with a dog, whose excitement soon renders it incapable of +obedience.</p> + +<p>With brutes of every kind, if the mastery cannot, by a bold stratagem, be +gained at once, it should be only established through the confidence of +the animal, which a few acts of kindness will, in the majority of cases, +easily win. I have had dogs brought to me which seemed disposed rather to +part with life than permit their jaws to be handled. The poor beasts had +been harshly used by the persons who had previously undertaken to treat +them. These creatures have remained with me, and in a little time have +grown so submissive that my shop-boy could with ease give any kind of +physic which I ordered to be prepared. Firmness and kindness were the only +stratagems I employed. I took care never to give the dog a chance of +mastery, but while ensuring my victory, I was careful that the conquest +caused no sense of pain. A few pats, with a kind word, and an occasional +reward in the shape of a bit of meat, induced the creature more willingly +to submit when the next dose came round.</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 273px;"> +<img src="images/img_114_th.jpg" width="273" height="353" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>A small dog should be taken into the lap, the person who is to give the +physic being seated. If the animal has learned to fight with its claws, an +assistant must kneel at the side of the chair and tightly hold them when +the dog has been cast upon its back. The left hand is then made to grasp +the skull, the thumb and fore finger being pressed against the cheeks so +as to force<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> them between the posterior molar teeth. A firm hold of the +head will thus be gained, and the jaws are prevented from being closed by +the pain which every effort to shut the mouth produces. No time should be +lost, but the pill ought to be dropped as far as possible into the mouth, +and with the finger of the right hand it ought to be pushed the entire +length down the throat. This will not inconvenience the dog. The +epiglottis is of such a size that the finger does not excite a desire to +vomit; and the pharynx and œsophagus are so lax that the passage +presents no obstruction.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 453px;"> +<img src="images/img_115_th.jpg" width="453" height="295" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>When the finger is withdrawn, the jaws ought to be clapped together, and +the attention of the creature diverted. The tongue being protruded to lick +the nose and lips will certify that the substance has been swallowed, and +after a caress or two the dog may be released. Large brutes, however, are +not thus easily mastered. Creatures of this description must be cheated, +and they fortunately are not so naturally suspicious as those of the +smaller kind. For months I have thus deceived a huge, ferocious, but noble +guardian of a yard, who appeared incapable of conceiving that deception +was being practised. The dog bolts its food, and, unless the piece be of +unusual size, it is rarely masticated. The more tempting the morsel, the +more eagerly is it gorged; and a bit of juicy or fat meat, cut so as to +contain and cover the pill, ensures its being swallowed. Medicine, +however, which in this manner is to be administered, ought to be perfectly +devoid of smell, or for a certainty the trick will be discovered. Indeed, +there are but few drugs possessed of odour which can be long used in dog +practice, and even those that are endowed with much taste cannot be +continuously employed. When the dog is very ill, the intelligent beast +becomes conscious of its danger, and almost any kind or any form of +medicine will be accepted. There is no difficulty generally then; but in +chronic diseases, that only vex the temper and scarcely lower the spirit, +the ingenuity will mostly need to be exerted. Some medicines, however, can +be dissolved in the water; others may be smeared upon the food; and +fortunately the majority of those drugs appropriate to slow and inveterate +disorders admit of being thus exhibited. Fluids are perhaps more readily +than solids given to dogs, by the generality of inexperienced persons. To +administer liquids, the jaws should not be forced open and the bottle +emptied into the mouth, as when this method is pursued the greater portion +will be lost. The animal's head being gently raised, the corner of the +mouth should be drawn aside, so as to pull the cheek from the teeth. A +kind of funnel will thus be formed, and into this a quantity of the +medicine equal to its capacity should be poured. After a little while the +fluid will, by its own gravity, trickle into the pharynx, and oblige the +dog, however unwilling it may be, to swallow. A second portion should then +be given in the like way, and thus, little by little, till the full dose +is consumed. Often dogs treated in this fashion swallow a draught very +expeditiously; but others will remain a considerable time before they +deglutate. Some, spite of every precaution, will manage to reject the +greater part, and others will not waste a drop. The dexterity of the +practitioner makes some difference; but no skill can ensure the drink +being taken. Patience, however, is here of most avail; but when the mouth +is full of fluid, by gently separating the jaws the animal may be caused +to deglutate.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 498px;"> +<img src="images/img_116_th.jpg" width="498" height="374" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p><p>Two pieces of tape, one passed behind the canine teeth or tusks of the +upper, and the other in like manner upon the lower jaw, have been +recommended. The tapes are given to an assistant, who, pulling at them, +forces the mouth open, and holds it in that position. In certain cases +this may be adopted for pills; indeed every stratagem will be needed to +meet the multifarious circumstances that will arise. For ordinary +occurrences, however, the practice is not to be commended, and should +never be embraced when drinks have to be given: the animal cannot swallow +while the jaws are held asunder; but for solids this plan answers better. +There are several objections, however, to be urged against its constant +use. The operation is violent, and the restraint it necessitates not alone +prevents the poor animal deglutating fluids, but also terrifies the brute, +who, on the next occasion, naturally is the more resistful. Difficulties, +therefore, increase, and the dog generally is not long before it learns to +baffle the attempt to confine it. Moreover, unless the assistant be very +well up to his business, his steadiness cannot be depended upon, and the +hand often is wounded by the teeth of the patient.</p> + +<p>I therefore do not, as a general custom, resort to the tapes, and I advise +others only to employ them upon necessity. There are some creatures so +artful and so resolute that any attempt to give them physic is certain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> to +be frustrated. These are mostly small dogs that have been tutored by +severity, and such animals are not subdued by any amount of suffering. The +poor beasts fear the doctor more than the disease; and, though gentle in +their dispositions, are resolute in their resistance. For such cases I +employ the stomach pump, and by its aid introduce a dose of sulphate of +magnesia; for in general it is only purgatives that require to be given in +bulk. Other drugs may be either disguised, or exhibited by injection. +Enemata are of great service to this animal, and I make much use of them. +In their exhibition, care should always be taken to introduce the pipe +without any force; having previously greased the tube to ensure its +passing the more readily. While the instrument is in the rectum the dog +should be firmly held, else, in its struggles, the intestine may be +injured. The fluid should be gently thrown up, even when a large quantity +is employed. For those injections, however, which it is desirable to have +retained, from an ounce to a quarter of a pound will be sufficient. Warm +water ought not to be used as an injection, since it washes away the +mucus, renders the intestinal surface harsh, and prevents the passage of +the fœces. Linseed tea or any mucilaginous fluid answers the purpose +better, and a solution of soap is excellent in many cases, when only a +laxative effect is desired. The form, however, as will in the course of +this work be explained, must be repeatedly varied, since this agent may be +rendered medicinal or nutritive.</p> + +<p>Purgatives are most valuable, but are not free from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> danger. The digestive +canal of the dog is peculiarly irritable, and no less sensitive to the +action of medicine. There are few diseases in which the stomach and +intestines are not involved, and very many in which purgatives are +directly contra-indicated. No one should get into the habit of thrusting +physic of this nature down the throats of his animals; and sportsmen may +rest assured that, to the dog at all events, preparatory doses are not +necessary to condition. Those, however, who persist in using such stuffs +will do well not to employ the compounds in general use. The mixture of +poppies, buckthorn, and castor oil is a filthy mess; and I do not +understand the principles upon which the abomination is based. A better +and more cleanly mixture is thus made:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol: Ricini</td><td align='left'>4 parts.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol: Olivæ</td><td align='left'>2 "</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol: Anisi</td><td align='left'>Q. s.</td><td align='left'>Mix.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>A little pounded sugar added to this will often render it palatable, +which, being of a fluid consistency, is without difficulty exhibited. The +compound, however, flows the more readily if it be slightly warmed, and in +winter it even requires to be thus prepared. Sulphate of magnesia I rarely +employ; and, as a general purgative, it is not suited to the dog, though +in exceptional cases it will be seen I recommend it. Should pills be +preferred, the following will be found to answer every purpose:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Ext: Col:</td><td align='left'>Half a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Pulv: Colch:</td><td align='left'>Six grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Pil: Hydrarg:</td><td align='left'>Five grains.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> +<p>This is for one pill, which is a dose for a small dog of seven or eight +pounds weight. Three times the quantity would be required for a +Newfoundland. It is not very powerful in its action; its effect upon the +system being quite as much alterative as laxative. The animal under its +operation is evidently nauseated, and refuses food for about twelve hours; +at the expiration of which time relief is afforded by a not very copious, +but bilious evacuation. It is, however, important that, after the +administration of a purgative, the dog should be permitted to remain +perfectly quiet; since, if put to exercise, or much excited, the medicine +will in all probability be ejected.</p> + +<p>Emetics are shamefully abused, being so universally employed by the owners +of dogs, and so strenuously recommended by writers upon their treatment, +that one might think these agents were held to possess some charmed power +over the health of the animal. Lecturers are marvellously fluent upon the +subject of the dog's vomiting, which they dwell upon with such delight +that their auditors must suppose the act of revulsion in the canine +species is a pleasurable performance. Let any one, however, possessed of +sense and reason, observe the creature in the act of being sick. The +attitude is not characterised by ease; but the body is drawn up +preparatory for some unusual effort. The countenance does not bespeak +tranquillity; but the face is expressive of inward oppression. The +animal's frame is shaken by convulsive spasms, each throe being announced +by a deep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> pectoral sound, and only after this has repeatedly been heard +is the stomach able to cast off its contents.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 427px;"> +<img src="images/img_121_th.jpg" width="427" height="273" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>The description denotes nothing calculated to suggest that the organ whose +derangement is so marked should be rudely tampered with. It is true the +dog can readily be made to vomit. No creature is more easily moved in that +way; but in such a circumstance reason should perceive no license to +thrust emetics down the animal's throat. The organ which is so readily +excited, by the fact asserts its sensibility, and on that very account +ought to be the more respected. I have found oftener difficulty to check +this tendency than reason to provoke it. Repeatedly are tonics rejected, +and only by the reduction of the dose can the dog's stomach be made to +retain the medicine. The emetics in common use are, moreover, far too +violent. Antimonial wine, from half a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful, is +much preferable to tartar emetic and calomel.</p> + +<p>On no account should such doses as Blaine prescribes ever be exhibited. +Youatt in his recommendation is much better, but even the amount he orders +is too great.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> A quarter of a grain of tartar emetic in solution is +sufficient for a middling sized dog; and four grains of ipecacuanha is +equally effective. If in two hours (which rarely happens) no effect is +produced, it is better to repeat the dose, and continue even to do so, +than to commence with a larger quantity in the first instance. These +animals in their constitutions are so various, and the practitioner has so +little to guide his judgment, that the utmost caution will not in every +instance protect him from self-reproach; and in no case is he warranted in +closing his mind against the suggestions of prudence. It is true the +primary effects of an emetic are generally gratifying, but the after +consequences, if carefully traced, will not be found to be equally +satisfactory. Often the purge and the vomit, with which every dabbler +commences his treatment of a "dog-case," appear to give relief; but, +commonly, when the immediate excitation which their first operation +naturally calls forth passes away, debility ensues, and the termination is +not in harmony with the beginning. I once was very partial to emetics. I +now rarely make use of them, and have no reason to lament my change of +practice.</p> + +<p>No notice will be bestowed upon those mysterious compounds known as +alteratives, sedatives, &c., which are given merely because habit has +sanctioned their administration. Names are in medicine dangerous things, +and give a currency to error which, to man and beast alike, has proved +fatal. Neither will any attempt be made to classify diseases; which +custom, though it has some advantages, is likely to mislead, by setting up +a system<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> where no positive connexion can be demonstrated. The disorders +of the dog in this work will be treated of after no formal plan; but the +index must supply that want of arrangement, the absence of pretence to +which probably will give offence to regular students.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DISTEMPER2" id="DISTEMPER2"></a>DISTEMPER.</h2> + +<p>Of all the diseases to which the dog is subject, this one is the most +dreaded. Writers have agreed it is the scourge of the canine race. Blaine +and Youatt speak of it as capricious and untractable; the French regard it +as incurable. The owners of dogs, despairing of benefit from regular +means, have for a long time been content to trust in charms and specifics. +Folly and cruelty have been embraced to accomplish that which kindness and +science appear unequal to perform; and one general feeling seems to be +entertained with regard to the distemper—most persons being agreed that +the disorder is not to be subdued by medicine, and that its fatality is +independent of the best efforts of man to check it.</p> + +<p>My experience does not corroborate these various but harmonious accounts +and opinions. In my conviction, the disorder is feared only because it is +not understood, and is rendered worse by the injudicious attempts to +relieve it. I find it tractable, easily mastered, and when submitted to me +before the system is exhausted, I am very seldom disappointed by the +result of my treatment. It has for some time been my custom to tell those +who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> bring me an animal affected with this complaint, that if my +directions are strictly followed, the creature "<i>shall not die</i>." When +saying this, I pretend not to have life or death at my command, and the +mildest affections will sometimes terminate fatally; but I merely mean to +imply, that when proper measures are adopted, distemper is less likely to +destroy than the majority of those diseases to which the dog is liable.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 353px;"> +<img src="images/img_124_th.jpg" width="353" height="344" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Distemper has been hitherto regarded as an inflammatory disorder, which +was to be conquered only by antiphlogistic remedies. Bleeding, purging, +vomiting, sedatives, blisters, and setons were employed; and the more +acute the attack, the more violent were the means resorted to for the +purpose of its conquest. Under such treatment I do not wonder at the evil +character which the malady has obtained; for in proportion as the efforts +made were great, so would be the probability of the disease proving +destructive. There can be no doubt that more dogs have been killed for the +distemper than would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> have died from it if nature had been suffered to +take her course; and yet there is no disease that more requires help, or +rewards the practitioner more largely for the assistance he affords.</p> + +<p>The reader is entreated to dismiss from his mind all he may have read, or +heard, or thought of this affection. Let the many tales about +never-failing receipts, and the only proper modes of treatment, be for a +time at all events forgotten, that the author, who undertakes to oppose +prejudice and to contradict authority, may at least have a patient +hearing. There is no reason to doubt that many cases which have been +called distemper have, to all appearance, been saved by each of the +reputed methods of cure. A pillet of tobacco, a tea-spoonful of salt, a +dose of castor oil, an emetic, rubbing the nose with syrup of buckthorn, +&c., &c., or anything that is famed for the purpose, may have often seemed +to check the disease; but no one who has been accustomed to depend on +these charms can deny he has frequently witnessed their failure. That they +should sometimes have seemed to do good is easily explained. In the first +place, there are very few persons who know how to recognise the early +symptoms of the malady; but it is usual for every young dog that is a +little poorly to be pronounced sick with the distemper.</p> + +<p>The unfounded belief that all of these animals must have the disease makes +every one anticipate its advent, and tempts them to call every ailment by +the name suggested by their expectations. Two-thirds, at least, of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> the +cases which are so quickly cured by nostrums and specifics would on +inquiry prove to have been mistaken; and as, in the instances where a +single dose is depended upon, nature is pretty much left to herself, the +chances are that a fair share of the rest would get well of themselves. +The recovery, however, could in no way be expedited by that which is +credited for its accomplishment; since the little done is mostly +calculated to aggravate and not to alleviate the symptoms, while there is +no possibility it should eradicate the disorder.</p> + +<p>In its character, distemper approaches very near to "continued fever" in +the human subject; the chief difference being consequent upon the more +delicate constitution and more irritable temperament of the dog, which +prevents the two diseases from appearing exactly the same. It consists in +a general fever, which produces a morbid excitement of all the mucous +membranes. The digestive track is the principal seat of the disease, but +of course its presence is most easily recognised at those parts which are +most exposed to view. Thus the membrane of the eye, being a comparatively +large surface, and by its delicacy well calculated to denote every +variation of the system, is usually the first observed, and often the only +place inspected. If this be cloudy or watery, the nature of the malady is +at once concluded; the membrane of the nose also, though less palpable, is +under observation; and if its secretion be copious and opaque, the fact is +generally imagined to be established. The alterations, however, exhibited +by these membranes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> are no more than sympathetic derangements, they being +continuous with the more important organs; and when proofs are found in +the eyes or nose, the disorder is generally confirmed, or has taken hold +of the system. Some have supposed the disease originated in the nose, and +thence extended to other parts; now I shall not stop here to consider so +groundless an hypothesis. It essentially is fever affecting the entire of +the mucous surfaces, but especially those of the alimentary canal.</p> + +<p>The causes cannot be well ascertained. Contagion has been by the majority +of writers supposed to be its principal source, but I cannot say my +experience has corroborated that opinion. My own little cur never had the +distemper, and yet she lived where the disease was scarcely ever absent. +Animals virulently affected were daily brought to me, and not a few were +left in my charge. From these she was not kept separate; they were her +acquaintances and companions; she played with them, and often by choice +shared their beds; and nevertheless she died without exhibiting the +disease. I do not generally put those dogs by themselves which are +affected with distemper; yet I cannot bring to mind the instance of an +animal while under my care having caught the disorder. I doubt whether +there is any justice in the general opinion. It would be hard to prove the +prevailing notion was a prejudice, yet there can be no doubt that it is +much more insisted upon than it deserves to be.</p> + +<p>With regard to other causes, I know of none. I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> not been able to +observe that any circumstance can induce the disease, though at particular +ages the animals are predisposed to its exhibition.</p> + +<p>During the latter period of dentition—that is, when the second set of +incisors are well up, and the permanent tusks are about half-grown, the +temporary ones being still retained—is the time when pups are most +disposed to display this disorder. I cannot state the precise age, because +mouths are not regular in their appearances even as to mouths; but the +aspect of the teeth will sufficiently mark the period when an individual +may be expected to be attacked. The season certainly, in no little degree, +influences the disease. In winter it is not usually seen; in the spring it +is more common; in summer is rare, but less so than in winter. During the +autumn, however, especially if much rain should fall, it is very frequent, +and always more prevalent than at any other periods. Spring and autumn, +therefore, are the times when it is to be looked for, but in the latter it +is to be anticipated.</p> + +<p>When treating of a subject like the present, there would seem to be a +disposition to string together a number of words which do duty for +information. Cold, wet, bad food, foul air, excessive exertion, fear, &c., +are grouped together, and put forth for almost every "ill that flesh is +heir to;" but I have to learn that these accepted terms have any connexion +with the development of this disorder. Dogs that are starved, neglected, +and cruelly tortured—animals that are judiciously fed, properly housed, +and sensibly treated—as well as favorites that are crammed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> nursed, and +humored—all equally are its victims; and those which are most cared for +fall most frequently, while those which are least prized more generally +survive. If, therefore, privation or exposure be of any importance, the +facts seem to infer their tendencies are either to check or mitigate the +attack.</p> + +<p>Exercise and food, however, do influence the complaint. The dog that is +free suffers much less severely than the one that is confined. The animal +that never tastes flesh has a much lighter attack than the one which +subsists entirely upon meat. This last fact I have often proved. When the +distemper has made its appearance, the opportunity for changing the diet +has passed away. We have, then, only a choice of dangers. To remove the +flesh to which the animal is accustomed is to cause it to pine and to +weaken the strength, at a time when vigor is of every importance; whereas +to continue the meat is mostly certain death; in this position I generally +take away the flesh, for by so doing I give the patient a chance of +recovery; and however desperate that chance may be, nevertheless it is to +be much preferred to no chance at all.</p> + +<p>The symptoms in the very early stage are not well marked or by any means +distinguished for their regularity. They may assume almost any form; +dulness and loss of appetite, purging, or vomiting, are very frequently +the first indications. The more than usual moisture of the eyes, and a +short cough, are often the earliest signs that attract attention. In the +bitch a desire for copulation,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> with a disinclination to accept the dog, +is to be regarded with suspicion; as is also a display of peevishness and +a wish to be undisturbed in full-grown animals. These things denote no +more than the derangement of the system; but if, conjoined with them, the +inner surface of the lower eyelid should appear to be more red than usual, +and the pulse should be increased in number without being materially +altered in character—ranging from one hundred and twenty to one hundred +and thirty in puppies, and in dogs from one hundred and ten to one hundred +and twenty-five—the probability of distemper making its appearance is the +greater, though even then by no means certain.</p> + +<p>The period of the year, however, will also have to be taken into +consideration; and inquiry should always be made whether any animals in +the immediate neighborhood are known to have exhibited the disorder; +because the disease is then proved to be in the locality. At this stage +the practitioner is always more or less in the dark; and therefore he +contents himself with such measures as he concludes are adapted to the +symptoms, and waits for further instructions which nature will speedily +develope.</p> + +<p>When the disease is established, the animal is sensitive to cold. It seeks +warmth, and is constantly shivering; when taken hold of, it is felt to +tremble violently, so much so that the pulse cannot be accurately counted. +The bowels are generally constipated. A thick purulent discharge flows +from the eyes; and the white around the eye, if the upper lid be +retracted, will be seen covered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> with numerous small and bright red +vessels, giving to the part the appearance of acute inflammation. The +vessels now spoken of are not to be confounded with the veins which are +natural to this organ. These last are large, and of a purple hue, while +their course is in the direction of the circumference of the cornea. The +small vessels, indicative of distemper, are fine, bright in color, and +their course is towards the centre, or in a line directly the opposite to +that indicated by the veins. They are never present during health, though +they are often to be witnessed in other diseases besides that which is +here treated of. A glairy mucus, or yellow fluid, moistens the nostrils, +and if the ear be applied to the head, the breathing will be discovered to +be accompanied with an unusual sound. The cough is often severe and +frequent; it is sometimes spasmodic—the fits being almost convulsive, and +terminating with the ejection of a small quantity of yellow frothy liquid, +which is thrown off by the stomach. The digestion is always impaired, and +sickness is not unusual; the matter vomited having an offensive smell, and +never being again consumed by the animal, as is generally the case when +the creature is in health. The nose is dry and harsh; the coat staring and +devoid of gloss: the skin hotter than is customary, and the paws warm. The +pulse is perhaps quicker by twenty beats than during the prior stage, but +less full—the artery feeling sharp, short, and thin under the finger.</p> + +<p>When the symptoms described are apparent, the distemper is easily +recognised, but it is not likely to continue<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> stationary for any long +period. In the course of a week it generally changes its character, and +sometimes appears to subside altogether; the cases in which the disease +steadily progresses, becoming day by day more severe, being comparatively +rare.</p> + +<p>When no abatement is witnessed, the case is not to be despaired of, but it +requires to be anxiously watched; for often it will take a sudden turn, +sometimes favorable, but more frequently demanding immediate assistance to +prevent a fatal termination. The symptoms become aggravated. The eyes are +clogged by a thick matter which glues the lids together, especially in the +morning. The nostrils are plugged up by an accumulation of tenacious +discharge, which becomes encrusted over the lips and nose, and impedes the +breathing. The body rapidly wastes, though the appetite may return, and +even be voracious. The shivering is constant. The dog seeks repose and is +disinclined to move; though at times it may be playful, and in some +instances will never exhibit any diminution of spirit. The cough may +continue; but it more often ceases, or is only heard at irregular and +distant intervals. The animal makes repeated and desperate efforts to +expel the accumulated matter from the nose, and uses its paws evidently +with an intention to remove the annoyance. Day by day, if not attended to, +these signs grow more aggravated; the breath becomes very offensive; +ulcers appear on the lips; the eyes become white; the discharge from the +nostrils changes its color, and is mingled with blood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> and scabs, having +an offensive odor. The creature at last begins to "yap," or utter short +sharp cries. It becomes more weak, till at length it cannot walk, but lies +upon its side; the noise being continued for hours, and then ceasing only +to be again commenced. Constipation has usually been present, but at last +diarrhœa sets in; the fæces have that peculiar smell which in the dog +is characteristic of the latest stage of all; and gradually death, without +a seeming struggle, closes the scene of suffering.</p> + +<p>More frequently—indeed, in the majority of cases—the distemper is hardly +well developed before it all at once seems to disappear. This peculiarity +in the disorder has no doubt given strength to the general faith in +specifics for this disease. The animal suddenly so far recovers, or +appears to recover, after having been seriously affected, that the +inexperienced naturally conclude the dog is either quite well, or +evidently so far cured that the efficacy of the remedy administered is not +to be disputed. For two or three weeks this deceptive appearance may +continue, and in some cases no return of the symptoms may be witnessed; +but in the majority of instances the disorder is only dormant, and again +starts up as if it had been strengthened by its treacherous repose. The +running from the nose comes back in excessive quantities, and either the +bowels are singly inflamed, or with them the brain is involved, and fits +or diarrhœa, or both united, speedily terminate in death, to arrest +which medicine has seldom the power. The loss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> is on these occasions +rarely attributed to distemper, which is thought to have been subdued; but +death is commonly set down to fits, or to poison, or to inflammation of +the bowels, or to anything else which the imagination of the proprietor +may conceive. Hence we get an insight into the value of a large number, +and perhaps into all, of the reputed nostrums; and hence it is the more +necessary the reader should be made aware of those indications which +denote the virus is not eradicated, but only latent as it were, lurking, +to spring with greater certainty upon its victim. No one must conclude the +distemper is mastered if the dog continues to lose flesh, or if the animal +does not rapidly repair the waste consequent upon the earlier stages of +the disorder. This tendency to stand still or decline should be carefully +observed, and it will seldom deceive. When it is remarked, or even +suspected, let the owner be upon his guard. When the distemper is actually +overcome, there is a marked disposition to fatten; indeed, so strong is it +at this time that, should it not be evident, there can be no doubt as to +the cause, especially if a short and slight attack of the disorder has +been known to have occurred a little time before. A warning, equally clear +to those who will look for and can read it, is to be obtained from the +eyes. These may be bright, and even peculiarly transparent; the face have +a more animated expression than it displayed during previous health; but +if the eyelids are retracted, the membranes will be found red, and the +vessels before observed upon will be seen running<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> over the white of the +eye. When these things are present, although the coat may be beautifully +smooth, the discharge dried up, the shivering gone, the appetite strong, +and the spirits boisterous, still there is in the system the seeds of a +disease which at no distant period will reappear in its most dangerous +form.</p> + +<p>Commonly, after the second stage, there is an abatement of the symptoms, +without any actual cessation in the discharges. The dog is concluded to be +better, and thought to be doing well, but it will not be long before +something to excite alarm is witnessed. The eyes or nerves, or lungs or +liver, or stomach or intestines may be attacked; or a pustular eruption, +or actual mange, or a disposition in the animal to eat its own flesh, or +chorœa, or paralysis may appear, and all of these possible varieties +require to be separately dwelt upon.</p> + +<p>The eyes lose their transparency, the surface is white and opaque, the +sight is impaired, and the lids are nearly constantly closed. One or both +of the organs of vision may be thus affected; usually the two are +simultaneously affected, but seldom with the like intensity. After a few +days, and sometimes at the commencement, a small circular depression is to +be seen upon the very centre of the eyeball. It is round, and varies in +size from that of a pin's head to that of a small pea, but rarely becomes +larger. The depression, if nothing be done to check it, deepens till a +little shallow pit is exhibited. At other times the hole grows larger and +deeper, till the outer covering of the eye is absorbed, or, in common +phrase, is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> eaten through, and the water escapes: this gives relief. If, +however, the animal survives, the eye is often perfectly restored, though +very frequently a white speck marks the spot which was ulcerated; or the +dog is left with weakened eyes, and has a tendency to cataract, which may +ultimately render it blind.</p> + +<p>The affection of the lungs is denoted by the dog breathing more quickly, +and often making a small plaintive or whistling noise during respiration. +Though cough is quite as often absent as present; but if present it is +usually severe; the pulse is increased, but small and thready, and the +appetite may not be impaired. The animal is, however, disinclined to move, +if put down at liberty, it always gets into some place where it hopes to +be allowed to remain undisturbed. As the symptoms become more intense, the +animal constantly sits upon its haunches; but I have not seen it carry the +head erect, although authors state this to be one of the indications. +There is a desire for fresh air, and the dog will always leave the house, +or get to the window or door, if he have an opportunity of so doing. These +signs are hardly to be mistaken, but they are easily confirmed. If the ear +be applied to the side of a healthy dog's chest, no sound can be detected; +but when the lungs are diseased, a very plain noise is readily heard. The +presence, therefore, of any murmur, or of anything like air escaping over +a dry rough surface, is indicative of disease, and the certainty that the +lungs are involved is confirmed.</p> + +<p>Dogs of late years have not commonly died of pneumonia<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> during the +distemper; but authors speak of the pulmonary form of the disorder as +having formerly been a common cause of death. I know it only as a mild +variation of the ordinary symptoms. It has not in any case under my +observation proved fatal, but has readily yielded to gentle measures, +aided by attention to simple diet.</p> + +<p>The liver is generally involved. After the termination of a fatal case, +this gland is found either soft or more brittle than it ought to be, else +it is discovered much enlarged. I never saw it of less than its natural +size. Generally it is discolored, mostly of a pale tint; which sometimes +exists all over the organ, though the pendulous edges of the lobes are +very generally seen of the bright red, suggestive of inflammation. The +gall-bladder is always distended with a thin dark-green fluid or impure +bile; and a large quantity of the same secretion, but of greater +consistency, is distributed over the lining membrane of the anterior +intestines. The liver obviously is the cause of the yellow distemper, +which is no more than jaundice added to the original and pre-existing +disease. Yellow distemper is by writers treated of as a distinct disorder, +but I have not yet met with it in that form. When it has come under my +notice, it has been no more than one of the many complications which the +symptoms are liable to assume. The dog has been ill before his skin became +discolored; but the eyes not exhibiting that ordinary discharge which +denotes the true character of the affection under which he labored, the +distemper was not detected.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>Everything concerning distemper is by the generality of the public +misunderstood. Most people imagine a dog can have the distemper but once +in its life; whereas I had a patient that underwent three distinct attacks +in one autumn, that of 1849. The majority of persons who profess an +intimate knowledge of the dog will tell you distemper is a disorder +peculiar to the young; whereas I know of no age that is exempt from its +attack. I have known dogs, high-bred favorites, to be left with men +selected because of their supposed familiarity with dog diseases; and +these very men have brought to me the animals in the fits which are the +wind-up of distemper, yet notwithstanding have been ignorant that their +charges had any disease whatever. All the stages and symptoms of ordinary +distemper may appear and depart unnoticed; but it is widely different with +yellow distemper, for when the yellowness appears, it is so marked that no +description of a peculiar symptom need be inserted, since it cannot be +overlooked or mistaken. It is attended with excessive debility, and, +unless properly combated, is rapidly fatal.</p> + +<p>The stomach and intestines are always involved; I have never known a case +in which either escaped. The affection of the first is generally shown by +sickness during the earliest stage; when also the derangement of the last +is denoted by either costiveness or relaxation, the bowels never being +perfectly regular; towards the latter stages, or about the third or fourth +week, the appetite sometimes becomes enormous; the craving for food<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> is +then unnatural, and is so intense that no quantity can appease the hunger. +The animal will eat anything; dry bread is taken with avidity, and stones, +cinders, straw, and every species of filth are eaten with apparent relish. +Such, however, is not always the case, since it is not unusual for the +appetite entirely to fail. In either instance the dog rapidly wastes; the +flesh seems to melt as it were away, and the change produced by a few days +is startling; from having been fat, a thinness which exposes every bone is +witnessed in a shorter time than would be supposed possible. At this +period vomiting may come on; but when the animal is morbidly ravenous, the +stomach does not generally reject its contents. After death I have found +it loaded with the most irritating substances, and always acutely +inflamed; but no sickness in any instance of this kind has been observed. +Vomiting is most generally absent, but the protruded and reddened +appearance of the anus will give a clue to the actual condition of the +alimentary tube. The stomach is inflamed, not throughout, but in various +parts which are in different stages of disease. The pyloric orifice is +always more affected than the cardiac; the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, +are inflamed; the cæcum is enlarged, inflamed, and generally impacted. The +rectum, however, suffers most severely; it is much reddened and thickened, +often to an extraordinary degree. I have known blood to be exuded from the +surface of this bowel in such quantities as to destroy the life from +actual hemorrhage. In one case, however, a spaniel vomited more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> than +half-a-pint of blood previous to its death, which took place two hours +afterwards. A small quantity of blood is ordinarily passed with the fæces +toward the latter stage; but in several cases a large amount of pure +blood, partly coagulated and unmingled with any fæcal matter, has flowed +from the body in a continued stream, to which there will be cessation only +as death approaches. The possibility of this occurring will give the +reader some idea of the extent and degree in which the bowels are or may +be diseased; the symptoms, nevertheless, are not such as would suggest the +danger which may be shortly violently exemplified. Irregularity of the +intestines may be remarked; but it is not so characterised as to force +itself upon the attention. The belly during distemper mostly appears +tucked up and small; the intestines, even when costiveness exists, are +seldom loaded, but all except the rectum may feel empty. The animal is +always bound when the bowels are acutely attacked. The first indication we +get of this is often colic. The cries are high and yet full at first; but +they only occur at periods, between which the dog seems easy and inclined +to sleep; gradually the exclamations become more sharp and short, a +quantity of dark-coloured fæces are voided, and relief is for a time +experienced; the cries, however, return and become continuous; diarrhœa +sets in; the excretions become more and more liquid, by degrees mixed with +blood, and of a lighter color. Whenever they are discharged, pain is +expressed; but as the animal sinks the cries grow less frequent, till at +last the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> excrements pass involuntarily, and death soon takes place.</p> + +<p>The cries, however, are not heard in every instance even of this kind, and +the abdomen is not generally sensitive to pressure. When the belly is +handled, the dog, by contracting the muscles covering the parts, may +denote some small degree of resistance; but I have never known it to +struggle during the operation. The curving of the spine, the occasional +looks towards the seat of agony, and the efforts made to press or draw the +belly upon the ground, will indicate the inflammatory character and the +locality of the disease. The pulse does not materially aid the judgment; +it becomes quicker and more sharp, but hardly to such an extent that +dependence can be placed on its indications. The discharges often cease +when the disease, in an acute form, becomes concentrated upon the contents +of the abdomen; but the nose is almost always hot and harsh, though in a +few cases I have known the part remain cold and moist even to the last. As +the close draws near, a very peculiar smell, not absolutely powerful, but +more sickly than offensive, is emitted. This odor is consequent upon the +fæces, and when it is detected the animal seldom or never survives.</p> + +<p>The brain, both Blaine and Youatt speak of as subject to inflammation +during the latter stage of distemper. As diseases are peculiarly liable to +change, and the appearances assumed at different times are by no means +uniform, I may not say those estimable writers never beheld it in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> such a +state; but I am certain I have never seen it in a similar condition; I +have found it congested, but far oftener have I discovered it perfectly +healthy. One of its coverings (the dura mater) has exhibited a few spots +of congestion, but these have been small, each not larger than the head of +a moderate sized pin, and in number about ten or twelve; generally they +are situated towards the anterior of the cranium (on either side or falx), +and near to the crista galli.</p> + +<p>The bones forming the roof of the skull have, however, been highly +vascular—loaded with dark blood—so that if dried they become of almost a +black hue; and without disputing the accuracy of either of the authorities +I have mentioned, these appearances to my mind account more satisfactorily +for symptoms which no one asserts ever border upon phrenitis. The brain +seems to me to be only sympathetically affected, not absolutely involved +in this disease. When this is threatened, there is generally some notice +given before the fits, succeeded by stupor, are displayed. The eye will +sometimes brighten, and the discharge from the nose will cease. This, +however, is by no means constant; as it is not rare for both to continue, +or even to become more copious; but if one only should remain, the nose is +certain to be the part whence the deflexion will issue. No positive +dependence, therefore, can be placed upon the discharges from the eye or +nose. The eye, nevertheless, is certain to denote that which is on the eve +of happening. The pupil may be small; and when it is so, its decrease of +size will be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> marked, and it will have little disposition to enlarge. +This, however, is rarely witnessed. Generally the pupil is much enlarged, +so much as to conceal the iris, and alter the character of the organ. The +eye is moreover retracted, and the dog has a very peculiar expression of +mingled pain and stupidity. If the hand be placed upon the head, it will +be sensibly hot. No matter how thick the coat may be, the heat will be +apparent, and the carotid arteries will sensibly throb. The coat feels dry +and is warm, although the animal may be trembling to such a degree as +prevents the pulse being counted. Yet the dog seems lively; it is active +now, though perhaps a little while ago it was dull; every trivial +circumstance now attracts its notice. The appetite is generally ravenous. +The dog which only the day before was disinclined to feed, is suddenly +disposed to eat more than it ever was known to consume; and it will gnaw +and swallow the hardest wood for want of better provender. The amended +appetite is mostly one of the symptoms, but it is not invariably +witnessed; for occasionally increased activity, and the strange appearance +of the eye, are all that indicate the approach of fits. It will not be +long, however, before something shall be added which is more definite in +its meaning. The dog which was running about suddenly stands still, and +begins to smack its lips and champ its jaw. It keeps stationary while +doing this, and continues so until a quantity of froth and thick saliva +falls from the mouth, drops upon the ground, and then the action ceases. +The animal looks around with a vacant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> stare, evidently not conscious +where it is, and starts away, hitting itself perhaps against anything +which may oppose its progress. If caught it struggles to get loose, and +may even bite the hand which, when conscious, it would perish to defend. +Almost immediately, however, it regains its faculties, and then seems +quite as well as it appeared to be before the attack came on. It may +continue subject to be thus seized for several days; or soon after the +first attack, fits or convulsions may start up. During the champing colic +may set in, which will only yield when the fits are established. The +duration of the champing is not regular; it may be only for a few moments, +or for several minutes. The attacks may be no more than one or two in the +day, or twenty may occur in a single hour. Generally they remain about +three days, but here also there is no rule. I have known them to be +present for a week, and also to exist only for a few hours. In these +latter cases the condition of the dog is generally not understood. It is +taken out for a long walk, or it is indulged with a hearty meal; and in +the middle of the one, or shortly after the other, it begins to champ, +utters a loud sharp cry, which is suddenly cut short as if the animal was +choked. The eyes glare, the mouth is open, and before perfect +insensibility ensues, the dog bites at every object near it, then falls +down convulsed, the limbs stiffen, the head is drawn back or twisted to +one side, the urine and dung are voided; and a slate of unconsciousness, +which may cease in a few minutes, or continue for hours, during which the +body is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> in contortions, and the saliva flows freely from the mouth, +stretches the poor brute upon the earth. When this is over, the dog +recovers as from a trance, being always disposed to ramble, and should its +strength permit, will start away at its utmost speed. There is neither to +the number nor duration of these fits any limit; they may be few or +frequent, and long or short. The second may end the life; or every five +minutes, nay oftener, they may occur, and the animal survive for days. Any +excitement will bring them on, and the passage of the fæces invariably is +accompanied by an attack. Diarrhœa always begins when they commence, +and the dog soon loses strength, and lies upon its side unconscious and +incapable of motion; the pulse is not to be felt, and gradually without a +struggle it expires. Let no man, however, be hasty in saying positively +when death has taken place. Often has the life seemed gone, for the heart +has been still; but minutes afterwards the animal has gasped, and then +began to breathe once more. Death, however, comes at last, for if the dog +sinks to such a state, I have never known it to revive.</p> + +<p>A pustular eruption is often witnessed during the existence of distemper, +and I have not seen the same phenomenon distinct from the disease. The two +appear to be united, and yet we do not know the manner in which they are +connected. The other symptoms are not mitigated when the pustules are +matured, nor does their appearance denote any particular crisis or stage +of the disorder. I have, however, most frequently seen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> them towards the +latter or confirmed stages of distemper, and often they have immediately +preceded the fits. The first indication given is a little redness, which +is strictly local or confined to a particular spot. This place is not very +red, but, nevertheless, it is obviously inflamed and tender; there is not +much swelling, but a slight hardness can be detected. A day or two +afterwards the redness dies away, and a globular eminence, perfectly +round, and generally about the size of a split pea, is beheld. If it be +opened, a proportionate quantity of thick pus of a healthy character +escapes, and a comparatively large incrustation forms over the part; if +not opened, the pustule bursts and the scab follows, but larger than in +the previous case. Mostly the eruption appears on the belly and inside of +the thighs, but it is seldom strictly confined to those parts. Often it +affects the trunk and tail, but does not usually attack the head and +fore-limbs. There is no proof that any benefit attends its development, or +any known reason for attributing it to any cause; save only such as can be +drawn from the statement, that I have commonly observed it in pups of a +weakly constitution and emaciated condition.</p> + +<p>The disposition to eat or gnaw some part of the body is often shown to an +alarming degree, but is seldom exhibited save in the latter stage of the +disease. The dog is observed to lick one of its paws, or mumble at its +tail, for some days. The part is always one of the extremities, and is +evidently tormented with a violent itching which cannot be allayed. The +animal at length, irritated by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> the torture, attacks the member with its +teeth. The skin is first removed, and then the flesh. The mouth may be +covered with blood, the teeth clogged with hair, and the very bones +attacked; but the pain which the sight of the mangled surface suggests to +the spectator seems not to be felt by the dog, which appears desirous only +of destroying its own body. I have known two of the toes of one fore-paw +to be thus consumed, so that amputation was afterward imperative, portions +of the metacarpal bones being laid bare. In several instances the root of +the tail has been eaten, until the sacrum and first tail bones, with the +nerves, were exposed. The rage cannot be overcome, and, unless the +disposition be prevented by mechanical means, the consequence will be +fatal. No author that I am acquainted with has noticed this peculiarity; +and in general it is attributed to other causes than distemper, which is +either not observed, or is supposed to have been got over.</p> + +<p>Tumors on various parts of the body, and of different kinds, sometimes but +not usually accompany the disease; but as I have not been able to satisfy +myself they are peculiar to the disorder, or induced by any other cause +than the debility attendant on distemper, there is in this place no +occasion to more than point out the possibility of their appearance. They +are unfavorable as indications of general weakness, but they do not seem +to possess any further or direct influence over the course of the +affection.</p> + +<p>The genital organs rarely escape altogether. A thick<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> purulent discharge, +or one of a glairy nature, is often present in the male throughout the +attack, and nearly always during recovery. In both sexes the bladder in +the latter stages is apt to be paralysed, and the accumulation of the +urine then becomes a prominent symptom. The recovery often commences after +relief has been obtained, but if the necessity be overlooked, death +generally ensues.</p> + +<p>Paralysis of the hind extremities is occasionally witnessed, and when seen +is generally sudden in its appearance. Sometimes, however, the loss of +power is gradual, and when such is the case the hopes of a cure are always +diminished. If the power of motion be lost suddenly, costiveness mostly +exists; and if, on the other hand, it should be gradual, there may be +diarrhœa, which will terminate in death.</p> + +<p>Twitches, choræa, or Saint Vitus's dance, are not very usual, and may +continue for months after every other symptom has subsided. All four limbs +are sometimes violently agitated, and even during sleep are not quiescent. +The motion is incessant, and when this is the case the animal dies, worn +out by the want of bodily rest. In the majority of instances only one limb +is affected; and a species of independence of volition, or incapability of +controlling its movements, accompanies the affection. Though never still, +the leg is comparatively useless, and is carried in a manner which denotes +this fact. The muscles of the trunk are less commonly attacked, but they +do not always escape. When the legs have not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> been thus affected, I have +known the abdominal and thoracic muscles to be troubled by continuous +twitchings; which, however, have been for the most part slight, and have +subsided more quickly than have those of the extremities, when they have +been diseased. Cholera comes on gradually; its commencement is hardly to +be perceived, and it is seldom observed before the distemper is fully +developed—even sometimes only when the disorder appears to be subsiding. +It is not rare for it to start up while the animal is apparently +recovering; and when it does so, it is always most difficult to remove. No +pain is felt in the affected limb; the part rather seems to lose some +portion of its sensibility.</p> + +<p>When the hind parts are paralysed, feeling may be entirely gone; so that a +pin thrust into the flesh of those parts does not even attract the notice +of the dog. This does not occur in choræa, but the consciousness is dulled +by that affection. The convulsed limb may be more roughly handled than the +healthy ones; but violence will excite those answers which truly indicate +that insensibility is not established in it. If nothing be done for the +twitchings, the limb will waste; at last the general system will be +sympathetically involved, and the body will grow thin. This, however, may +not happen until long after all signs of distemper have disappeared; for +choræa, though well known to be often fatal, is always slow in its +progress, and never attended with immediate danger.</p> + +<p>Such is an outline of the leading symptoms; and it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> now remains only to +more particularly point out those which indicate death and denote +recovery. The third or fourth week is the time when the dog mostly dies, +if the disorder terminates fatally; and six weeks is the average +continuance of the attack. Rapid loss of flesh is always a bad sign, and +it is worse in proportion as the appetite is good, because then nature has +lost the power of appropriation. The presence of vermin is likewise a +circumstance which in some measure is deserving of notice. If a dog +becomes, during the existence of this disorder, unusually infested with +fleas, or more especially if lice all at once cover its coat,—as these +parasites ever abound where the body is debilitated and the system +unhealthy,—they are at such a period particularly ominous. The coat +cannot, while the disease prevails, be expected to look sleek; but when it +becomes more than usually harsh, and is decidedly foul, having a peculiar +smell, which is communicated to the hand when it is passed over the body, +the anticipations are not bright. The most marked indication is, however, +given by the tongue. When this is only a little whiter than it was in +health, we may hope for recovery; but if it becomes coated, discolored, +and red and dry at its tip and edges, the worst may be foretold. The +warning is the more decided if the breath be hot and tainted, and the +belly and feet cold to the touch. While the dog can stand and walk, +however feebly, there is no reason to despair; but when it falls down, and +lies upon its side, rarely is medicine of much avail. Even then, however, +it will sometimes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> recover; but if, while in this state, injections are +returned as soon as they are administered, the chance that it can survive +is indeed remote.</p> + +<p>Recovery, in extreme cases, usually commences after diarrhœa which had +set in has subsided, rather than during its attack. This is the only +semblance to anything approaching a crisis which has come hither under my +observation. If simultaneously the eyes lose their red and glassy aspect, +and the cough returns, the danger may be supposed to have been passed. For +weeks, however, the animal will require attention; for the convalescence +is often more difficult to master than the disease itself is to cure; and +relapses, always more dangerous than the original attack, are by no means +unusual. The recovery may not be perfect before one or even two months +have expired; but usually it is rapid, and the health is better than it +was previous to the disease. A dog which would before never make flesh, +having had the distemper, will often become fat. I once tried all in my +power to relieve a Newfoundland dog of worms, but though I persisted for +months, I was at last reluctantly obliged to admit the case was beyond any +treatment I dared employ. A fortnight after I had given it up, the same +animal was brought to me, suffering under evident distemper. I was not +displeased to see it in that state, for I felt I could overcome the +disease; and I told the proprietor that with the distemper the worms would +depart. So it proved, and the dog has not since been subject to the +annoyance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + +<p>When the violence of the disorder has declined, the skin generally peels, +the cuticle is cut off, and the hair is scurfy. I have even known the +soles of the feet to cast their outer covering, and in one case three of +the nails were shed. The teeth, also, are coated with a thick fur, and the +breath is offensive; but as the strength returns at the same time, these +circumstances are not to be viewed in a serious light. In one or two +instances, where the system seemed to be so shaken that it retained no +strength to cast off the lingering remnant of the distemper, mange has +burst forth, and proceeded very rapidly; but it yielded with equal speed +to mild external remedies, and is therefore only to be feared inasmuch as +it disfigures the dog for a time, retarding the ultimate restoration to +health by further taxing the enfeebled body.</p> + +<p>During the recovery from distemper, small and delicate animals—terriers +and spaniels—are very liable to faint; the dog is lively, perhaps +excited, when suddenly it falls upon its side, and all its limbs stiffen. +A series of these attacks may follow one another, though generally one +only occurs; when numerous and rapid, there is some danger, but, as a +general rule, little apprehension need be entertained. The fainting fits +are of some consequence, if they exist during a sickening for, or maturing +of, distemper. In pups that have not passed the climax of the disease, +they are not unseldom the cause of death; but, even in that case, I have +never been convinced that the measures adopted for the relief did not kill +quite as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> much or even more than the affection. When the symptom is +mistaken, and wrong remedies are resorted to, the fainting fit will often +continue for hours, or never be overcome. When let alone, the attack +mostly does not last longer than a quarter of an hour, and under judicious +treatment the consciousness almost immediately returns. When the fainting +fits occur during the progress or advance of the disease—that is, before +the symptoms have begun to amend—it is usually preceded by signs of +aggravation. For twelve or twenty-four hours previously the dog is +perceptibly worse; it may moan or cry, and yet no organ seems to be +decidedly affected more seriously than it was before. I attribute the +sounds made to headache; and, confirming this opinion, there is always +some heat at the scalp. The animal is dull, but immediately before the +collapse it attempts to wander, and has begun to move, probably panting at +the same time, when it falls without a cry, and stiffens. In this +state—the rigidity occasionally being less, but the unconsciousness +continuing unchanged—it will remain; the eyes are turned upward or into +the skull, the gums and tongue are pallid, the legs and belly cold: the +appearances are those of approaching death, which, unless relief is +afforded, may in a short time take place. When the fainting occurs after +convalescence is established, the attack is sudden, the symptoms are less +violent, and the coma of shorter duration. In this last case there is +generally little danger, but there is always sufficient reason for alarm, +and help ought never to be delayed. These<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> attacks are commonly confounded +with true distemper fits, from which they are altogether distinct; and +from which they may be readily distinguished by the absence of the +champing of the jaw, the want of any disposition to bite, the immediate +insensibility which ensues, the shrieks not being heard, and the urine or +fæces not being voided. Nevertheless, the two are usually confounded, and +hence many persons are found asserting that distemper fits are easily +cured; and several dogs have been shown to me at different times, which +their owners were confident had been attacked by distemper fits, and +radically cured by the most simple, and often ridiculous specifics. I have +sometimes in despair—even against my reason—tried these boasted +remedies, but in no instance has the result rewarded me. Where there was +real occasion for a potent medicine, and little hope that any drug could +benefit, the nostrums have, without a single exception, belied the +confident recommendations with which they were offered, and either have +done harm or proved inoperative.</p> + +<p>The symptoms of distemper, as the reader will, after wading through the +foregoing description, have perceived, are numerous and complicated; they +admit of no positive arrangement, being both eccentric in their order and +appearances. Redness of the eyes, with discharge from both eyes and nose, +accompanied with ordinary signs of illness, are the early indications; but +even these are not to be sought for, or to be expected in any single form. +The judgment must be exercised, and study strengthened<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> by experience will +alone enable any man to pronounce the presence of distemper in many cases; +while, perhaps, without knowledge or practice any person may recognise it +in the generality of instances.</p> + +<p>The treatment is rendered the more difficult because of the insidious +nature of the disorder, and the uncertain character of its symptoms; under +such circumstances, it is no easy task to make perfectly clear those +instructions I am about to give. I am in possession of no specific; I do +not pretend to teach how to conjure; I am going only to lay down certain +rules which, if judiciously applied, will tend to take from this disease +that fatal reputation which it has hitherto acquired. I shall be obliged, +however, to leave much to the discretion of the reader; for it would +employ too great a space, did I attempt to make provision for all possible +accidents and probable combinations.</p> + +<p>The diet is of all importance; it must be strictly attended to. In the +first place, meat or flesh must be withheld. Boiled rice, with a little +broth from which the fat has been removed, may be the food of a weakly +animal, but for the majority bread and milk will be sufficient; whichever +is employed must be given perfectly cold. Sugar, butter, sweet biscuits, +meat, gravy, greens, tea or pot liquor—either luxuries or trash—must be +scrupulously denied in any quantity, however small. Skim-milk, if +perfectly sweet, is to be preferred, and coarse bread or ship biscuits are +better than the same articles of a finer quality. These will form the +diet, when the dog can be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> brought to accept them; and to rice, the +favorite—however great may be the pity he elicits, or however urgent may +be his solicitations for a more liberal fare—must be rigidly confined. +If, after a few trials, the dog stubbornly refuses such provender, meat +must of necessity be given, but it should be of the very best description, +and rather underdone. Of this kind, it ought to be minced, and mixed with +so much rice or ship biscuit as the animal can at first be made to eat +with it; the rice or biscuit may then be gradually increased; and in the +end the vegetable substance will constitute, at all events, the major part +of the support. Water, constantly changed—a circumstance too little +attended to where dogs are concerned—must be the only drink; the bed must +be warm and dry, but airy. Cleanliness cannot be carried to too nice an +extent; here the most fastidious attention is not out of place. Let the +kennel be daily cleared, and the bed regularly changed at least +thrice-a-week; straw or hay is better for the dog to sleep upon than +cushions or blankets, which, being more expensive, are not so frequently +replaced. Too much hay or straw cannot be allowed, but, on the other hand, +it is difficult to regulate the quantity of the finer articles. In the +last kind of bed the animal is often almost smothered, or else he scrapes +them into a lump, and lies shivering on the top; whereas, when he has +straw to lie upon, he can either creep beneath it, and shelter himself +when sensible of cold, or expose himself to the air when oppressed by the +fever. The sensations being the only guide, it is best to leave the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> dog, +as much as possible, capable of obeying its instinct; but always let the +bed be ample, as during the night the shivering generally prevails, and +the cold fit is entirely independent of the heat to be felt at the skin, +or the temperature of the season. Let the dog be kept away from the fire, +for, if permitted, it will creep to the hearth, and may be injured by the +falling cinders, when the burn will not perhaps readily heal. A cold or +rather cool place is to be selected—one protected from wet, free from +damp, and not exposed to wind or draughts. The kennel, if properly +constructed, is the better house, for dogs do best in the open air; the +only objection to which is, the chance it offers of the animal being +drenched with rain. If the kennel can be placed under an open outhouse, I +should always have it put there; and what else I would recommend is, of +course, told by the line of conduct which I pursue.</p> + +<p>Medicinal measures are not to be so quickly settled. A constant change of +the agents employed will be imperative, and the practitioner must be +prepared to meet every symptom as it appears. The treatment is almost +wholly regulated by the symptoms, and as the last are various, of course +the mode of vanquishing them cannot be uniform. To guide us, however, +there is the well-known fact, the disease we have to subdue is of a +febrile kind, and has a decided tendency to assume a typhoid character; +therefore, whatever is done must be of a description not likely to +exhaust,—depletion is altogether out of the question. The object we have +to keep in view is the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> support of nature, and the husbanding of those +powers which the malady is certain to prey upon: in proportion as this is +done, so will be the issue. In the very early stage, purgatives or emetics +are admissible. If a dog is brought to me with reddened eyes, but no +discharge, and the owner does no more with regard to the animal than +complain of dulness, a want of appetite, and a desire to creep to the +warmth, then I give a mild emetic such as is directed, page <a href="#Page_119">119</a>; and this +I repeat for three successive mornings; on the fourth day administering a +gentle purge, as ordered, page <a href="#Page_116">116</a>. The tartar emetic solution and +purgative pills I employ for these purposes, in preference to castor oil +or ipecacuanha, and during the same time I prescribe the following +pills:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Ext. belladonna</td><td align='left'>Six to twenty-four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Nitre</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>One to four drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make into twenty-four pills, and give three daily; choosing the lowest +amount specified, or the intermediate quantities, according to the size of +the animal.</p> + +<p>Often under this treatment the disease will appear to be suddenly cut +short. With the action of the purgative, or even before it has acted, all +the symptoms will disappear, and nothing remains which seems to say any +further treatment is required. I never rest here, for experience has +taught me that these appearances are deceptive, and the disorder has a +disposition to return. Consequently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> strict injunctions are given as to +diet, and a course of tonics is adopted:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Disulphate of quinine</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphate of iron</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Two to eight drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make into twenty pills, and give three daily.</p> + +<p>At the same time I give the liquor arsenicalis, which I prepare not +exactly as is directed to be made by the London pharmacopœia, but after +the following method:—</p> + +<p>Take any quantity of arsenious acid, and adding to it so much distilled +water as will constitute one ounce of the fluid to every four grains of +the substance, put the two into a glass vessel. To these put a quantity of +carbonate of potash equal to that of the acid, and let the whole boil +until the liquid is perfectly clear. The strength is the same as the +preparation used in human practice; the only difference is, the coloring +and flavoring ingredients are omitted, because they render the medicine +distasteful to the dog. The dose for the dog is from one drop to three +drops; it may be carried higher, but should not be used in greater +strength, when a tonic or febrifuge effect only is desired.</p> + +<p>Of the liquor arsenicalis I take ten or twenty drops, and adding one ounce +of distilled water, mingled with a little simple syrup, I order a +teaspoonful to be given thrice daily with the pills, or in a little milk, +or in any fluid the creature is fond of. The taste being pleasant, the dog +does not object to this physic, and it is of all importance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> that it +should be annoyed at this time as little as may be possible.</p> + +<p>Numerous are the cases which have thus been shortened by this method; and +the advantage gained by this mode of treatment is, that if the measures +employed be not absolutely necessary, they do no harm, and if required, +they are those which are calculated to mitigate the violence of the +disease; so for three or four weeks I pursue this course, and should all +then appear well, I dismiss the case.</p> + +<p>Most generally, however, the dogs brought to us with the distemper have +the disease fairly established before we see them. Then I never purge or +vomit: the time when such agents could be remedial has passed, and if now +used, though they will seem to do some immediate good, the after +consequences are always to be regretted. The action of the purgative has +scarcely subsided before the distemper assumes a more virulent form, and +the probability of the termination is rendered more dark. During the +distemper I pay little attention to the bowels; and, however great may be +the costiveness, I never venture to resort even to a laxative, though, +should I discover the rectum to be impacted with hard fæces, an enema may +be employed. That which I use on these occasions is composed of gruel, to +which some sulphuric ether and laudanum has been added.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Take of</td><td align='left'>cold gruel</td><td align='left'>One quart.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>Sulphuric ether</td><td align='left'>Four drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>Laudanum</td><td align='left'>One scruple.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> +<p>The above quantity will be ample for the largest dog—one-eighth will be +enough for a small animal—and for a mere pup, an ounce of the fluid is +often sufficient. In these cases, however, I always continue the injection +until it is returned, the object not being to have it retained; but simply +to lubricate the part, and thereby facilitate the passage of the fæces, +while by distending the rectum, that intestine is stimulated to expel its +contents. The ether and laudanum are introduced to guard against the +possibility of irritation. If a more than usual disposition to costiveness +be observed, twice a week a meal of liver, chopped very fine, is allowed; +but even this should be given only after there is absolute proof of its +necessity.</p> + +<p>Of the cough, however distressing it may be, I take no notice. I do +nothing for its relief, but persevere in the tonic treatment, and become +more strict in my directions concerning diet. The cough is only one of the +symptoms attendant on the disorder, and the measures likely to mitigate +its severity will aggravate the disease; while by attacking the disorder, +we destroy the cause, and with that the effect also disappears.</p> + +<p>The eyes I treat, or rather refuse to treat, upon the same principle. +Whatever may be the appearance they present—even though the animal should +be actually blind, the eye of a dull thick white color on its entire +surface, and the centre of the cornea ulcerated—nevertheless I let them +alone, and turn a deaf ear to the entreaties which call on me to relieve +so terrible an affliction: I forbid even the discharge to be washed off. +Nothing must<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> go near them; but the treatment must be pursued as though we +were ignorant that the parts were affected. Any excessive accumulation may +be gently picked off with the fingers once a-day; but even this must be +performed with the utmost caution, and in most instances had better be let +alone. It can only be necessary in dogs that have very long hair which +becomes matted and glued together upon the cheeks; for other animals it is +not imperative. If the lids should be stuck together, the fastening +substance may be removed; but it should not be too quickly done even then. +All water, either warm, tepid, or cold—every kind of lotion, or any sort +of salve or powder—will do harm, by either weakening or irritating the +organs. As to bleeding, blistering, and setoning, which have been advised, +they are contrary to the dictates of humanity, and as a necessary +consequence, are injurious. In medicine, at least with the dog, that which +is not kind is not good. With these animals the feelings are much safer +than the reason; and a lady, consulting the impulses of her heart, would +be more likely to save her favorite than a veterinary surgeon, who +proceeded upon the practice of that which he supposed was his science. Let +the eyes of the sufferer alone—we cannot alleviate the pain, or shorten +its duration. The disease regulates the torture, and to that we must give +attention. If the distemper is conquered, the sight will mostly be +restored; but if the eyes are tampered with, consequences may ensue which +are not natural to the disease, but are induced by the crude and cruel +prejudices<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> of the doctor. The man who, during distemper, seeing an ulcer +upon the cornea, under the imagination that by so doing he will set up a +healthy action, presumes to touch it with lunar caustic, will in the +resistance of the poor patient be rebuked, and, by the humour of the eye +squirting into his face, probably be informed that he has accomplished the +very object he intended to prevent, while a fungoid mass will spring up to +commemorate his achievement.</p> + +<p>When the lungs are attacked, all kinds of mistaken cruelties have been +perpetrated. No wonder the disease has been so fatal, when it has been so +little understood. I cannot conceive that any dog could survive the +measures I was by my college tutor taught to pursue, or the plan which +books told me to adopt. Needlessly severe, calculated to strengthen the +disease, and to decrease the power of the animal to survive, as the +general practice decidedly is, I entreat the reader to reject it. In +truth, the involvement of the lungs is in distemper a very slight affair; +no symptom yields more quickly or to milder means. Do not forget the diet, +but let it be both low and small. The system cannot endure depletion, +therefore we must gain whatever we can through abstinence. Do not starve, +but be cautious not to cram the animal; only keep it so short that it +remains always hungry. The meal must now never be full, or sufficient to +satisfy the appetite, which is usually large. A loaded stomach would do +much injury, therefore little and often is the rule. The amount for the +day must be cut off in the morning; and during<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> the day, at as many times +as the owner pleases, it may little by little be offered, but no more must +be allowed. If the dog should not be inclined to eat, which is not often +the case at this particular period, the circumstance is hardly to be +regretted; he is not, save under the direction of one qualified to give +such an order, to be enticed or forced. As for medicine, let the following +pill be given thrice daily:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of belladonna</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Nitre</td><td align='left'>Three to eight grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>James's powder</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Conserve of roses</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This will be the quantity for one pill; but a better effect is produced if +the medicine be administered in smaller doses, and at shorter intervals. +If the dog can be constantly attended to, and does not resist the +exhibition of pills, or will swallow them readily when concealed in a bit +of meat, the following may be given every hour:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of belladonna</td><td align='left'>A quarter grain to one grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Nitre</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>James's powder</td><td align='left'>A quarter grain to one grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Conserve of roses</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>With these a very little of the tincture of aconite may be also blended, +not more than one drop to four pills. The tonics ought during the time to +be discontinued, and the chest should be daily auscultated to learn when +the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> symptoms subside. So soon as a marked change is observed, the tonic +treatment must be resumed, nor need we wait until all signs of chest +affection have disappeared. When the more active stage is mastered by +strengthening the system, the cure is often hastened; but the animal +should be watched, as sometimes the affection will return. More +frequently, however, while the lungs engross attention, the eyes become +disordered. When such is the case, the tonics may be at once resorted to; +for then there is little fear but the disease is leaving the chest to +involve other structures.</p> + +<p>Diarrhœa may next start up. If it appears, let ether and laudanum be +immediately administered, both by the mouth and by injection. To one pint +of gruel add two ounces of sulphuric ether, and four scruples of the +tincture of opium; shake them well together. From half an ounce to a +quarter of a pint of this may be employed as an enema, which should be +administered with great gentleness, as the desire is that it should be +retained. This should be repeated every third hour, or oftener if the +symptoms seem urgent, and there is much straining after the motions. From +a tablespoonful to four times that quantity of the ether and laudanum +mixture, in a small quantity of simple syrup, may be given every second +hour by the mouth; but if there is any indication of colic, the dose may +be repeated every hour or half hour; and I have occasionally given a +second dose when only ten minutes have elapsed. Should the purgation +continue, and the pain subside, from five to twenty drops of liquor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +potassæ may be added to every dose of ether given by the mouth; which, +when there is no colic, should be once in three hours, and the pills +directed below may be exhibited at the same time:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Prepared chalk</td><td align='left'>Five grains to one scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered ginger</td><td align='left'>Three to ten grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered carraways</td><td align='left'>Three to ten grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered capsicums</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Confection of roses</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>To the foregoing, from two to eight grains of powdered catechu may be +added should it seem to be required, but it is not generally needed. Opium +more than has been recommended, in this stage, is not usually beneficial; +and, save in conjunction with ether, which appears to deprive it of its +injurious property, I am not in the habit of employing it.</p> + +<p>I have been more full in my directions for diarrhœa than was perhaps +required by the majority of cases. Under the administration of the ether +only I am, therefore, never in a hurry to resort even to the liquor +potassæ, which, however, I use some time before I employ the astringent +pills, and during the whole period I persevere with the tonic. The diet I +restrict to strong beef tea, thickened with ground rice, and nothing of a +solid nature is allowed. Should these measures not arrest the purgation, +but the fæces become offensive, chloride of zinc is introduced into the +injection, and also into the ether given by the mouth. With the first, +from a teaspoonful to a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> tablespoonful of the solution is combined, and +with the last half those quantities is blended. A wash, composed of two +ounces of the solution of the chloride to a pint of cold water, is also +made use of to cleanse the anus, about which, and the root of the tail, +the fæces have a tendency to accumulate. Warm turpentine I have sometimes +with advantage had repeatedly held to the abdomen, by means of flannels +heated and then dipt into the oil, which is afterwards wrung out. This, +however, is apt to be energetic in its action; but that circumstance +offers no objection to its employment. When it causes much pain, it may be +discontinued, and with the less regret, as the necessity is the less in +proportion as the sensibility is the greater. Should it even produce no +indication of uneasiness, it must nevertheless not be carried too far, +since on the dog it will cause serious irritation if injudiciously +employed; and we may then have the consequences of the application to +contend with added to the effects of the disease. When it produces violent +irritation, a wash made of a drachm of the carbonate of ammonia to half a +pint of water may be applied to the surface; and when the inflammation +subsides, the part may be dressed with spermaceti ointment. The fits are +more to be dreaded than any other symptom; when fairly established, they +are seldom mastered. I have no occasion to boast of the success of my +treatment of these fits. All I can advance in favor of my practice is, +that it does sometimes save the life, and certainly alleviates the +sufferings of the patient; while of that plan of treatment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> which is +generally recommended and pursued, I can confidently assert it always +destroys, adding torture to the pains of death. In my hands not more than +one in ten are relieved, but when I followed the custom of Blaine none +ever lived,—the fate was sealed, and its horrors were increased by the +folly and ignorance of him who was employed to watch over, and was +supposed to be able to control. Let the owners of dogs, when these animals +have true distemper fits, rather cut short their lives than allow the +creatures to be tampered with for no earthly prospect. I have no +hesitation when saying this; the doom of the dog with distemper fits may +be regarded as sealed; and medicine, which will seldom save, should be +studied chiefly as a means of lessening the last agonies. In this light +alone can I recommend the practice I am in the habit of adopting. When +under it any animal recovers, the result is rather to be attributed to the +powers of nature than to be ascribed to the virtues of medicine; which by +the frequency of its failure shows that its potency is subservient to many +circumstances. Blaine and Youatt, both by the terms in which they speak +of, and the directions they lay down for, the cure of distemper fits, +evidently did not understand the pathology of this form of the disease. +These authors seem to argue that the fits are a separate disease, and not +the symptoms only of an existing disorder. The treatment they order is +depletive, whereas, the attacks appearing only after the distemper has +exhausted the strength, a little reflection convinces us the fits are the +results of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> weakness. Their views are mistaken, and their remedies are +prejudicial. They speak of distemper being sometimes ushered in by a fit, +and their language implies that the convulsions, sometimes seen at the +first period, are identical with those witnessed only during the latest +stages. This is not the fact. A fit may be observed before the appearance +of the distemper; and anything which, like a fit, shows the system to be +deranged, may predispose the animal to be affected; but, between fits of +any kind, and the termination of the affection in relation to distemper, +there is no reason to imagine there is an absolute connexion. The true +distemper fit is never observed early—at least, I have never beheld +it—before the expiration of the third week; and I am happy in being able +to add, that when my directions have from the first been followed, I have +never known an instance in which the fits have started up. Therefore, if +seldom to be cured, I have cause to think they may be generally prevented.</p> + +<p>When the symptoms denote the probable appearance of fits, although the +appetite should be craving, the food must be light and spare. At the +Veterinary College, the pupils are taught that the increase of the +appetite at this particular period is a benevolent provision to strengthen +the body for the approaching trial. Nature, foreseeing the struggle her +creature is doomed to undergo—the teacher used to say—gives a desire for +food, that the body may have vigor to endure it; and the young gentlemen +are advised, therefore, to gratify the cravings of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> the dog. This is sad +nonsense, which pretends to comprehend those motives that are far beyond +mortal recognition. We cannot read the intentions of every human mind, and +it displays presumption when we pretend to understand the designs of +Providence. There are subjects upon which prudence would enjoin silence. +The voracity is excessive, but it is a morbid prompting. When the fits are +threatened, the stomach is either acutely inflamed, or in places actually +sore, the cuticle being removed, and the surface raw. After a full meal at +such a period, a fit may follow, or continuous cries may evidence the pain +which it inflicts. Nothing solid should be allowed; the strongest animal +jelly, in which arrowroot or ground rice is mixed, must constitute the +diet; and this must be perfectly cold before the dog is permitted to touch +it: the quantity may be large, but the amount given at one time must be +small. A little pup should have the essence of at least a pound of beef in +the course of the day, and a Newfoundland or mastiff would require eight +times that weight of nutriment: this should be given little by little, a +portion every hour, and nothing more save water must be placed within the +animal's reach. The bed must not be hay or straw, nor must any wooden +utensil be at hand; for there is a disposition to eat such things. A +strong canvas bag, lightly filled with sweet hay, answers the purpose +best; but if the slightest inclination to gnaw is observed, a bare floor +is preferable. The muzzle does not answer; for it irritates the temper +which sickness has rendered sensitive. Therefore no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> restraint, or as +little as is consonant with the circumstances, must be enforced. Emetics +are not indicated. Could we know with certainty that the stomach was +loaded with foreign matters, necessity would oblige their use; but there +can be no knowledge of this fact—and of themselves these agents are at +this time most injurious. Purgatives are poisons now. There is always +apparent constipation; but it is confined only to the posterior intestine, +and is only mechanical. Diarrhœa is certain to commence when the rectum +is unloaded, and nothing likely to irritate the intestines is admissible. +The fluid food will have all the aperient effect that can be desired. As +to setons, they are useless during the active stage; and if continued +after it has passed, they annoy and weaken the poor patient: in fact, +nothing must be done which has not hitherto been proposed.</p> + +<p>When signs indicative of approaching fits are remarked, small doses of +mercury and ipecacuanha should be administered.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Grey powder</td><td align='left'>Five grains to one scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ipecacuanha</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Give the above thrice daily; but if it produces sickness, let the quantity +at the next dose be one-half.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'>One part.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphuric ether</td><td align='left'>Three parts.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This should be mixed with cold soup, ten ounces of which should be mingled +with one ounce of the medicine.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> Give an ounce every hour to a small dog, +and four ounces to the largest animal. A full enema of the solution of +soap should be thrown up; and the rectum having been emptied, an ounce or +four ounces of the sulphuric ether and hyoscyamus mixture ought to be +injected every hour. Over the anterior part of the forehead, from one to +four leeches may be applied. To do this the hair must be cut close, and +the parts shaved; then, with a pair of scissors, the skin must be snipped +through, and the leech put to the wound: after tasting the blood it will +take hold. To the nape of the neck a small blister may be applied; and if +it rises, the hope will mount with it. A blister is altogether preferable +to a seton; the one acts as a derivative, by drawing the blood immediately +to the surface without producing absolute inflammation, which the other as +a foreign body violently excites. The effects of vesicants are speedy, +those of setons are remote; and I have seen fearful spectacles induced by +their employment. With dogs setons are never safe; for these animals, with +their teeth or claws, are nearly certain to tear them out. In cases of +fits, if the seton causes much discharge, it is debilitating and also +offensive to the dog, and the ends of the tape are to him an incessant +annoyance. It is not my practice to employ setons, being convinced that +those agents are not beneficial to the canine race; but to blisters, which +on these animals are seldom used, I have little objection. With the +ammonia and cantharides, turpentine and mustard, we have so much variety, +both as to strength and speed of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> action, that we can suit the remedy to +the circumstances, which, in the instance of a creature so sensitive and +irritable as the dog, is of all importance. The blister which I employ in +distemper fits is composed of equal parts of liquor ammoniæ and +camphorated spirits. I saturate a piece of sponge or piline with this +compound; and having removed the hair, I apply it to the nape of the neck, +where it is retained from five to fifteen minutes, according to the effect +it appears to produce. Great relief is often obtained by this practice; +and should it be necessary, I sometimes repeat the application a little +lower down towards the shoulders, but never on the same place; for even +though no apparent rubefaction may be discerned, the deeper seated +structures are apt to be affected, and should the animal survive, serious +sloughing may follow, if the blister be repeated too quickly on one part.</p> + +<p>The directions given above apply to that stage when the eye and other +symptoms indicate the approach of fits, or when the champing has +commenced. The tonic pills and liquor arsenicalis may also then be +continued; but when the fits have positively occurred, other measures must +be adopted. If colic should attack the animal, laudanum must be +administered, and in small but repeated doses, until the pain is +dismissed. Opium is of itself objectionable; but the drug does less injury +than does the suffering, and, therefore, we choose between the two evils. +From five to twenty drops of the tincture, combined with half-a-drachm to +two drachms of sulphuric<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> ether, may be given every half-hour during the +paroxysm; and either the dose diminished or the intervals increased as the +agony lessens, the animal being at the same time constantly watched. The +ethereal enemas should be simultaneously exhibited, and repeated every +half-hour. When a fit occurs, nothing should during its existence be given +by the mouth, except with the stomach-pump, or by means of a large-sized +catheter introduced into the pharynx. Unless this precaution be taken, +there is much danger of the fluid being carried into the lungs. Ether by +injection, however, is of every service, and where the proper instruments +are at hand, it ought also to be given by the mouth. The doses have been +described. To the liquor arsenicalis, from half a drop to two drops of the +tincture of aconite may with every dose be blended; and the solution of +the chloride of lime should be mingled with the injections, as ordered for +diarrhœa, which, if not present, is certain to be near at hand. The +following may also be exhibited, either as a soft mass or as a fluid +mixture:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Chlorate of potash</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aromatic powder</td><td align='left'>Half-a-drachm to two drachms.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Or,</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Carbonate of ammonia</td><td align='left'>Five grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Chalk</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aromatic confection</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Either of the above may be tried every third hour, but on no account ought +the warm bath to be used. An<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> embrocation, as directed for rheumatism, may +be employed to the feet and legs, and warm turpentine may, as described in +diarrhœa, be used to the abdomen. Cold or evaporating lotions to the +head are of service, but unless they can be continuously applied, they do +harm. Their action must be prolonged and kept up night and day, or they +had better not be employed, as the reaction they provoke is excessive. +Cold water dashed upon the head during the fit does no good, but rather +seems to produce evil. The shock often aggravates the convulsions; and the +wet which soon dries upon the skull is followed by a marked increase of +temperature; while, remaining upon other parts, and chilling these, it +drives the blood to the head.</p> + +<p>From the foregoing, it will have been seen that my efforts are chiefly +directed to strengthening the system, and, so far as possible, avoiding +anything that might add to the irritability. On these principles I have +sometimes succeeded, and most often when the fits have been caused by some +foreign substance in the stomach or intestines. When such is the case, the +fits are mostly short and frequent. One dog that had one of these attacks, +which did not last above forty seconds every five minutes, and was very +noisy, lived in pain for two days, and then passed a peach-stone, from +which moment it began to recover, and is now alive. In another case, a +nail was vomited, and the animal from that time commenced improving. In +this instance an emetic would have been of benefit; but such occurrences +are rare, and the emetic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> does not, even when required, do the same good +as is produced by the natural ejection of the offending agent. Perhaps, +where nature possesses the strength to cast off the cause of the distress, +there is more power indicated; but after an emetic, I have known a dog +fall upon its side, and never rise again.</p> + +<p>During fits the dog should be confined, to prevent its exhausting itself +by wandering about. A large basket is best suited for this purpose. It +should be so large as not to incommode the animal, and high enough to +allow the dog to stand up without hitting its head. A box is too close; +and, besides the objection it presents with regard to air, it does not +allow the liquids ejected to drain off.</p> + +<p>For the pustular eruption peculiar to distemper, I apply no remedy. When +the pustules are matured I open them, but I am not certain any great +benefit results from this practice. If the disorder terminates favorably +the symptom disappears; and, beyond giving a little additional food, +perhaps allowing one meal of meat, from one ounce to six ounces, I +positively do nothing in these cases. I must confess I do not understand +this eruption; and in medicine, if you are not certain what you should do, +it is always safest to do nothing.</p> + +<p>The disposition to eat or gnaw any part of the body must be counteracted +by mechanical measures. The limb or tail must be encased with leather or +gutta percha. No application containing aloes, or any drug the dog +distastes, will be of any avail. When the flesh is not sensitive, the +palate is not nice, and the dog will eat away in spite of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> any seasoning. +A mechanical obstruction is the only check that can be depended upon. A +muzzle must be employed, if nothing else can be used; but generally a +leather boot, or gutta percha case moulded to the part, has answered +admirably. To the immediate place I apply a piece of wet lint, over which +is put some oil silk, and the rag is kept constantly moist. The dose of +the liquor arsenicalis is increased by one-fourth or one-half, and in a +few days the morbid desire to injure itself ceases. After this the +dressings are continued; and only when the recovery is perfect do I +attempt to operate, no matter how serious may be the wound, or how +terrible, short of mortifying, it may appear.</p> + +<p>Tumors must be treated upon general principles: and only regarded as +reasons for supporting the strength. They require no special directions at +this place, but the reader is referred to that portion of the work in +which they are dwelt upon.</p> + +<p>To the genital organs of the male, when the discharge is abundant, a wash +consisting of a drachm of the solution of the chloride of zinc to an ounce +of water, gently applied once or twice daily, is all that will be +necessary. The paralysis of the bladder requires immediate attention. In +the last stage, when exhaustion sets in, it is nearly always paralysed. +Sometimes the retention of urine constitutes the leading and most serious +symptom; and after the water has been once drawn off, the bladder may +regain its tone—another operation rarely being needed. A professional +friend, formerly my pupil,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> brought to me a dog which exhibited symptoms +he could not interpret; it was in the advanced stage of distemper. It was +disinclined to move, and appeared almost as if its hind legs were +partially paralysed. I detected the bladder was distended, and though the +animal did not weigh more than eight pounds, nine ounces and a half of +urine were taken away by means of the catheter. From that time it +improved, and is now well. There can be no doubt that a few hours' delay +in that case would have sealed the fate of the dog. For the manner of +introducing the catheter, and the way to discover when the urine is +retained, the reader is referred to that part of the present work which +treats especially on this subject.</p> + +<p>Paralysis and choræa will be here dismissed with a like remark. To those +diseases the reader must turn for their treatment; but I must here state, +that before any measures specially intended to relieve either are adopted, +the original disease should be first subdued, as, in many cases, with the +last the choræa will disappear; while in some the twitching will remain +through life. All that may be attempted during the existence of distemper, +will consist in the addition of from a quarter of a grain to a grain and a +half of powdered nux vomica to the tonic pills; and, in severe paralysis, +the use of a little friction, with a mild embrocation to the loins.</p> + +<p>The treatment during convalescence is by no means to be despised, for here +we have to restore the strength, and, while we do so, to guard against a +relapse. One circumstance must not be lost sight of; namely, that nature +is,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> after the disease has spent its violence, always anxious to repair +the damage it may have inflicted. Bearing this in mind, much of our labor +will be lightened, and more than ever shall we be satisfied to play second +in the business. The less we do the better; but, nevertheless, there +remains something which will not let us continue perfectly idle.</p> + +<p>Never, after danger has seemingly passed, permit the animal to return all +at once to flesh food. For some time, after all signs of the disease have +entirely disappeared, let vegetables form a part, and a good part of the +diet. Do not let the animal gorge itself. However lively it may seem to +be, and however eager may be its hunger, let the quantity be proportioned +to the requirements independent of the voracity. Above all, do not tempt +and coax the dog to eat, under the foolish idea that the body will +strengthen or fatten, because a great deal is taken into the stomach. We +are not nourished by what we swallow, but by that which we digest; and too +much, by distending the stomach and loading the intestines, retards the +natural powers of appropriation; just as a man may be prevented from +walking by a weight which, nevertheless, he may be able to support. Give +enough, but divide it into at least three meals—four or five will be +better—and let the animal have them at stated periods; taking care that +it never at one time has as much as it can eat: and by degrees return to +the ordinary mode of feeding.</p> + +<p>The fainting fits create great alarm, but, if properly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> treated, they are +very trivial affairs. An ethereal enema, and a dose or two of the +medicine, will generally restore the animal. No other physic is needed, +but greater attention to the feeding is required. Excessive exercise will +cause them, and the want of exercise will also bring them on. The open air +is of every service, and will do more for the perfect recovery than almost +anything else. When the scarf-skin peels off, a cold bath with plenty of +friction, and a walk afterwards, is frequently highly beneficial; but +there are dogs with which it does not agree, and, consequently, the action +must be watched. Never persevere with anything that seems to be injurious. +If the mange breaks out, a simple dressing as directed for that disease +will remove it, no internal remedies being in such a case required.</p> + +<p>I cannot close my account of distemper without cautioning the reader +against the too long use of quinine. It is a most valuable medicine, and, +as a general rule, no less safe than useful. I do not know that it can act +as a poison, or destroy the life; but it can produce evils hardly less, +and more difficult to cure, than those it was employed to eradicate. The +most certain and most potent febrifuge, and the most active tonic, it can +also induce blindness and deafness; and by the too long or too large +employment of quinine a fever is induced, which hangs upon the dog, and +keeps him thin for many a month. Therefore, when the more violent stages +of the disease have been conquered, it should no longer be employed. Other +tonics will then do quite as well, and a change of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> medicine often +performs that which no one, if persevered with, will accomplish.</p> + +<p>All writers, when treating of distemper, speak of worms, and give +directions for their removal during the existence of the disease. I know +they are too often present, and I am afraid they too often aggravate the +symptoms; but it is no easy matter to judge precisely when they do or when +they do not exist. The remedies most to be depended upon for their +destruction, are not such as can be beneficial to the animal laboring +under this disorder; but, on the other hand, the tonic course of treatment +I propose is very likely to be destructive to the worms. Therefore, rather +than risk the possibility of doing harm, I rely upon the tonics, and have +no reason to repent the confidence evinced in this particular.</p> + +<p>The treatment of distemper consists in avoiding all and everything which +can debilitate; it is, simply, strengthening by medicine aided by good +nursing. It is neither mysterious nor complex, but is both clear and +simple when once understood. It was ignorance alone which induced men to +resort to filth and cruelty for the relief of that which is not difficult +to cure. In animals, I am certain, kindness is ninety-nine parts of what +passes for wisdom; and, in man, I do not think the proportion is much +less; for how often does the mother's love preserve the life which science +abandons! To dogs we may be a little experimental; and with these +creatures, therefore, there is no objection to trying the effects of those +gentler feelings, which the very philosophical sneer at as the +indications<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> of weakness. When I am called to see a dog, if there be a +lady for its nurse, I am always more certain as to the result; for the +medicines I send then seem to have twice the effect.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="MOUTH_TEETH_TONGUE_GULLET_ETC" id="MOUTH_TEETH_TONGUE_GULLET_ETC"></a>MOUTH, TEETH, TONGUE, GULLET, ETC.</h2> + +<p>The mouth of the dog is not subject to many diseases; but it sometimes +occasions misery to the animal. Much of such suffering is consequent upon +the folly and thoughtlessness of people, who, having power given them over +life, act as though the highest gift of God could be rendered secondary to +the momentary pleasure of man. No matter in what form vitality may +appear—for itself it is sacred; it has claims and rights, which it is +equally idle and ridiculous to deny or to dispute. The law of the land may +declare and make man to have a possession in a beast; but no act of +parliament ever yet enacted has placed health and life among human +property. The body may be the master's; but the spirit that supports and +animates it is reserved to another. Disease and death will resent torture, +and rescue the afflicted; he who undertakes the custody of an animal is +morally and religiously answerable for its happiness. To make happy +becomes then a duty; and to care for the welfare is an obligation. Too +little is thought of this; and the fact is not yet credited. The gentleman +will sport with the agony of animals; and to speak of consideration for +the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> brute, is regarded either as an eccentricity or an affectation. This +is the case generally at the present time; and it is strange it should be +so, since Providence, from the creation of the earth, has been striving to +woo and to teach us to entertain gentler sentiments. No one ever played +with cruelty but he lost by the game, and still the sport is fashionable. +No one ever spared or relieved the meanest creature but in his feelings he +was rewarded; and yet are there comparatively few who will seek such +pleasure. Neither through our sensibilities nor our interests are we quick +to learn that which Heaven itself is constantly striving to impress.</p> + +<p>The dog is our companion, our servant, and our friend. With more than +matrimonial faith does the honorable beast wed itself to man. In sickness +and in health, literally does it obey, serve, love, and honor. Absolutely +does it cleave only unto one, forsaking all others—for even from its own +species does it separate itself, devoting its heart to man. In the very +spirit and to the letter of the contract does it yield itself, accepting +its life's load for better, for worse—for richer, for poorer—in sickness +and in health—to love, cherish, and to obey till death. The name of the +animal may be a reproach, but the affection of the dog realizes the ideal +of conjugal fidelity. Nevertheless, with all its estimable qualities, it +is despised, and we know not how to prize, or in what way to treat it. It +is the inmate of our homes, and the associate of our leisure: and yet its +requirements are not recognised, nor its necessities appreciated. Its +docility and intelligence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> are employed to undermine its health; and its +willingness to learn and to obey is converted into a reason for destroying +its constitution. What it can do we are content to assume it was intended +to perform; and that which it will eat we are satisfied to assert was +destined to be its food.</p> + +<p>Bones, stones, and bricks, are not beneficial to dogs. The animals may be +tutored to carry the two last, and impelled by hunger they will eat the +first. Hard substances and heavy weights, however, when firmly grasped, of +course wear the teeth; and the organs of mastication are even more +valuable to the meanest cur than to the wealthiest dame. If the mouth of +the human being be toothless, the cook can be told to provide for the +occasion, or the dentist will in a great measure supply the loss. But the +toothless dog must eat its customary food; and it must do this, although +the last stump or remaining fang be excoriating the lips, and ulcerating +the gums. The ability to crush, and the power to digest bones, is thought +to be a proof that dogs were made to thrive upon such diet; and Blaine +speaks of a meal of bones as a wholesome canine dish. I beg the owners of +dogs not to be led away by so unfounded an opinion. A bone to a dog is a +treat, and one which should not be denied; but it should come in only as a +kind of dessert after a hearty meal. Then the creature will not strain to +break and strive to swallow it; but it will amuse itself picking off +little bits, and at the same time benefit itself by cleaning its teeth. +Much more ingenuity than force will be employed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> and the mouth will not +be injured. In a state of nature this would be the regular course. The dog +when wild hunts its prey; and, having caught, proceeds to feast upon the +flesh, which it tears off; this, being soft, does not severely tax the +masticating members. When the stomach is filled, the skeleton may be +polished; but hungry dogs never take to bones when there is a choice of +meat. It is a mistaken charity which throws a bone to a starving hound.</p> + +<p>Equally injurious to the teeth, are luxuries which disorder the digestion. +High breeding likewise will render the mouth toothless at a very early +age; but of all things the very worst is salivation, which, by the +ignorant people who undertake to cure the diseases of these sensitive and +delicate animals, is often induced though seldom recognised, and if +recognised, always left to take its course.</p> + +<p>The mouth of the dog is therefore exposed to several evils; and there are +not many of these animals which retain their teeth even at the middle age. +High-bred spaniels are the soonest toothless; hard or luxurious feeding +rapidly makes bare the gums. Stones, bones, &c., wear down the teeth; but +the stumps become sources of irritation, and often cause disease. +Salivation may, according to its violence, either remove all the teeth, or +discolor any that may be retained. The hale dog's teeth, if properly cared +for, will generally last during the creature's life; and continue white +almost to the remotest period of its existence. I have seen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> very aged +animals with beautiful mouths; but such sights, for the reasons which have +been pointed out, are unfortunately rare. The teeth of the dog, however, +may be perfectly clean and entire even at the twelfth year; and it is no +more than folly to pretend that these organs are in any way indicative of +the age of this animal. They are of no further importance to a purchaser +than as signs which denote the state of the system, and show the uses to +which the animal has been subjected. The primary teeth are cut sometimes +as early as the third week; but, in the same litter, one pup may not show +more than the point of an incisor when it is six weeks old; while another +may display all those teeth well up. As a general rule, the permanent +incisors begin to come up about the fourth month; but I have known a dog +to be ten months old, and, nevertheless, to have all the temporary teeth +in its head. The deviations, consequently, are so great that no rule can +be laid down; and every person who pretends to judge of the dog's age by +the teeth is either deceived himself, or practising upon the ignorance of +others.</p> + +<p>Strong pups require no attention during dentition; but high-bred and +weakly animals should be constantly watched during this period. When a +tooth is loose, it should be drawn at once, and never suffered to remain a +useless source of irritation. If suffered to continue in the mouth, it +will ultimately become tightened; and the food or portions of hair getting +and lodging between it and the permanent teeth, will inflame the gum, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +cause the beast considerable suffering. The extraction at first is so +slight an operation, that when undertaken by a person having the proper +instruments, and knowing how to use them, the pup does not even vent a +single cry. The temporary tusks of small dogs are very commonly retained +after the permanent ones are fully up, and if not removed, will remain +perhaps during the life; they become firm and fixed, the necks being +united to the bone. This is more common in the upper than in the lower +jaw, but I have seen it in both. Diminutive high-bred animals rarely shed +the primary tusks naturally; therefore, when the incisors have been cut, +and the permanent fang teeth begin to make their appearance through the +gums, the temporary ones ought, as frequently as possible, to be moved +backward and forward with the finger, in order to loosen them. When that +is accomplished, they should be extracted, which if not done at this time +will afterwards be difficult. As the tooth becomes again fixed, filth of +various kinds accumulates between it and the permanent tusk; the animal +feeds in pain, the gum swells and ulcerates, and sometimes the permanent +tusk falls out, but the cause of the injury never naturally comes away.</p> + +<p>To extract a temporary tusk after it has reset is somewhat difficult, and +is not to be undertaken by every bungler. The gum must be deeply lanced; +and a small scalpel made for the purpose answers better than the ordinary +gum lancet. The instrument having been passed all round the neck of the +tooth, the gum is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> with the forceps to be driven or pushed away, and the +hold to be taken as high as possible; firm traction is then to be made, +the hand of the operator being steadied by the thumb placed against the +point of the permanent tusk. As the temporary teeth are almost as brittle +as glass, and as the animal invariably moves its head about, endeavoring +to escape, some care must be exercised to prevent the tooth being broken. +However, if it is thoroughly set, we must not expect to draw it with the +fang entire, for that has become absorbed, and the neck is united to the +jawbone. The object, therefore, in such cases, is to grasp the tooth as +high up as possible, and break it off so that the gum may close over any +small remainder of the fang which shall be left in the mouth. The +operator, therefore, makes his pull with this intention; and when the +tooth gives way, he feels, to discover if his object has been +accomplished. Should any projecting portion of tooth, or little point of +dislodged bone be felt, these must be removed; and in less than a day the +wound shows a disposition to heal; but it should afterwards be inspected +occasionally, in case of accidents.</p> + +<p>When foulness of the mouth is the consequence of the system of breeding, +the constitution must be invigorated by the employment of such medicines +as the symptoms indicate: and the teeth no further interfered with than +may be required either for the health, ease, or cleanliness of the animal.</p> + +<p>From age, improper food, and disease conjoined, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> dog's mouth is +frequently a torture to the beast, and a nuisance to all about it. The +teeth grow black from an incrustation of tartar; the insides of the lips +ulcerate; the gums bleed at the slightest touch, and the breath stinks +most intolerably. The dog will not eat, and sometimes is afraid even to +drink; the throat is sore, and saliva dribbles from the mouth; the animal +loses flesh, and is a picture of misery.</p> + +<p>When such is the case, the cure must be undertaken with all regard to the +dog's condition; harm only will follow brutality or haste. The animal must +be humored, and the business must be got through little by little. In some +very bad cases of this description I have had no less than three visits +before my patient was entirely cleansed. At the first sitting I examine +the mouth, and with a small probe seek for every remnant of a stump, +trying the firmness of every remaining tooth. All that are quite loose are +extracted first, and then the stumps are drawn, the gums being lanced +where it is necessary. This over, I employ a weak solution of the chloride +of zinc—a grain to an ounce of sweetened water—as a lotion, and send the +dog home, ordering the mouth, gums, teeth, and lips to be well washed with +it, at least three times in the course of a day. In four days the animal +is brought to me again, and then I scale the teeth with instruments +similar to those employed by the human dentist, only of a small size. The +dog resists this operation more stoutly than it generally does the +extraction, and patience is imperative. The operation will be the more +quickly got over by taking time, and exerting firmness without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> severity. +A loud word or a box on the ear may on some occasions be required; but on +no account should a blow he given, or anything done to provoke the anger +of the animal. The mistress or master should never be present; for the +cunning brute will take advantage of their fondness, and sham so artfully +that it will be useless to attempt to proceed.</p> + +<p>I usually have no assistance, but carry the dog into a room by itself; and +having spoken to it, or taken such little liberties as denote my +authority, I commence the more serious part of the business. Amidst +remonstrance and expostulation, caresses and scolding, the work then is +got over; but seldom so thoroughly that a little further attention is not +needed, which is given on the following day.</p> + +<p>The incrustation on the dog's teeth, more especially on the fangs, is +often very thick. It is best removed by getting the instrument between the +substance and the gum; then with a kind of wrenching action snapping it +away, when frequently it will shell off in large flakes; the remaining +portions should be scraped, and the tooth should afterwards look white, or +nearly so. The instrument may be used without any fear of injuring the +enamel, which is so hard that steel can make no impression on it; but +there is always danger of hurting the gums, and as the resistance of the +dog increases this, the practitioner must exert himself to guard against +it. Some precaution also will be necessary to thwart occasional attempts +to bite; but a little practice will give all the needful protection, and +those who are not accustomed to such operations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> will best save themselves +by not hitting the dog; for the teeth are almost certain to mark the hand +that strikes. Firmness will gain submission; cruelty will only get up a +quarrel, in which the dog will conquer, and the man, even if he prove +victorious, can win nothing. He who is cleaning canine teeth must not +expect to earn the love of his patient; the liberty taken is so great that +it is never afterwards pardoned. I scarcely ever yet have known the dog to +which I was not subsequently an object of dread and hatred. Grateful and +intelligent as these creatures are, I have not found one simple or +noble-minded enough to appreciate a dentist.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_191_th.jpg" width="500" height="80" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>The only direction I have to add to the above, concerns the means +necessary to guard against a relapse, and to afford general relief to the +constitution. To effect the first object, prepare a weak solution of +chloride of zinc—one grain to the ounce—and flavor the liquid with oil +of aniseed. This give to your employer, together with a small stencilling, +or poonah painting brush, which is a stiff brush used in certain +mechanical pursuits of art; desire him to saturate the brush in the +liquid, and with it to clean the dog's teeth every morning; which, if done +as directed, will prevent fresh tartar accumulating, and in time remove +any portion that may have escaped the eye of the operator, sweetening the +animal's breath. With regard to that medicine the constitution may +require, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> is impossible to say what the different kinds of dogs +affected may necessitate—none can be named here; the symptoms must be +observed, and according to these should be the treatment; which must be +studied from the principles inculcated throughout this work. Most usually, +however, tonics, stimulants, and alteratives will be required, and their +operation will be gratifying. The dog, which before was offensive and +miserable, may speedily become comfortable and happy; and should the +errors which induced its misfortune be afterwards avoided, it may continue +to enjoy its brief life up to the latest moment; therefore the teeth +should never be neglected; but if any further reason be required to +enforce the necessity of attending to the mouth, surely it might be found +in the frightful disease to which it is occasionally subject.</p> + +<p>When the teeth, either by decay or from excessive wear, have been reduced +to mere stumps, their vitality often is lost. They then act as foreign +bodies, and inflame the parts adjacent to them. Should that inflammation +not be attended to, it extends, first involving the bones of the lower +jaw, and afterwards the gums, and <span class="smcap">canker of the mouth</span> is established.</p> + +<p>Such is the course of the disease, the symptoms of which are redness and +swelling during the commencement. Suppuration from time to time appears; +but as the animal with its tongue removes the pus, this last effect may +not be observed. The enlargement increases, till at last a hard body seems +to be formed on the jaw, immediately beneath the skin. The surface of the +gums may be tender,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> and bleed on being touched, but the tumor itself is +not painful when it first appears, and throughout its course is not highly +sensitive. At length it discharges a thin fluid, which is sometimes +mingled with pus, and generally with more or less blood. The stench which +ultimately is given off becomes powerful; and a mass of proud flesh grows +upon the part, while sinuses form in various directions. Hemorrhage now is +frequent and profuse, and we have to deal with a cancerous affection, +which probably it may not be in our power to alleviate. The dog, which +does not appear to suffer, by its actions encourages the belief that it +endures no acute pain—and for a length of time maintains its condition; +but, in the end, the flesh wastes and the strength gives way; the sore +enlarges, and the animal may die of any disease to which its state +predisposes it to be attacked.</p> + +<p>The treatment consists in searching for any stump or portion of tooth that +may be retained. All such must be extracted, and also all the molars on +the diseased side, without any regard to the few which may be left in the +jaw. This done, the constitution must be strengthened, and pills, as +directed, with the liquor arsenicalis, should be employed for that +purpose.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of iron</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered nux vomica</td><td align='left'>A quarter of a grain to one grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Salicine</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Three to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>As much as may be required.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The above forms one pill, three or four of which should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> be given daily, +with any other medicine which the case may require.</p> + +<p>To the part itself a weak solution of the chloride of zinc may be used; +but nothing further should be done until the system has been invigorated, +and the health, as far as possible, restored. That being accomplished, if +the tumor is still perfect, it should be cut down upon and removed. If any +part of the bone is diseased, so much should be taken away as will leave a +healthy surface.</p> + +<p>However, before the dog is brought to the veterinary surgeon for +treatment, very often the tumor has lost its integrity, and there is a +running sore to be healed. To this probably some ignorant persons have +been applying caustics and erodents, which have done much harm, and caused +it to increase. In such a case we strengthen the constitution by all +possible means, and to the part order fomentations of a decoction of +poppy-heads, containing chloride of zinc in minute quantities. Other +anodyne applications may also be employed; the object being to allay any +existing irritation, for the chloride is merely added to correct the +fetor, which at this period is never absent. After some days we strive to +ascertain what action the internal remedies have had upon the cancer; for +by this circumstance the surgeon will decide whether he is justified in +hazarding an operation. If the health has improved, but simultaneously the +affected part has become worse, then the inference is unfavorable; for the +disease is no longer to be regarded as local. The constitution<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> is +involved, and an operation would produce no benefit, but hasten the death, +while it added to the suffering of the beast. The growth would be +reproduced, and its effects would be more violent; consequently nothing +further can be done beyond supporting the system, and alleviating any +torture the animal may endure. But if the body has improved, and the tumor +has remained stationary, or is suspected to be a little better, the knife +may be resorted to; although the chance of cure is rather against success. +The age of the animal, and the predisposition to throw out tumors of this +nature, are against the result; for too frequently, after the jaw has +healed, some distant part is attacked with a disease of a similar +character.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Worming</span>, as it is generally called, is often-practised upon dogs, and both +Blaine and Youatt give directions for its performance. I shall not follow +their examples. It is a needless, and therefore a cruel operation; and +though often requested to do so, I never will worm a dog. Several persons, +some high in rank, have been offended by my refusal; but my profession has +obligations which may not be infringed for the gratification of +individuals. People who talk of a worm in the tongue of a dog, only show +their ignorance, and by requesting it should be removed, expose their want +of feeling.</p> + +<p>Pups, when about half-grown, are sometimes seized with an inclination to +destroy all kinds of property. Ladies are often vexed by discovering the +havoc which their little favorites have made with articles of millinery;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> +gloves, shawls, and bonnets, are pulled to pieces with a seeming zest for +mischief, and the culprit is found wagging its tail for joy among the +wreck it has occasioned. Great distress is created by this propensity, and +a means to check it is naturally sought for. Mangling the tongue will not +have the desired effect. For a few days pain may make the animal +disinclined to use its mouth; but when this ceases, the teeth will be +employed as ingeniously as before. Some good is accomplished by clipping +the temporary fangs: these are very brittle, and easily cut through. The +excision causes no pain, but the point being gone, the dog's pleasure is +destroyed; and, as these teeth will naturally be soon shed, no injury of +any consequence is inflicted. By such a simple measure, more benefit than +worming ever produced is secured; for in the last case, almost in every +instance, the obnoxious habit entirely ceases.</p> + +<p>As to worming being of any, even the slightest, protection, in case rabies +should attack the dog, the idea is so preposterous, that I shall not here +stay to notice it.</p> + +<p>The tongue of the high-bred spaniel is often subject to partial paralysis +of one side. When such is the case, the muscles of the healthy side draw +the tongue in that direction; and the member hangs out of the mouth, +rendering the appearance somewhat unsightly. The organ from exposure +becomes dry and hard; and not being properly used to cleanse the nose, +this last becomes harsh and encrusted upon such portion of its surface as +the disabled tongue cannot reach. The dog is disfigured,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> but it manages +to live, and seems to endure more inconvenience than positive pain. The +muscles on the paralysed side do not appear to be entirely deprived of +nervous power. I infer this to be the case because they do not waste, and +therefore attribute the affection to loss of tone rather than to actual +palsy.</p> + +<p>The cause is not known. Some dogs are pupped in this condition; others are +only affected in this way when age has far advanced. In the latter case +the symptom is sudden, and nothing previous has been observed which would +denote the probability of the attack; but, arguing from the description of +animals which are subject to this affection, and the periods when it +mostly is exhibited, we may attribute it to weakness of the constitution.</p> + +<p>For the disease nothing of a local nature can be done. I have been induced +to try various topical remedies, but not with any satisfactory result; and +I am not very hopeful as to future experiments in the same direction. +Constitutional remedies have more power; and by these, if we cannot cure, +we may limit the evil. For pups, good nursing—not petting or pampering, +but whatever can invigorate—wholesome diet, airy lodging, and sufficient +exercise, will do much. For older animals, the same measures, combined +with such medicines as correct the digestion and give tone to the system, +will be proper. An operation of dividing the muscles of that side on which +the tongue protruded was once successful; but on three subsequent +occasions it failed, and I have therefore relinquished it; for it is not +quite safe, and puts the animal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> to a great deal of suffering. Dog +fanciers sometimes cut off the exposed portion of the tongue, and thereby +conceal the defect; but this is a brutal custom, and should not be +adopted. The animal so mutilated drinks with difficulty, and the nose +ultimately becomes even more unsightly than was the appearance of the +hanging tongue.</p> + +<p>The tongue is sometimes injured by the teeth, especially during fits. In +such cases the wounds generally heal quickly, and require no special +attention. Should the sores not mend, the fault is in the system. To that, +and not to the part, medicines should be directed, and the matter will be +quickly settled.</p> + +<p>Salivation should never be produced upon the dog. The largest and +strongest of these animals can but ill sustain the constitutional effects +of mercury; while to those of a delicate kind it is nearly certain death. +It may be induced by inunction, or rubbing in of ointment, as surely as by +calomel internally administered. Chemists mix up various ointments that +are called black, blue, red, white, or yellow; and sell these as specifics +for skin diseases, which are in the dog all denominated mange. Such things +are applied to the entire surface of the body; and as they mostly contain +either Turpeth or Ethiop's mineral calomel, or one of the preparations of +mercury, no great time is required to produce their fullest effect. The +operation of the metal is too frequently mistaken for an aggravation of +the disorder; and when the chemist is next visited, he is told to make the +stuff stronger, because the other made the dog worse. No warning nature<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> +can give will stop the proceeding. Night and day the dog is rubbed with +the poison, till its gums are sore, or its teeth fall out; the saliva +dribbles from the mouth; the glands enlarge, the dog refusing to eat, and +is so weak that it can hardly stand; then, fearing death, a doubt is for +the first time entertained, and a veterinary surgeon is requested to look +at the animal, and say what it wants.</p> + +<p>Chemists are not qualified to administer the drugs they sell to human +beings; but they are fairly the murderers of a fourth part of the dogs +they physic. They know nothing about these animals, and dispense poison +under the name of medicine when they presume to treat them. I have had +creatures brought to me in the most terrible condition; and when they have +been under domestic treatment—that is, when the chemist has been +consulted—I always look to find symptoms of salivation. The signs are not +obscure; the gums are either soft, tender, and inflamed, or else very much +retracted; the teeth are of a yellow or brownish color, loose and mottled +on their surfaces, but not covered with tartar; the breath has a peculiar +fetor, and the saliva flows from the lips, while the glands at the jaw are +hard; the weakness is excessive, and the appearance dejected. Purgation +may be present, and in some instances the whole of the hair has fallen +off. One dog, a Scotch terrier, lost every portion of its coat, and was +nearly a year before it regained the covering.</p> + +<p>Here is a portrait of a Scotch terrier, and the reader will perceive the +coat is by the artist truthfully depicted as remarkably long, full, and +hairy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 425px;"> +<img src="images/img_200_th.jpg" width="425" height="362" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>The imagination can, from this likeness of the animal in health, conjure +up the resemblance such an object as the poor dog must have presented +without its coat. Nor was the loss of the hair the worst part of the +business; it never afterwards grew to its proper length. The other +symptoms which have been described were present. Fever also existed, +though the debility in a great measure concealed it; nor was the issue of +the case by any means certain for a week or even longer.</p> + +<p>The health may be restored, but the teeth will never regain their +whiteness, nor the breath recover its natural odor. A mild acidulated +drink, made of sulphuric acid and sweetened water, will be the most proper +remedy. It should be made pleasant, and tasted before given to the dog, +which will prevent its being administered of too great a potency. Of this +as much as can be conveniently got down may be given, from a quarter of a +pint to a quart daily; and with it the sulphate of iron, the disulphate of +quinine, and vegetable bitters, made into pills,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> may be joined. If the +bowels are costive, injections of the sulphate of magnesia, or small doses +of the salt, may be employed, while the food should be nourishing. +Sulphuric acid and the sulphates, with generous diet, will constitute the +treatment; and if the case be not too far advanced, these will ultimately +restore the strength.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BRONCHOCELE" id="BRONCHOCELE"></a>BRONCHOCELE.</h2> + +<p>This disease is usually seen in greatest severity in pups. It consists in +an enlargement of the thyroid body, which increases so much as to destroy +the life. In old dogs it is commonly stationary, or of a fixed size. +Spaniels and terriers, are much exposed to it; and of the last-mentioned +breed, probably bull-terriers are, of all animals, the most liable to be +attacked.</p> + +<p>In pups, the thyroid body greatly and quickly enlarges, so as to cut short +the life by when the sixth week is attained. The disease of itself, in old +dogs, is rather annoying than fatal; but the manner in which it destroys +the animal when very young, is by impeding the circulation and +respiration. The enlarged thyroid body presses upon the trachea and +jugular veins. The blood which should return from the brain and head is +thereby prevented descending, and hindered from reaching the heart in a +full current. The vessels enlarge so as to become obvious to the most +indifferent observer. The veins not only look swelled, but they feel +turgid, and cannot be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> compressed; the little beast is dull; the breathing +is very laborious; the animal sleeps much, and at last dies without a +struggle, casting off life as it were but a troubled dream. It never has +perfectly enjoyed existence, and its departure is not to be regretted.</p> + +<p>With the older animals, so far as my experience at present teaches me, the +thyroid body, when enlarged, has not suddenly increased; yet this fact by +no means proves that the diseased part is always quiescent, and cannot +increase in size. Because of this possibility, and the safety of the +process, the disease should be eradicated. This is to be done by +administering iodine by the mouth, and painting over the enlargement +(having the hair first closely shaved off the part) with some of the +tincture of the same drug, applied by means of a camel's hair brush. As +iodine soon separates and is thrown down to the bottom, all the +preparations of it should be used as freshly made as may be convenient. +The mixture of which iodine is the active ingredient, and which is a week +old, may be confidently said to have lost the major part of its virtue. +Every three or four days this medicine should be concocted; for even when +put into pills, iodine, being very volatile, will evaporate. The quantity +to be given to the dog varies, from a quarter of a grain four times a day +to the smallest pup, to two grains four times daily to the largest dog. +The tincture used for painting the throat is made with spirits of wine, an +ounce; iodide of potassium, a drachm.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="RESPIRATORY_ORGANS" id="RESPIRATORY_ORGANS"></a>RESPIRATORY ORGANS.</h2> + +<p>The Larynx of the dog is affected in various ways. It is called a "little +box," and the projecting part of this organ is, in the throat of man, +spoken of as "Adam's apple." It opens at the back part of the mouth, and +is placed at the beginning of the windpipe. All the air that inflates the +lungs must pass through it, but it will permit nothing else to enter with +impunity. A drop of saliva, or the smallest particle of salt, will be +sufficient to call forth the most painful irritability. In fact the lining +membrane of the larynx is the most tender or sensitive structure in the +body; and, as parts are exposed to suffering just in proportion as they +are endowed with sensation, of course, the organ so finely gifted is often +the seat of disease.</p> + +<p>The dog's larynx has many peculiarities. It is very complicated, and +exquisitely constructed. Few persons have, perhaps, much attended to the +notes of the animal's voice; but those who will observe the sounds may +find these take a range far more wide than is generally imagined. The +dog's voice is remarkably expressive, and to my ear speaks very +intelligible music. The deep growl is not without variety; for by the +feeling of the animal that emits it the note is always modulated. The +rumble of expostulation the favorite gives utterance to when the master +pretends to take away its bone does not resemble the rattle of joy with +which the child's playmate accompanies<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> a game of romps. Both, however, +are distinct from the suppressed warning with which the watchdog announces +the advancing stranger, or the sharp defiance by which he signifies his +determination to attack. The bark also is not by any means monotonous, but +is capable of infinite variety. The cries of the animal are remarkably +modulated; but the soft and gentle sounds it can emit when inclined to +coax its master, or answering to the excess of pleasure which his caresses +create, are full of natural music. The dog's voice is not to my ear less +beautiful than the song of a bird; but more delightful, because it is more +full of meaning. The nightingale has but one song, which it constantly +repeats. The cur has many tuneful notes, with which it responds to my +attentions. Music has been recognised in the tongues of the pack, but I +have heard harmony more delightful from the hound in my home. I like to +hear the dog's voice, especially when not too loud, and having studied it, +I have often wondered the animal did not speak. There can be little doubt +it would be able to frame words if it possessed the power to comprehend +their meaning; but the high intelligence of the creature unfits it for +parrot-like mimicry. The dog is, in all it does, guided by its reason, and +it performs no act without a reasonable motive. If any physical incapacity +exist, it is to be found rather in the formation of the mouth than in the +construction of the larynx, which presents no explanation of the dog's +inability to frame definite sounds like words.</p> + +<p>The part is rarely the seat of acute disease. In rabies,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> especially of +the dumb kind, it is acutely affected; but of that form of disorder the +writer will have to speak in another place. Of acute laryngitis, as met +with commonly in the horse, I have not seen an example in the dog, and +therefore I shall not here say anything about it. Of chronic disease of +the larynx there is no lack of instances. These are brought to us +frequently, and generally are submitted to our notice as cases of +continued or confirmed cough. Cough, however, is but a symptom; and may be +no more than a sympathetic effect induced by the derangement of a distant +structure. When it is caused by the condition of the larynx, it has a deep +sound, which is never entirely changed in character, however much pain +induces the animal to suppress it. It is essentially the same in every +stage, though it may be more or less full or loud, according to the state +of the air passage.</p> + +<p>This cough may start up from sympathy; but then it is always less +sonorous, harsh, and grating. It is also less spasmodic, and likewise less +the consequence of particular causes. When the larynx is the seat of the +affection, the cough, should it once begin, continues for a considerable +time; and cold air or excitement will invariably induce it. In bad cases +every act of inspiration is followed by a kind of noise intermediate +between a grunt and a cough. Sometimes the breathing is accompanied by a +species of roaring; and I have seen one case in which a blood-hound had +every symptom of laryngismus stridulus, or the crowing disease of the +human infant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>Laryngeal disorders are seldom brought under our notice until they are +confirmed, and they are difficult to cure in proportion to the length of +time they have existed. The food in every case must be rigidly regulated, +and no solid flesh should be allowed; but if the animal be very old or +weak, beef tea or gravy may be added to the rice or biscuit which +constitutes the chief portion of the diet. The condition of the stomach +must so far as possible be ascertained, and the medicines necessary to +correct its disease should be administered. The exercise must not be +stinted, neither should confinement within doors be insisted upon. All +must be done to assist the digestion and invigorate the health; such +precautions being adopted as prevent the aggravation of the disease. +Sudden changes of atmosphere, as from a warm room to a frosty air during +the depth of winter, should obviously be avoided; neither would it be +prudent to race the animal about, or induce it to perform any action +calculated to accelerate the breathing.</p> + +<p>At the commencement a gentle emetic given every other morning until six or +seven have been administered, with a laxative occasionally if the bowels +are torpid, is often productive of speedy benefit. A mustard poultice to +the throat is also to be recommended, but he who applies it must be +attentive to remove it when it appears to seriously pain the animal. It +may be repeated on each successive night, or even oftener, but should +never be reapplied before the skin on which it was previously placed has +ceased to be tender. Leeches to the throat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> are often of service, as also +are small blisters to the chest. I found great improvement result from +wearing a very wide bandage, which was kept wet, and covered with oil +silk, round the neck. This is easily made, and strips of gutta percha, or +stout leather, will prevent it being doubled up by the motions of the +head; and it is scarcely a disfigurement, since it only looks like a large +collar. A seton in the throat may be tried, but though often beneficial, +it ought only to be inserted by a person acquainted with the anatomy of +the dog; for the jugular veins in this animal are connected by several +large branches, which run just where the seton would be introduced. These +could not be pierced with impunity, nor ought the seton to be left in so +long as might induce sloughing, when the vessels probably would be opened; +for as the dog badly sustains the loss of blood, the result would surely +be fatal.</p> + +<p>Internal medicines are not to be neglected. All sedatives, balsams, +expectorants, and peppers, with some alkalies and stimulants, may be +tried, and even alterative doses of mercury with caution resorted to. Dogs +are more peculiar with respect to the medicines that act upon individuals +than any other animals I am acquainted with. That which touches one will +be inoperative upon another; and what violently affects one, will on a +second, apparently of the same bulk, strength, age, and character, be +actually powerless. This renders dog-practice so difficult, and makes the +explanation of any decided mode of treatment almost impossible. A great +deal must necessarily be left to the discretion of the practitioner, who, +despite his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> utmost care, will often have reason for regret, if he do not +in every new instance proceed with caution. The following pills are likely +to do good:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Barbadoes tar</td><td align='left'>Half a drachm to two drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered squills</td><td align='left'>A drachm to four drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of belladonna</td><td align='left'>Half a scruple to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquorice powder</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Beat into a mass, and make into twenty pills; give four daily. Or,</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>James's powder</td><td align='left'>One grain to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Dover's powder</td><td align='left'>Six grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Balsam of Peru</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make into one pill and give as before. Or,</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered ammoniacum,<br />and cubebs, of each</td><td align='left'><span class='double'>}</span></td><td align='left'>Four to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Venice turpentine</td><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Powdered capsicums and cantharides have also seemed to touch the disease; +but no one medicine has to me appeared to have any specific influence over +it. In these cases mere formulæ could be extended almost indefinitely; but +the reason must be exerted, and the prescription must be dictated by the +symptoms. Thus, when there is much nervous excitability accompanied with +gastric derangement, Prussic acid of Scheele's strength, in doses of half +a drop to two drops, may be exhibited; and if the mouth be dry, and the +disposition irritable, from five to twenty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> drops of the tincture of +Indian tobacco may be administered. If the throat is very sore, the mouth +may be held open, and ten grains of powdered alum mixed with four times +its weight of fine sugar may be blown into it, or in severe instances, the +fauces may be mopped out by means of a piece of soft sponge tied to the +end of a probe, and saturated with a solution containing six grains of +nitrate of silver dissolved in an ounce of water.</p> + +<p>Ulceration of the interior of the larynx is to be dreaded if the symptoms +do not yield. This will be denoted by the cough becoming weaker, less +loud, more short, and also more frequent. Prior to it there are always +intervals during which the animal enjoys repose; but after ulceration of +the larynx is established every inhalation provokes the irritability of +the organ. With it the constitutional symptoms become more serious, and +little can then by medicine be accomplished; for the passage of the air +which is necessary to life causes the affection we desire to cure to +spread. Tracheotomy might be performed, though the dog is so very expert +with its claws, and any tape around the neck would be probably so +injurious, that hitherto I have not ventured to hazard the experiment. +Humanity has, in such cases, forced me to recommend the destruction of the +life which I entertained no hope of comforting.</p> + +<p>Cough is much more frequently a symptom than a disease. It, in fat dogs, +usually proceeds from disordered digestion; and then to remove it the +cause must be attacked. It accompanies worms; and if these are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> expelled, +it will subside. It may, however, exist by itself, for the larynx of the +dog early becomes ossified or converted into bone; and being then less +yielding, the violent vibrations it is subjected to during the act of +barking have a natural tendency to injure the delicate lining membrane. +Its irritability is excited, and cough is the consequence. The disposition +of the creature to give tongue ought, therefore, to be as much as possible +checked, and a mustard poultice applied to the throat, while the pills +first recommended on page <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, are given; but if these fail, the others +may be employed. The general measures would be pretty much the same, only +the more severe need not be resorted to. Quiet, mild food, and a little +care, will often, without medicine, remove the annoyance; but it is never +well to trust too long to such dubious aids, when timely assistance will +procure speedy relief, and delay may lead to further evil.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Snoring</span> is often a heavy accusation brought against the dog. It may +proceed from weakness; though, in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, +it results from that debility which accompanies accumulated fat and sloth. +In the one case we apply the means advised to restore the strength,—in +the other, we stint the food, enforce a vegetable diet, and see that +sufficient exercise be taken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Snorting</span> is another unpleasantness which the canine race display. The +animals stand with their heads erect, and, drawing the air through the +nostrils, produce a series of harsh loud sounds, which are sometimes +continued till<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> the dog falls from actual exhaustion. This is the result +of irritability, in a low form, of the lining membrane of the nasal +chambers. The sensation is probably that of itching, and the dog +endeavors, by drawing the air quickly through the nostrils and +energetically expelling it, to relieve the annoyance.</p> + +<p>The treatment is not to be laid down; attention to the food, and medicines +of an alterative nature calculated to affect or improve the secretions, +are most likely to be of service. Worms may possibly be the provocative, +and in that case of course they should be removed. The measures, +therefore, are not to be arbitrarily pointed out. The judgment must be +employed to discover in what particular the system is unsound, and the +agents used must be selected with a view to the general health. Local +applications have been tried without advantage, but there do not appear to +be any specifics for the complaint. The snorting is to be regarded merely +as an effect of some deep-seated derangement, and the remedies are to be +such as the appearance of the animal suggests. I have generally been +successful in these cases, but I remember no two of them which I have +treated exactly in the same manner. Patience and perseverance are mostly +required, but sometimes the affection will not yield to any remedy. When +it appears to be obstinate, the use of medicine should not be pushed too +far. The constitution of the dog is so easily injured, and with so much +difficulty restored, that where a mere unpleasantness is apparently all +that exists, it is better to permit that to continue than hazard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> the +health of the animal by over-strenuous attempts to get rid of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Cold</span> or <span class="smcap">Coriza</span> is not frequent in the dog, but it will occasionally be +seen. It comes on gradually, and often passes off without any assistance +being given. In pups it is apt to pass first into bronchitis, and then +change into distemper, which in such instances, spite of our best +endeavors, will often terminate in fits.</p> + +<p>It springs from various causes, but neglect and improper lodging are +generally those to which it may be traced. In adult animals it is not to +be greatly feared, but in the young it requires immediate attention. The +kennel must be looked to; the food and exercise be strictly watched. +Tonics, into which cayenne pepper, cubebs, or balsam of pepper enter, are +to be tried, and cod-liver oil also is worth an experiment. The iodide of +potassium is also not to be rejected; but the condition of the patient +must decide which is the most likely to be of service in the case. When +undertaken early, the symptoms yield in the majority of instances. The +discharge, which at the commencement is thin, becomes more copious, grows +thicker, and at last ceases. The sneezing stops and the spirits return; +but should the disorder not be checked, the larynx becomes involved, and +cough appears. If no relief be now sought, and the disease spreads, the +breathing grows quick at first, and then laborious.</p> + +<p>The pup may even at this stage be eager to feed, and when its attention is +excited, be as playful as in health; but if watched it will be seen, when +alone, to be oppressed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> and languid. In such cases, belladonna, combined +with James's powder, an equal amount of each, should be administered. The +dose should be exhibited every hour, for here the wish is to obtain the +speedy effect of the drug without allowing its sedative property to +seriously affect the strength. To a young pup, a quarter of a grain will +be the proper quantity; and for a full-grown large-sized dog, two grains +of the extract may be employed. The action, however, must be observed, and +when a marked disinclination for food or drink, with a seeming wish for +both, and signs of inconvenience in the throat are seen, the belladonna +must be withheld. On the third day, if the cure be not complete, it may be +a second time employed; and, after a like period, even a further trial may +be made. At the same time, a little soap liniment may be rubbed into the +throat, along the course of the windpipe, and over the chest. The bowels +also should be regulated; but purgation is not to be desired. Should the +liver be sluggish, mild alterative doses of the grey powder may be +sprinkled upon the food, and will thus be taken without the necessity of +forcing the animal. When the measures recommended do not succeed, the +appearance of the patient must direct those which are next to be adopted. +Where weakness prevails, and shivering denotes the presence of fever, +quinine and the sulphate of iron are required. Small blisters, or mustard +poultices, to the chest, may with due caution be applied. An emetic may +even be administered; but, if repeated at all, it must be only after two +or three days<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> have elapsed. Where the system is vigorous, expectorants +and sedatives, with leeches to the chest, may be used. Turpentine liniment +to the sides, throat, and under the jaws, may also be freely rubbed in, +and the diet in quantity restricted. Tartar emetic in very minute doses +may be exhibited three times daily.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 327px;"> +<img src="images/img_214_th.jpg" width="327" height="270" alt="INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS." title="" /> +<span class="caption">INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.</span> +</div> + +<p>The chest of the dog is not in any remarkable degree the seat of disease. +The ribs of the animal being constructed for easy motion, and the muscles +which move them being strong and large in proportion to the size of the +bones, the lungs, therefore, are in general properly expanded; and this +circumstance tends to preserve them in a healthy condition. They do not, +however, always escape, but are subject to the same inflammations as those +of the horse, though, from the causes stated, more rarely attacked.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Inflammation of the Lungs</span> is denoted by a quickened pulse and breathing, +preceded by shivering fits. The appetite does not always fail; in one or +two instances I have seen it increased; but it is most often<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> diminished. +The animal is averse to motion; but when the affection is established, the +dog sits upon its hocks, and wherever it is placed, speedily assumes that +position. As the disorder becomes worse, the difficulty of breathing is +more marked. The creature also shows a disposition to quit the house, and +if there be an open window it will thrust its head through the aperture. +The sense of suffocation is obviously present, and at length this becomes +more and more obvious. The dog in the very last stage refuses to sit, but +obstinately stands. One of the legs swells, and, on being felt, it is +ascertained to be enlarged by fluid. There is dropsy of the chest, and the +limb has sympathized in the disposition to effusion. The pulse denotes the +weakness of the body; but the excitement of disease in a great measure +disguises the other symptoms. The dog may even, to an unpractised eye, +seem to possess considerable strength; for it resists, with all its +remaining power, any attempt to move it, and its last energies are exerted +to support the attitude that affords the most relief to the respiration. +At length the poor brute stubbornly stands until forced to stir, when it +drops suddenly, and for several moments lies as if the life had departed. +Again it falls, but again revives; and always with the return of +consciousness gets upon its legs; but at last it sinks, and without a +struggle dies.</p> + +<p>The lungs have been, in the first instance, inflamed, but the pleura or +membrane covering the lungs, and also lining the chest, has likewise +become by the progress of the disease involved. The cavity has become<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> +full of water, or rather serum, and by the pressure of the fluid the +organs of respiration are compressed. It is seldom that both sides are +gorged to an equal degree; but one cavity may be quite full while the +other is only partially so. One lung, therefore, in part remains to +perform the function on which the continuance of life depends; and if, by +any movement, the weight of fluid is brought to bear upon the little left +to continue respiration, the animal is literally asphyxiated. It drops, in +fact, strangled, or more correctly, suffocated; and as the vital energy is +strong or weak, so may the dog more or less frequently recover for a time. +In the end, however, the tax upon the strength exhausts the power, and the +accumulation of the fluid diminishes the source by which the life was +sustained. After death, I have taken from the body of a full-sized +Newfoundland one lung, which lay with ease upon my extended hand; while +the two held together afforded a surface sufficient to support the other. +The condensation was so great that the part was literally consolidated, +and the fluid which exuded on cutting into the substance was small in +quantity. The blood-vessels were, with the air-cells, compressed, and +while the arterialization of the blood was imperfect, the circulation was +also impeded.</p> + +<p>The causes usually assigned to account for inflammation of the lungs will +not, in the dog, explain its origin. I have usually met it where the +animal had not been exposed to wet or cold; where it had not undergone +excessive exertion, or been subjected to violence. Extraordinary care<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> as +rather seemed to induce, than the neglect of the creature appeared to +provoke the attack. It is, however, easy to trace causes when we have a +wish to explain a particular effect; but where the lungs have been +inflamed I have never, to my entire satisfaction, been able to ascertain +that the animal had been exposed to hardship, or subjected to labor which +it had not previously sustained, and which, if the health had been good, +it might not have endured.</p> + +<p>Disease of the lungs is, in the early stage, very readily subdued; but, if +allowed to establish itself, it is rarely that medicine can eradicate it. +The majority of persons who profess to know anything about the diseases of +dogs, look upon the nose as an indication of the health. While the +appetite is good, or the nose is cold and moist, such people are confident +no fear need be entertained. Of the uncertainty that attends the +disposition to feed mention has been already made; but with regard to the +condition of a part, the persons who assume to teach us are likely to be +in such cases entirely deceived. I have known dogs with violent +inflammation of the lungs; I have seen them die from dropsy of the chest; +and their noses have been wet and cold, even as though the animals had +iced the organs. From this mistaken notion, therefore, no doubt, are to be +traced the numerous instances of dogs brought for treatment when no +remedies can be of avail. They are submitted to our notice only that we +may be pained to look upon their deaths; and often have my endeavors been +thus limited to simple palliative measures, when an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> earlier application +would have enabled me to employ medicine with a reasonable prospect of +success.</p> + +<p>In the commencement, when the breathing is simply increased and the pulse +slightly accelerated, then if you place the ear to the side, there is +merely a small increase of sound; and the animal exhibits no obstinate, or +more properly, unconquerable disposition to sit upon the hocks; small +quantities of belladonna, combined with James's powder, will generally put +an end to the disease. The belladonna, in doses of from one to four +grains, may be given three times a day; but where trouble is not objected +to, and regularity can be depended upon, I prefer administering it in +doses of a quarter of a grain to a grain every hour. By the last practice +I think I have obtained results more satisfactory; but it is not always +that a plan necessitating almost constant attention can be enforced, or +that the animal to be treated will allow of such repeated interference. +The following formula will serve the purpose, and the reader can divide it +if the method I recommend can be pursued.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of belladonna</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>James's powder</td><td align='left'>Two to eight grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Nitrate of potash</td><td align='left'>Four to sixteen grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency for one pill.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>If, on the second day, no marked improvement is perceptible, small doses +of antimonial wine may be tried; from fifteen minims to half-a-drachm may +be given every fourth hour, unless vomiting be speedily induced; when the +next dose must, at the stated period, be reduced five or ten<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> minims, and +even further diminished if the lessened quantity should have an emetic +effect. The object in giving the antimonial wine is to create nausea, and +not to excite sickness; and we endeavor to keep up the action in order to +affect the system. This is frequently very decisive in the reduction of +the symptoms; but, even after the danger has been dispelled, the pills +before recommended must be persevered with, and every means adopted to +prevent a relapse.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, however, the disorder commences with a violence that, from the +very beginning of the attack, calls for the most energetic measures. If +the breathing be very quick, short, and catching; the position constant; +the pulse full and strong; the jugular vein may be opened, and from one +ounce to eight ounces of blood extracted; or leeches may be applied to the +sides; or an ammoniacal blister may be employed. This is done by +saturating a piece of rag, folded three or four times, with a solution +composed of liquor ammoniaca fort., one part; distilled water, three +parts; and, having placed it upon the place from which the hair has been +previously cut off, holding over it a dry cloth to prevent evaporization +of the volatile vesicant. A quarter of an hour will serve to raise the +cuticle; but frequently that object is accomplished in less time; +therefore, during its operation, the agent must be watched, or else the +effect may be greater than we desire, and sloughing may ensue.</p> + +<p>A dose of castor oil may also be administered, and the food should be +composed entirely of vegetables, if the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> animal can be induced to eat this +kind of diet. Exertion should be prevented, and quiet as much as possible +enjoined. The tincture of aconite, it is said, sometimes does wonders in +inflammation of the lungs; but in my hands its operation has been +uncertain, though the homœopathists trust greatly to its action in this +disease. They give it singly, but I have not reaped from its use on the +dog those advantages which tempt me to depend solely on its influence. +When employed, it may be given in doses of from half a drop to two drops +of the tincture, in any pleasant vehicle, every hour.</p> + +<p>After dropsy of the chest has been established, the chance of cure is +certainly remote; but tapping at all events renders the last moments of +life more easy. It is both simple and safe, and does not seem to occasion +any pain; but, on the contrary, to afford immediate relief. The skin +should be first punctured, and then drawn forward so as to bring the +incision over the spot where the instrument is to be inserted. The place +where the trocar should be introduced is between the seventh and eighth +ribs, nearer to the last than to the first, and rather close to the +breast-bone. The point being selected, the instrument is pushed gently +into the flesh; and when the operator feels no resistance is offered to +the progress of the tube, he knows the cavity has been pierced. The stilet +is then withdrawn, and the fluid will pour forth. Unless the dog shows +signs of faintness, as much of the water as possible ought to be taken +away; but if symptoms of syncope appear, the operation must be stopped,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +and after a little time, when the strength has been regained, resumed. +When this has been done, tonics must be freely resorted to. The following +pill may be administered three or four times a day; and the diet should be +confined to flesh, for everything depends on the invigoration of the body, +and the inflammation is either gone, or it has become of secondary +importance.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of iron</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphate of iron</td><td align='left'>Two to eight grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Ten grains to half a drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered capsicums</td><td align='left'>Two to eight grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The above will make two pills; and it is better to make these the more +frequently, as they speedily harden, and we now desire their quickest +effect, which is sooner obtained if they are soft or recently compounded.</p> + +<p>During recovery the food must be mild, and tonics must be administered. +Exercise should be allowed with the greatest caution, and all excitement +ought to be avoided. The dog must be watched and nursed, being provided +with a sheltered lodging and an ample bed in a situation perfectly +protected from winds or draughts, but at the same time cool and airy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Asthma</span> is a frequent disease in old and petted dogs. It comes on by fits, +and, through the severity of the attack, often seems to threaten +suffocation; but I have not known a single case in which it has proved +fatal. The cause is generally attributable to inordinate feeding, for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> +animals thus afflicted are always gross and fat. The disorder comes on +gradually in most instances, though the fit is usually sudden. The +appetite is not affected, or rather it is increased often to an +extraordinary degree. The craving is great, and flesh is always preferred, +while sweet and seasoned articles are much relished. On examination, the +signs denoting the digestion to be deranged will be discovered. Piles are +nearly constantly met with; the coat is generally in a bad condition, and +the hair off in places. The nose may be dry; the membrane of the eyes +congested; the teeth covered with tartar, and the breath offensive. The +dog is slothful, and exertion is followed by distress. Cough may or may +not exist; but it usually appears towards the latter period of the attack.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 401px;"> +<img src="images/img_222_th.jpg" width="401" height="301" alt="ASTHMA." title="" /> +<span class="caption">ASTHMA.</span> +</div> + +<p>Asthma is spasm of the bronchial tubes, and when it is thoroughly +established it is seldom to be cured. All medicine can accomplish is the +relief of the more violent symptoms. The fits may be rendered +comparatively less frequent and less severe; but the agents that best +operate<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> to that result are likely in the end to destroy the general +health. Between two evils, therefore, the proprietor has to make his +choice; but if he resolves to treat the disorder, he must do so knowing +the drugs he makes use of are not entirely harmless.</p> + +<p>Food is of all importance. It must be proportioned to the size of the +patient, and be rather spare than full in quantity. Flesh should be +denied, and coarse vegetable diet alone allowed. The digestion must also +be attended to, and every means taken to invigorate the system. Exercise +must be enforced, even though the animal appear to suffer in consequence +of being made to walk. The skin should be daily brushed, and the bed +should not be too luxurious. Sedatives are of service; and as no one of +these agents will answer in every case, a constant change will be needed, +that, by watching their action, the one which produces the best effect may +be discovered. Opium, belladonna, hyoscyamus, assafœtida, and the rest, +may be thus tried in succession; and often small doses produce those +effects which the larger one seems to conceal. A pill containing any +sedative, with an alterative quantity of some expectorant, may be given +three times daily; but when the fit is on, I have gained the most +immediate benefit by the administration of ether and opium. From one to +four leeches to the chest, sometimes, are of service; but small ammoniacal +blisters applied to the sides, and frequently repeated, are more to be +depended upon. Trivial doses of antimonial wine or ipecacuanha wine, with +an occasional emetic, will sometimes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> give temporary ease; but the +last-named medicines are to be resorted to only after due consideration, +as they greatly lower the strength. Stomachics and mild tonics at the same +time are to be employed; but a cure is not to be expected. The treatment +cannot be absolutely laid down; but the judgment must be exercised, and +whenever the slightest improvement is remarked every effort must be made +to prevent a relapse.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="HEPATITIS" id="HEPATITIS"></a>HEPATITIS.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_224_th.jpg" width="500" height="254" alt="CHRONIC HEPATITIS." title="" /> +<span class="caption">CHRONIC HEPATITIS.</span> +</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Liver</span> complaints were once fashionable. A few years ago the mind of Great +Britain was in distress about its bile, and blue pill with black draught +literally became a part of the national diet. At present nervous and +urinary diseases appear to be in vogue; but, with dogs, hepatic disorders +are as prevalent as ever. The canine liver is peculiarly susceptible to +disease. Very seldom have I dipped into the mysteries of their bodies but +I have found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> the biliary gland of these animals deranged; sometimes +inflamed—sometimes in an opposite condition—often enlarged—seldom +diminished—rarely of uniform color—occasionally tuberculated—and not +unfrequently as fat with disease as those are which have obtained for +Strasburg geese a morbid celebrity.</p> + +<p>It is, however, somewhat strange that, notwithstanding the almost +universality of liver disease among petted dogs, the symptoms which denote +its existence are in these creatures so obscure and undefined as rarely to +be recognised. Very few dogs have healthy livers, and yet seldom is the +disordered condition of this important gland suspected. Various are the +causes which different authors, English and foreign, have asserted +produced this effect. I shall only allude to such as I can on my own +experience corroborate, and here I shall have but little to refer to. +Over-feeding and excessive indulgence are the sources to which I have +always traced it. In the half-starved or well-worked dog I have seen the +liver involved; but have never beheld it in such a state as led me to +conclude it was the principal or original seat of the affection which +ended in death. On the other hand, in fatted and petted animals, I have +seen the gland in a condition that warranted no doubt as to what part the +fatal attack had commenced in.</p> + +<p>When death has been the consequence of hepatic disorder, the symptoms have +in every instance been chronic. I am not aware that I have been called +upon to treat a case of an acute description, excepting as a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> phase of +distemper. It would be too much to say such a form of disease does not +exist in a carnivorous animal; but I have hitherto not met with it. +Neither have I seen it as the effect of inveterate mange; though I have +beheld obstinate skin disease the common, but far from invariable, result +of chronic hepatitis. I have also known cerebral symptoms to be produced +by the derangement of this gland, which, in the dog, may be the cause of +almost any possible symptom, and still give so little indication of its +actual condition as almost to set our reason at defiance.</p> + +<p>When the animal is fat, the visible mucous membranes may be pallid; the +tongue white; the pulse full and quick; the spirits slothful: the appetite +good; the fœces natural: the bowels irregular; the breath offensive; +the anus enlarged, and the rump denuded of hair, the naked skin being +covered with a scaly cuticle, thickened and partially insensible.</p> + +<p>When the animal is thin, almost all of the foregoing signs may be wanting. +The dog may be only emaciated—a living skeleton, with an enlarged belly. +It is dull, and has a sleepy look when undisturbed; but when its attention +is attracted, the expression of its countenance is half vacant and half +wild. The pupil of the eye is dilated, and the visual organs stare as +though the power of recognition were enfeebled. The appetite is good and +the manner gentle. The tongue is white, and occasionally reddish towards +the circumference. The membranes of the eye are very pale, but not yellow. +The lining of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> the mouth is of a faint dull tint, and often it feels cold +to the touch. The coat looks not positively bad; but rather like a skin +which had been well dressed by a furrier, than one which was still upon a +living body.</p> + +<p>The history in these cases invariably informs us that the animal has been +fat—very fat—about six or twelve months ago. It fell away all at once, +though no change was made in the diet; and yet we learn it has been +physicked. No restraint has been put upon buckthorn, castor oil, aloes, +sulphur, and antimony, but yet the belly will not go down—it keeps +getting bigger; and now we are told the animal has a dropsy which "wants +to be cured." It is natural the figure and condition should suggest the +idea of ascites; but the hair does not pull out—none of the legs are +swollen—the shape of the abdomen wants the appearance of gravitation, and +if the patient be placed upon its back the form of the rotundity is not +altered by the position of the body. Moreover, the breathing is tolerably +easy: and, though if one hand be placed against the side of the belly, and +the part opposite be struck with the other, there will be a marked sense +of fluctuation; still we cannot accept so dubious a test against the mass +of evidence that declares dropsy is not the name of the disease. To make +sure, we feel the abdomen near to the line of the false ribs. This gives +no pain, so we press a little hard, and in two or three places on either +side, on the right, or may be the left, high up or low down; for in +abnormal growths there can be no rule—in two or three places we can +detect hard, solid, but smooth lumps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> within the cavity. This last +discovery leaves no room for further doubt, so we pronounce the liver to +be the organ that is principally affected. In chronic cases, especially +after the dog has begun to waste, enlargement nearly always may be felt, +not invariably hard, yet often so, but never soft or so soft as the other +parts; and this proof should, therefore, in every instance of the kind be +sought for.</p> + +<p>With regard to treatment, the food must not be suddenly reduced to the +starvation point. Whether the dog be fat or lean, let the quality be +nutritious, and the quantity sufficient; from a quarter of a pound to a +pound and a half of paunch, divided into four meals, will be enough for a +single day; but nothing more than this must be given. Tonics, to +strengthen the system generally, should be employed; and an occasional +dose of the cathartic pills administered, providing the condition is such +as justifies the use of purgatives. Frequent small blisters, applied over +the region of the liver, may do good; but they should not be larger than +two or four inches across, and they should be repeated one every three or +four days. Leeches put upon the places where hardness can be felt, also +are beneficial; but depletion must be regulated by the ability of the +animal to sustain it. A long course of iodide of potassium in solution, +combined with the liquor potassæ, will, however, constitute the principal +dependence.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of potassium</td><td align='left'>Two drachms two scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor potassæ</td><td align='left'>One ounce and a half.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Simple syrup</td><td align='left'>Six ounces.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>Twelve ounces and a half.</td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> + +<p>Give from half a teaspoonful to a teaspoonful three times a day.</p> + +<p>The above must be persevered in for a couple of months before any effect +can be anticipated. Mercury I have not found of any service, though Blaine +speaks highly of it, and Youatt quotes his opinion. Perhaps I have not +employed it rightly, or ventured to push it far enough.</p> + +<p>Under the treatment recommended, the dog may be preserved from speedy +death; but the structures have been so much changed that medicine cannot +be expected to restore them. The pet may be saved to its indulgent +mistress, and again perhaps exhibit all the charms for which it was ever +prized; but the sporting-dog will never be made capable of doing work, and +certainly it is not to be selected to breed from after it has sustained an +attack of hepatitis.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, during the existence of hepatitis, the animal will be seized +with fits of pain, which appear to render it frantic. These I always +attribute to the passage of gall stones, which I have taken in comparative +large quantities from the gall-bladders of dogs. The cries and struggles +create alarm, but the attack is seldom fatal. A brisk purgative, a warm +bath, and free use of laudanum and ether, afford relief; for when the +animal dies of chronic hepatitis, it perishes gradually from utter +exhaustion.</p> + +<p>The post-mortem examination generally presents that which much surprises +the proprietor; one lobe of the gland is very greatly enlarged; it +evidently contains<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> fluid. It has under disease become a vast cyst, from +which, in a setter, I have actually extracted more than two gallons of +serum: from a small spaniel I have taken this organ so increased in size +that it positively weighed one half the amount of the body from which it +was removed. The wonder is that the apparently weak covering to the liver +could bear so great a pressure without bursting.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="INDIGESTION" id="INDIGESTION"></a>INDIGESTION.</h2> + +<p>Things must seem to have come to a pretty pass when a book is gravely +written upon dyspepsia in dogs. Nevertheless, I am in earnest when I treat +upon that subject; and could the animals concerned bear witness, they +would testify it was indeed no joke. The Lord Mayor of London does not +retire from office with a stomach more deranged than the majority of the +canine race, shielded by his worshipful authority, could exhibit. The +cause in both instances is the same. Dogs as they increase in years seem +to degenerate sadly; till at length they mumble dainties and relish +flavors with the gusto of an alderman. Pups even are not worthy of +unlimited confidence. The little animals will show much ingenuity in +procuring substances that make the belly ache; and, with infantine +perversity, will, of their own accord, gobble things which, if +administered, would excite shrieks of resistance. A litter of high-bred +pups is a source of no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> less constant annoyance, nor does it require less +incessant watching, than a nursery of children. There is so much +similarity between man and dog that, from fear of too strongly wounding +the self-love of my reader, I must drop the subject.</p> + +<p>Indigestion in dogs assumes various forms, and is the source of numerous +diseases. Most skin affections may be attributed to it. The inflammation +of the gums, the foulness of the teeth, and the offensiveness of the +breath, are produced by it. Excessive fatness, with its attendant asthma +and hollow cough, are to be directly traced to a disordered digestion. In +the long run, half of the petted animals die from diseases originating in +this cause; and in nearly every instance the fault lies far more with the +weakness of the master than with the corruptness of the beast. He who is +invested with authority has more sins, than those he piously acknowledges +his own, to answer for.</p> + +<p>The symptoms are not obscure. A dislike for wholesome food, and a craving +for hotly spiced or highly sweetened diet, is an indication. Thirst and +sickness are more marked. A love for eating string, wood, thread, and +paper, denotes the fact; and is wrongly put down to the prompting of a +mere mischievous instinct: any want of natural appetite, or any evidence +of morbid desire in the case of food, declares the stomach to be +disordered. The dog that, when offered a piece of bread, smells it with a +sleepy eye, and without taking it licks the fingers that present it, has +an impaired digestion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> Such an animal will perhaps only take the morsel +when it is about to be withdrawn; and, having got it, does not swallow it, +but places it on the ground, and stands over it with an expression of +peevish disgust. A healthy dog is always decided. No animal can be more +so. It will often take that which it cannot eat, but, having done so, it +either throws the needless possession away or lies down, and with a +determined air watches "the property." There is no vexation in its looks, +no captiousness in its manner. It acts with decision, and there is purpose +in what it does. The reverse is the case with dogs suffering from +indigestion. They are peevish and irresolute. They take only because +another shall not have. They will perhaps eat greedily what they do not +want if the cat looks longfully at that which had lain before them for +many minutes, and which no coaxing could induce them to swallow. They are, +in their foibles, very like the higher animal.</p> + +<p>The treatment is simple. The dog must be put upon, and strictly kept upon, +an allowance. Some persons, when these animals are sent to them, because +the creatures are fat and sickly, shut the dogs up for two or four days, +and allow them during the period to taste nothing but water. The trick +often succeeds, but it is dangerous in severe cases, and needless in mild +ones. This is a heartless practice, which ignorance only would resort to; +but such conduct is very general, and the people who follow it boast +laughingly of its effect. They do not care for its consequences. A weakly +stomach cannot be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> benefited by a prolonged abstinence. I have kept a dog +four-and-twenty hours without food, but never longer, and then only when +the animal has been brought to me with a tale about its not eating. The +report, then, is assurance that food has been offered, and the inference +is that the stomach is loaded. A little rest enables it to get rid of its +contents, and in some measure to recover its tone. The dog, as a general +rule, does well on one meal a day; afterward, the food is regularly +weighed, and nothing more than the quantity is permitted. This quantity +may be divided into three or four meals, and given at stated periods, so +that the last is eaten at night. When thus treated, animals, which I am +assured would touch nothing, have soon become possessors of vigorous +appetites. At the same time, exercise and the cold bath every morning is +ordered; and either tonic or gentle sedatives, with alkalies and vegetable +bitters, are administered. The following are the ordinary stomach-pills, +and do very well for the generality of cases:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'>Sixteen grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sodæ carb.</td><td align='left'>Half an ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Half an ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ferri carb.</td><td align='left'>Half an ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make into sixteen, thirty, or eight pills, and give two daily.</p> + +<p>The reader, however, will not depend upon any one compound, for stomach +disease is remarkably capricious. Sometimes one thing and sometimes +another does a great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> deal of good; but the same thing is seldom equally +good in any two cases. Stimulants, as nitrate of silver, trisnitrate of +bismuth, or nux vomica, are occasionally of great service; and so also are +purgatives and emetics, but these last, when they do no benefit, always do +much injury. They should, therefore, be tried last, and then with caution, +the order being thus:—Tonics, sedatives, and alkalies, either singly or +in combination, and frequently changed. Stimulants and excitants in small +doses, gradually increased. Emetics and purgatives, mingled with any of +the foregoing. The food and exercise, after all, will do more for the +restoration than the medicine, which must be so long continued that the +mind doubts whether it is of any decided advantage. The affection is +always chronic, and time is therefore imperative for its cure.</p> + +<p>Dogs are afflicted with a disease of the stomach, which is very like to +"water-brash," "pyrosis," or "cardialgia," in the human being. The animals +thus tormented are generally fully grown and weakly: a peculiarity in the +walk shows the strength is feeble. The chief symptom is, however, not to +be mistaken. The creature is dull just before the attack: it gets by +itself, and remains quiet. All at once it rises; and without an effort, no +premonitory sounds being heard, a quantity of fluid is ejected from the +mouth, and by the shaking of the head scattered about. This appears to +afford relief, but the same thing may occur frequently during the day. +This disease of itself is not dangerous; but it is troublesome,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> and will +make any other disorder the more likely to terminate fatally; it should, +therefore, be always attended to. The food must not be neglected, and +either a solution of the iodide of potassium with liquor potassæ, or pills +of trisnitrate of bismuth, must be given. The preparations of iron are +sometimes of use; and a leech or two, after a small blister to the side, +has also seemed to be beneficial. When some ground has been gained, the +treatment recommended for indigestion generally must be adopted, the +choice of remedies being guided by the symptoms. The practitioner, +however, must not forget that the mode of feeding has probably been the +cause; and, therefore, it must ever after be an object of especial care. +The cold bath and exercise, proportioned to the strength, are equally to +be esteemed.</p> + +<p>Very old dogs often die from indigestion, and in such cases the stomach +will become inflated to an extent that would hardly be credited. These +animals I have not observed to be subject to flatulent colic; when, +therefore, the abdomen becomes suddenly tympanitic the gas is usually +contained in the stomach. Fits and diarrhœa may accompany or precede +the attack, which in the first instance yields to treatment; but in a +month more or less returns, and is far more stubborn. Ether and laudanum, +by mouth and enema, are at first to be employed; and, generally, they are +successful. The liquor potassæ, chloride of lime in solution, and +aromatics with chalk, may also be tried, the food being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> strengthening but +entirely fluid. The warm bath is here highly injurious; and bleeding or +purging out of the question. When the distension of the stomach is so +great as to threaten suffocation, the tube of the stomach-pump may be +introduced; but, unless danger be present, the practitioner ought to +depend upon the efforts of nature, to support which all his measures +should be directed. After recovery, meat scraped as for potting, without +any admixture of vegetables, must constitute the diet; and while a +sufficiency is given, a very little only must be allowed at a time. With +these precautions the life may be prolonged, but the restoration of health +is not to be expected.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GASTRITIS" id="GASTRITIS"></a>GASTRITIS</h2> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 488px;"> +<img src="images/img_236_th.jpg" width="488" height="195" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Dogs are abused for their depraved tastes, and reproached for the filth +they eat; but if one of them, being of a particular disposition in the +article of food, takes to killing his own mutton, he is knocked on the +head as too luxurious. It is a very vulgar mistake to imagine the canine +race have no preferences. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> have their likes and dislikes quite as +strong and as capricious as other animals. Man himself does not more +frequently impair his digestion by over indulgence than does the dog. In +both cases the punishment is the same, but the brute having the more +delicate digestion suffers most severely. The dog's stomach is so subject +to be deranged that few of these creatures can afford to gormandize; to +which failing, however, they are much inclined. The consequence is soon +shown. A healthy dog can make a hearty meal and sleep soundly after it. +The petted favorite is often pained by a moderate quantity of food, and +frequent are the housemaid's regrets that his digestion is not more +retentive. He spoils other things besides victuals; and the more daintily +he lives the more generally is he troublesome. It is the variety that +diseases him. He grows to be omnivorous. He learns to relish that which +nature did not fit him to consume, and as a consequence he pays for his +bad habits. The dog in extreme cases can digest even bones; a banquet of +tainted flesh will not disorder him; but he cannot subsist in health on +his lady's diet. His stomach was formed to receive and assimilate certain +substances, and to deny these is not to be generous or kind.</p> + +<p>Gastritis is very common with ladies' favorites. Its symptoms are well +marked. Frequent sickness is the first indication. This is taken little +notice of. The mess is cleared up, and the matter is forgotten. Thirst<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> is +constant, and the lapping is long; but no further notice is taken of this +circumstance, than to remark the animal has grown very fond of water. At +last the thirst has increased, and no sooner is the draught swallowed than +it is ejected. The appetite which may have been ravenous a little time +before, now grows bad, and whatever is eaten is immediately returned. The +animal is evidently ill. The nose is dry, and the breathing quick. It +avoids warmth, and lies and pants, away from the hearthrug. It dislikes +motion and stretches itself out, either upon its chest or on its belly. +Sometimes it moans, and more rarely cries. The stomach is now inflamed; +and if the symptoms could have been earlier understood, frequently has the +animal been seen, prior to this stage of attack, licking the polished +steel fire-irons. It has been horrifying its mistress's propriety, by its +instinctive desire to touch something cold with its burning tongue; and +the poor little beast perhaps has been chastised for seeking a momentary +relief to its affliction.</p> + +<p>Dogs that are properly treated rarely have gastritis. When they do, it is +generally induced by some unwholesome food. I have known it to be caused +by graves more often than by anything else they are accustomed to eat. I +never recommend this stuff to be given to dogs. Meal and skim milk is far +better, and that can always be procured where flesh is scarce. The +entrails of sheep, &c., if washed and boiled with a large quantity of any +kind of meal, are nutritious and wholesome; nay, even when a little +tainted, they will not be refused. If, however, they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> were hung up in a +strong draught, they would soon dry; and in that state might be preserved +for use any length of time; all they afterwards require would be boiling. +The paunch can be prepared in the same manner; and it would be worth some +little trouble to avoid a mixture which contains nothing strengthening, +and too often a great deal that is injurious.</p> + +<p>The treatment of gastritis is simple. It is generally accompanied by more +or less diarrhœa; but the violence of the leading symptom renders that +of comparatively little consequence. The degree of sickness will always +indicate whether the stomach is the principal seat of disease.</p> + +<p>As nothing is retained, it would be a needless trouble to give many solids +or fluids, by the mouth. From half a grain to a grain and a half of +calomel, thoroughly mixed with the same quantities of powdered opium, may +be sprinkled upon the tongue; and from one drachm to four drachms of +sulphuric ether may be given in as much water as will dissolve it twenty +minutes afterwards. The medicine will most probably be ejected; but, as it +is very volatile, it may be retained sufficient time to have some +influence in quieting the spasmodic irritability of the stomach. Ethereal +injections should be administered every hour, and no food of any kind +allowed. Besides this, from a quarter of a grain to a grain of opium may +be sprinkled on the tongue every hour; and the ether draught continued +until the sickness ceases, or the animal displays signs of being +narcotised. An ammoniacal blister,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> if the symptoms are urgent, may be +applied to the left side; but in mild cases, a strong embrocation will +answer every purpose. Except the constitution be vigorous, and the pulse +very strong, it will not be advisable to bleed, but from two to twelve +leeches may be applied to the lower part of the chest. Cold water may be +allowed in any quantity, but nothing warm should be given. The colder the +water, the better, and the more grateful it will be to the animal. Where +it can be obtained, a large lump of ice may be placed in the water, for +the dog often will lick this, and sometimes even gnaw it. Small lumps of +ice may be forced down as pills, and a cold bath may be given, the animal +being well wrapped up afterwards, that it may become warm, and the blood, +by the natural reaction, be determined to the skin.</p> + +<p>When the sickness is conquered, the following should be administered:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered nux vomica</td><td align='left'>A quarter of a grain to a grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphate of iron</td><td align='left'>One grain to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Sufficient to make a pill.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The above may be repeated every four hours until the stomach is quiet; but +it is not always tranquillized; sickness may return, and the pills may +possibly seem to aggravate it. If such should appear to be the case, try +the next:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Acid hydrocyanic, L.P.</td><td align='left'>One drop to four drops.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Carbonate of soda</td><td align='left'>Three grains to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> +<p>The ether and opium must also he persevered with, regulating the last of +course by the action which it induces.</p> + +<p>Food should consist of cold broth, slightly thickened with ground rice, +arrowroot, starch, or flour, and for some days it must be composed of +nothing more; but by degrees the thickness may be increased, and a little +bread and milk introduced. After a time a small portion of minced +underdone meat, without skin or fat, may be allowed; but the quantity must +be small, and the quality unexceptionable.</p> + +<p>The second day generally sees an abatement of the more urgent symptoms, +and then the draught may be composed of five minims of laudanum to every +drachm of ether, and ten drachms of water. This to be given both by mouth +and injection six times daily. The former pills were intended only to +allay the primary violence of the disease, and when that object is +attained, the following remedy may be employed:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'>One grain to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Carbonate of soda</td><td align='left'>Three grains to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Carbonate of ammonia</td><td align='left'>Half a grain to two grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Five grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The above is for one pill, which should be repeated four times daily, and +continued for some days; when, if the dog seems quite recovered, a course +of the quinine tonic pills, as recommended for distemper, will be of use; +but should any suspicion be created of the disorder not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> being entirely +removed, the animal may be treated as advised for indigestion.</p> + +<p>Sporting dogs are frequently sent to me suffering under what the +proprietors are pleased to term "Foul." The history of these cases is soon +known. They have been withdrawn from the field at the close of the season, +and have ever since been shut up in close confinement, while the working +diet has been persevered with. The poor beast is supposed capable of +vegetating until the return of the period for shooting requires his +services. He remains chained up till he acquires every outward disease to +which his kind are liable; and then, when he stinks the place out, his +owner is surprised at his condition, pronouncing his misused animal to be +"very foul." "Foul" is not one disease, but an accumulation of disorders +brought on by the absence of exercise with a stimulating diet. The +sporting dog, when really at work, may have all the flesh it can consume; +but at the termination of that period its food should consist wholly of +vegetable substances, while a <i>little</i> exercise daily is necessary, not to +health, but absolutely for life. The dog with "foul" requires each seat of +disease to be treated separately; beginning of course with the dressing +for mange or for lice, one or the other of which the animal is certain to +display.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DISEASES_DEPENDENT_ON_AN_INTERNAL_ORGAN" id="DISEASES_DEPENDENT_ON_AN_INTERNAL_ORGAN"></a>DISEASES DEPENDENT ON AN INTERNAL ORGAN.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="STOMACH_ST_VITUSS_DANCE" id="STOMACH_ST_VITUSS_DANCE"></a>STOMACH.—ST. VITUS'S DANCE.</h2> + +<p>This disease generally is assumed to be a nervous disorder, and so the +symptoms declare it to be; but on <i>post mortem</i> examinations no lesion is +found either upon the brain, spinal marrow, or the nerves themselves. This +last circumstance, however, proves nothing; for the same thing may be said +of tetanus in the human being, and of stringhalt in the horse; both of +them being well-marked nervous affections. I append St. Vitus's Dance to +the stomach, not because of that which I have not beheld, but because of +that which I have positively seen.</p> + +<p>It follows upon distemper. I do not know it as a distinct disorder, though +it is asserted to exist as such when the greater or leading disease is +unobserved. It then follows up the affection which primarily involves the +stomach and intestines, and to which indications all other symptoms are +secondary. On every <i>post mortem</i> which I have made of this disorder, I +have discovered the stomach inflamed; and, therefore, not because the +nerves or their centres are blank, but because on one important viscus I +have found well marked signs to impress my reason, I propose to treat of +this disorder as connected with the stomach.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_245.jpg"><img src="images/img_245_th.jpg" width="500" height="288" alt="THE POINTER." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">THE POINTER.</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> +<p>The signs to which I allude, consists of patches of well-defined +inflammation; and hence, knowing how distemper has the power to involve +other organs, I conclude it has caused the spinal marrow to be +sympathetically affected.</p> + +<p>The symptoms of the disease are well marked. The poor beast, whether he be +standing up or lying down, is constantly worried with a catching of the +limb or limbs—for only one may be affected, or all four may be attacked. +Sleeping or waking, the annoyance continues. The dog cannot obtain a +moment's rest from its tormentor. Day and night the movement remains; no +act, no position the poor brute is capable of, can bring to the animal an +instant's downright repose. Its sleep is troubled and broken; its waking +moments are rendered miserable by this terrible infliction. The worst of +the matter is, that the dog in every other respect appears to be well. Its +spirits are good, and it is alive for happiness. If it were released from +its constant affliction, it is eager to enjoy its brief lease of life as +in the time of perfect health. Plaintive and piteous are its looks as, +lying asleep before the fire, it is aroused by a sudden pain; wakes, turns +round, and mutely appeals to its master for an explanation or a removal of +the nuisance. When stricken down at last, as, unable to stand, it lies +upon its straw, most sad is it to see the poor head raised, and to hear +the tail in motion welcoming any one who may enter the place in which it +is a helpless but a necessary prisoner.</p> + +<p>In this disorder the best thing is to pay every attention to the food. The +wretched animal generally has an enormous appetite, and, when it is unable +to stand, will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> continue feeding to the last. This morbid hunger must not +be indulged. One pound of good rice may be boiled or cooked in a +sufficiency of carefully made beef-tea, every particle of meat or bone +being removed. This will constitute the provender for one day necessary to +sustain the largest dog, and a quarter the amount will be sufficient for +one of the average size. Where good rice is not to be obtained, oatmeal or +bread, allowing for the moisture which the last contains, may be +substituted. No bones, nor substances likely, when swallowed, to irritate +the stomach, must on any account be allowed. The quantity given at one +time must ever be small; and every sort of provender offered should be +soft and soothing to the internal parts; though the poor dog will be eager +to eat that which will be injurious. Water should be placed within its +reach, and offered during the day, the head being held while the +incapacitated animal drinks.</p> + +<p>When a dog is prostrated by this affliction, it must on no account be +suffered to remain on the floor, where its limbs would speedily become +excoriated, being forcibly moved upon the boards; anything placed beneath +the animal to save the limbs, would be saturated with the urine and fæces +the poor beast is necessitated to pass. The best bed in such cases is made +of a slanting piece of woodwork, of sufficient size to allow the animal to +lie with ease at full length. The planks composing the wooden stage must +be placed apart, be pierced with numerous holes, have the edges rounded, +and be elevated at one end so as to allow all moisture readily to run +off.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> The wood must be covered with a quantity of straw; which sort of +bedding is convenient, not only because it allows the water to speedily +percolate through it, but because it is warm, and being cheap, permits of +repeated change.</p> + +<p>Physic is not of much avail in this disorder; kind nursing and mild food +will do more towards recovery. Still, medicine, as an accessory, may be of +considerable service, and in a secondary view deserves honorable mention. +Alkalies, sedatives, and vegetable bitters, may be combined in various +forms. The author's favorite sedative in stomach diseases is hyoscyamus, +and alkali potash. For a bitter, quassia is a very good one; better than +gentian, a small amount of the extract of which, however, may be used to +make up the pill. When speaking of the pill, the most important ingredient +must not be forgotten—I mean nux vomica. Some people employ strychnia, +but such persons more often kill than cure their patients. Strychnia in +any doses, however minute, is a violent poison to the dog. While at +college I beheld animals killed with it; and there does not live the +person who knows how to render this agent safe to the dog. Nux vomica, +even, must be used in very minute doses, to be entirely safe—from a +quarter of a grain to a small pup, to two grains to the largest animal. +That quantity must be continued for a week, four pills being given daily; +then add a quarter of a grain daily to the four larger pills, and a +quarter of a grain every four days to all the smaller ones; keep on +increasing the amount, till the physiological effects of the drug, as +they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> are called, become developed. These consist in the beast having that +which uninformed people term "a fit." He lies upon the ground, uttering +rather loud cries, whilst every muscle of his body is in motion. Thus he +continues scratching, as if it was his desire to be up and off at a +hundred miles an hour. No sooner is he rid of one attack than he has +another. He retains his consciousness, but is unable to give any sign of +recognition. It is useless to crowd round the animal in this state; the +drug must perform its office, and will do so, in spite of human effort. +The very best thing that can be done, is to let the animal alone until the +attack is over, when writers on Materia Medica tell us improvement is +perceptible. I wish it was so in dogs. I have beheld the physiological +effect of nux vomica repeatedly, but cannot recollect many instances in +which I could date amendment from its appearance.</p> + +<p>The following is the formula for the pill recently alluded to:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Potash</td><td align='left'>Two to seven grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'>Half a grain to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Quassia powder</td><td align='left'>Three to sixteen grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Nux vomica</td><td align='left'>A quarter of a grain to two grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The above quantities are sufficient for one pill, four of which are to be +given daily for a week, at the expiration of which period the increase may +begin. If the above, after a fair test has been made of it, does not +succeed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> trial may be instituted of the nitrate of silver, the +trisnitrate of bismuth, or any of the various drugs said to be beneficial +in the disease, or of service in stomach complaints. In this disorder the +same drug never appears to act twice alike, therefore a change is +warranted and desirable.</p> + +<p>Hopes of restoration may be entertained if the animal can only be kept +alive to recover strength; then confident expectation can be expressed +that the dog will outgrow the disease. The first signs perceptible which +denote recovery are these:—The provender the beast consumes is evidently +not thrown away. Instead of eating much, and ungratefully becoming thinner +and thinner upon that which it consumes, the animal displays a disposition +to thrive upon its victuals. It does not get fat on what it eats, but it +evidently loses no flesh. It grows no thinner; and if the strength be not +recruited, it obviously is not diminished. The animal does not gorge much +wholesome diet daily, to exhibit more and more the signs of debility and +starvation. If only a suspicion can be felt that the poor dog does not +sink, then hope of ultimate success may warm the heart of a kind master; +but when the reverse is obvious, though killing a dog is next to killing a +child—and he who for pleasure can do the one, is not far off from doing +the other—yet it is mercy then to destroy that existence which must else +be miserably worn away. When there is no chance left for expectation to +cling to, it becomes real charity to do violence to our feelings, in order +that we may spare a suffering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> creature pain; but when there is a +prospect, however remote, of recovery, I hope there is no veterinary +surgeon who would touch the life. When the animal can stand, we may +anticipate good; and whatever is left of the complaint, we may assure our +employers will vanish as the age increases; for St. Vitus's Dance is +essentially the disease of young dogs. But as recovery progresses, we must +be cautious to do nothing to fling the animal back. No walks must be +enforced, under the pretence of administering exercise. The animal has +enough of that in its ever-jerking limbs; and however well it may grow to +be while the disease lasts, we may rest assured the dog suffering its +attack stands in need of repose.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BOWEL_DISEASES" id="BOWEL_DISEASES"></a>BOWEL DISEASES.</h2> + +<p>Continuous with the stomach are the intestines, which are equally subject +to disease, and more exposed to it in an acute form than even the former +viscus. The dog will fill its belly with almost anything, but there is +little that positively agrees with it. Boiled rice or lean meat, &c., and +coarse biscuit, are the best general food; but without exercise, even +these will not support health. The dog requires constant care if it is +deprived of liberty: and those who keep these animals as pets, must submit +to trouble, for though art may do much, it cannot conquer Nature.</p> + +<p>The intestines of the dog are peculiar. In the first place, it has no +colon, and all the guts are nearly of one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> size from the commencement to +the termination; the duodenum and the most posterior portion of the rectum +being the largest, though not so much so as materially to destroy the +appearance of uniformity. The cæcum is no more than a small appendage—a +little sac attached to the main tube; it has but one opening, and that is +very diminutive. I think all the food, as in other animals, passes into +and out of this intestine; which, because of its peculiar formation, is +therefore particularly liable to be disordered. In the dog which has died +of intestinal disease, the cæcum is almost invariably found enlarged and +inflamed. In it, I imagine, the majority of bowel affections have their +origin. The gut is first loaded, and the consequence of this is, it loses +its natural function. The contents become irritants from being retained, +and the whole process of digestion is deranged; other parts are involved, +and inflammation is induced.</p> + +<p>Writers do not notice the tendency of the cæcum to be diseased, or remark +upon its disposition to exhibit signs of alteration; but the fact being so +obvious, I wonder it should have escaped observation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Costiveness</span> is, in some measure, natural to the dog, and in that animal is +hardly to be viewed as a disease. In health, the fæces are not expelled +without considerable straining, and the matter voided ought to be of a +solid character. It nevertheless should not be absolutely hard, or +positively dry, for in that case the want of moisture shows the natural +secretion of the rectum is deficient; the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> hardness proving prolonged +detention, denoting the intestines have lost their activity.</p> + +<p>Both Blaine and Youatt were educated in the old school of medicine, which +taught them to regard purgatives as the surgeon's best friends, and the +sheet-anchors of his practice. They prescribe them in almost every case, +and almost on every occasion; but I rarely give these agents. In the dog I +am convinced they are not safe, and their constant use is by no means +imperative. Should an animal be supposed not to have been relieved for a +week, this fact is no proof that a purgative is required. The animal may +have eluded observation, and it cannot inform us if such has been the +case. The intestines may be slow, or the digestion may be more than +usually active. It is foolish to lay down rules for Nature, and punish her +creatures if these laws are not obeyed. There are, however, means of +ascertaining when a purgative is needed; and these, if employed, will very +rarely deceive.</p> + +<p>The muscles covering the abdomen of the dog are very thin, and through +them the contents of the cavity may be plainly felt. By squeezing these +together, the fingers will detect whether the rectum, which lies near to +the spine, and of course backward or towards the tail, contains any +substance. Should the presence of any solid body be ascertained, its +character ought to be noted. If round and comparatively soft, a little +exercise will cause it to be expelled; but if hard-pointed in places, and +uneven, assistance should be afforded. An enema, of the solution<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> of +soap—or of Epsom salts, from half an ounce to a quarter of a pound, in a +quarter of a pint to a quart of water—may be administered. A more active +injection will be, from half a drachm to four drachms of turpentine, +beaten up with the yolks of so many eggs as there are drachms of the oil, +and mixed with the quantity of water just named.</p> + +<p>Either of these will relieve the bowel; but the condition of one part +justifies an inference as to the state of another, and the enema probably +will not unload the cæcum, which there is reason to suppose is also +clogged. A gentle dose of castor-oil, or of the pills directed on page +<a href="#Page_116">116</a>, will accomplish this intention; and, afterwards, measures must be +adopted to regulate the digestion, either by tonics or such medicines as +the symptoms suggest, but not by the constant repetition of laxatives.</p> + +<p>Costiveness will sometimes produce such violent pain that alarm is +created, and dogs have been destroyed under the idea that they were rabid. +To guard against so fatal a mistake, I shall only here say, that rabies +does not come on suddenly, or, save in the latest stage, appear to +influence the consciousness, which it never entirely overpowers. The agony +caused by costiveness is greater than in any other affection to which the +dog is liable. Apparently well, and perhaps at play, a cry breaks forth, +which is the next instant a shriek, expressive of the acutest torture. The +animal takes to running, and is not aware of surrounding objects; it can +recognise nothing, but will bite its master if he attempts to catch<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> it, +and hit itself against anything that may be in its way; it scampers from +room to room, or hurries from place to place; it is unable to be still or +silent; and perhaps getting into a corner, it makes continuous efforts as +though it wished to scramble up the wall, remaining there jumping with all +its strength, and at the same time yelling at the top of its voice. This +excitement may last for an hour or more, and then cease only to be +renewed: till at length the powers fail, and in half a day the animal may +be dead. Just prior to death, a mass of compact fæces is usually passed; +and blood, with dysentery, is generally witnessed for the short period the +animal survives. After death, general inflammation of the intestines is +discovered, and the dog is reported to have perished from an attack of +enteritis which no medicine could subdue.</p> + +<p>In such cases, the first examination should be directed to the rectum; the +finger, moistened or oiled, ought to be inserted, and the intestine +explored as thoroughly as possible. This operation is, however, not of +further use than to confirm the opinion of the practitioner; and I, +knowing the cause, therefore dispense with it. A copious enema should be +immediately exhibited. One containing turpentine is the most effective; +but, on account of its activity, it is only safe in the beginning of the +attack. A warm bath is of service, but it takes up time which may be +better employed, and does not do sufficient good to recompense for the +delay. A full dose of sulphuric ether and laudanum should be given to +allay the pain, and it may with this intention be repeated every ten or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> +twenty minutes. If, from the enema, nothing follows, the finger should +then certainly be introduced, and perhaps a compact mass may be felt +firmly grasped by the intestine. Slowly, and with great caution, this must +be broken up, and brought away bit by bit. The handle of a spoon has been +recommended for this purpose, but I entreat my readers not to use it. +Where pain is present, and life or death hang on the issue, there is no +right to be any delicacy. An instrument of any kind introduced into such a +part, and employed while the body is writhing about in agony, cannot be +free from danger, and scarcely can be so used as to be effective. The +finger is the quickest, the most safe, and the most effectual instrument; +for we have it under our command, can guide it at our will, and with it +take cognisance of all the circumstances presented. Even that must be +employed gently, and this will be best done by the avoidance of haste. The +surgeon is bound to be skilful, but he ought never to be in a hurry. Let +all the time that can be occupied on such a matter be freely taken, and +during the process, let the cries of the animal be attended to; any change +of note will contain a warning which must not be disregarded. Without +attending to that, the intestine might be ruptured, and death would then +be certain.</p> + +<p>When the obstruction has been overcome, let a few ethereal enemas be +administered to allay any local irritability; and a dose of the purgative +pills—followed, six hours afterwards, should they not have operated, by +one of castor-oil mixture, blended with half a scruple of +chloroform—being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> given to unload the cæcum. The medicine having acted +freely, the food must be amended, the treatment altered, and such other +measures taken as the digestion may require for its restoration.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_257.jpg"><img src="images/img_257_th.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="" title="" /></a> +</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Colic.</span>—This is an affection to which dogs are very subject. The human +infant is not more liable to be griped than are the young of the canine +species. The idea of a cur with a belly-ache may, to some persons, seem to +be suggestive of fun; but to the creature that suffers, it is indeed a +serious business. A duchess with the spasms does not endure so much, and +is not in half the danger, that a dog is exposed to during a fit of +gripes. The animal must be relieved, or inflammation will speedily ensue, +and death will follow. In some cases, the appearance of colic is almost a +certain indication that the poor beast will die. When it comes on a week +or two prior to pupping, we may cure it; but during, or soon after +parturition, the bitch generally perishes. When it starts up in the later +or more virulent stage of distemper, especially at the time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> when the +champing of the jaw denotes the approach of fits, the chance of a +favorable termination to the disease is materially diminished. When in a +violent form it attacks a litter of puppies, either simultaneously or +consecutively, it is always attended with danger. At no season, and under +no circumstances, is it trivial, and never ought it to be neglected. The +cries and distress of the suffering animal will, when it is fully +established, enforce attention; but too often it has then proceeded so far +that much medicine will not check what in the first instance a single dose +might have entirely banished.</p> + +<p>The symptoms of colic have been much confused by Blaine, who, when +describing them, evidently alludes to many forms of disease with which +abdominal spasm has no connexion. Youatt is far more clear; but he is too +concise, and omits so much that the reader does not properly appreciate +the importance of that affection which is thus slightly mentioned. Neither +of the two authors seems to have carefully studied the subject; for in +their writings is not to be found any account of those early symptoms +which most readily yield to treatment.</p> + +<p>Prior to evincing any sign of colic, the dog appears well; healthy in its +body and easy in its mind. The appetite is good, or may be better than +usual. The food has been eaten and relished; then the animal instinctively +lies down to sleep and aid digestion. A moan is heard; the sound is half +suppressed, and the dog that utters it appears to sleep. Another cry, as +feeble, but of greater length, is noticed; and now the animal that made +it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> changes its position. The next time it may rise, look round, and seek +another place; which having found, it appears to settle itself and to go +to sleep. The rest once more is broken, the voice grows more full and +loud; the dog jumps up and runs about for a little while, then selects a +spot where it curls its body tightly up, as if resolved to have out its +nap. The interruption, however, constantly recurs; and at each return the +exclamation is more emphatic—the starting more energetic—the movement +more abrupt—and, contrasting these, the determination or desire to repose +becomes more strong. Thus endeavoring to sleep, and being constantly +disturbed by some sharp and shooting pain, the dog may continue for a day, +or two, or three, its cries, during the whole period, offending a +neighborhood.</p> + +<p>During the continuance of colic, the general appearance of the animal may +be but little affected. The eye is not injected, but the pupil may be +slightly enlarged. The nose is cool and moist, but towards the end, +irritation may render the part hot or dry. The appetite is generally +slight—sometimes lost; and fluids are more readily accepted than solids. +The cry, however, should be remarked; because, with the pulse, it gives +the earliest notice when inflammation is commencing. While colic alone +exists, the pulse may, from pain, be accelerated, and rendered more full, +as well as strong, though not always to any marked extent. In +inflammation, the pulse is greatly quickened, the artery becomes smaller, +and its beat more jerking or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> wiry. During simple spasm the voice is +natural, rich, sonorous, and almost musical; but in inflammation it is +short, harsh, high, and broken, the exclamations not being continuous, but +consisting of a series of disconnected "<i>yaps</i>."</p> + +<p>For the treatment, in the first instance, a turpentine enema will +frequently cut short the attack. Should it fail to so, injections of ether +and laudanum should succeed, and doses of the mixture should also be given +every half hour; the first three being exhibited at intervals only of a +quarter of an hour each. The cathartic pills should be administered; and +in three hours, if the bowels have not been acted upon, a dose of +castor-oil should be resorted to; but where the cathartic has been +responded to, the castor-oil should be delayed for eight or twelve hours.</p> + +<p>When the pain ceases, the ether and laudanum should not be immediately +discontinued; but they may be employed at longer intervals, and gradually +reduced in quantity, until the bowels are thoroughly opened, when they may +be withheld. Under this treatment, the affection is rarely fatal, and +never so if taken in time. An injection of ether and laudanum should +always be given to any pup that exhibits even the slightest symptom of +uneasiness. I have never known it to do harm, but I am convinced it has +often prevented danger.</p> + +<p>In those cases where purging and other indications denote the coats of the +bowels to be already involved, and spasm co-exists with enteritis, ether +and laudanum<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> must enter into all the remedies employed. On the dog their +action is, in my opinion, always beneficial; and were they not directly +so, the influence they possess in deadening pain would be sufficient +reason to justify their adoption. The other measures consist of such as +will be found mentioned under the head of enteritis; but it is essential +to observe any fæces which may be ejected by the animal that has suffered +colic; for by these we may sometimes guess the cause of the attack, and +more often learn the means through which a return may be prevented.</p> + +<p>As to the causes which induce colic, I can of my own knowledge offer no +information. It has to me seemed to be regulated by none of those +circumstances to which it is generally attributed; at all events, I think +I have witnessed it in animals which have not been exposed to any of the +causes that teachers and writers assert induce it. Dogs are, however, +brought to us only when the cause has ceased; for we are sought for only +to treat the effect. The declarations of authors may therefore be correct, +although I am unable to corroborate them; and these gentlemen say colic is +produced by cold, acrid food, chills, worms, hard water, &c. In cases of +this kind, therefore, it may be well to inquire if the dog has been +exposed, or badly fed, or is in any way unhealthy; and, so far as +possible, to rectify these matters; for, even though they may not have +provoked the spasm, nevertheless we shall do good by attending to the +health, diet, and comfort of the animal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Enteritis.</span>—The doom of the dog which is really afflicted with this +disease, is generally sealed. It is a painful and a fatal +disorder—equally rapid and stubborn. I fear it more than any other +affection to which the animal is subject, and more frequently than any +other has it set my best endeavors at defiance.</p> + +<p>In the dog, however, enteritis is rarely seen in a pure form. The mucous +membrane of the intestines is mostly inflamed, but the serous covering, as +a general rule, is in no degree involved. The stomach, however, is almost +in every instance more or less implicated; its inner surface being +inflamed, and its muscular coat so contracted, that the lining membrane is +corrugated, and remains in that condition after death.</p> + +<p>The incentives are, unwholesome food, which is the most frequent of the +causes; exposure, especially after a dog has been in winter fantastically +deprived of its long hair over the loins; and over-exertion, to which the +dog is often exposed, no attention being paid to its condition. Anything +which disorders the digestion, or violently shakes the constitution, will +induce it; for in the dog every species of revulsion has a tendency to +attack the bowels. Mange improperly treated has produced it; and this may +be said of almost any skin disease; so that it has been caused not by true +mange or itch alone but by a skin disease having been, under the pretence +of working an immediate cure, driven into the system. Neglected +impactments, or colic, are among its most frequent immediate causes; for +at least three parts of those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> cases of enteritis submitted to my notice, +have been clearly traced to have commenced with something of that kind.</p> + +<p>Of the symptoms of enteritis, colic and constipation, with a hard thin +pulse, are the most prominent. Sickness is not present, or rather I have +not witnessed it, at the commencement of the disorder. The extremities are +cold—the eye has a stupid expression, the pupil being much dilated—the +breath is hot, and the nose dry. The tail is drawn firmly downward, and +pressed upon the anus; the urine is sometimes scanty, always high-colored; +the tongue is rough and clammy, the thirst strong, and the appetite lost. +The dog seeks darkness and privacy, and does not ramble during the early +stage; it will stretch itself out either upon its belly or on its side, +and I have not seen it sit upon its haunches. The abdomen is only of the +heat of the body, which is generally of an increased temperature. Pressure +appears to cause no pain, and the animal rather seems grateful for +friction than to resist it. As the disease proceeds, diarrhœa ensues, +and with it the signs of exhaustion and death generally are exhibited. +Throughout the attack there is a marked disinclination to take any remedy; +which is not always displayed by these creatures, and in no other disease +is so violently exhibited. Dogs often become attached to those who +minister to their complaints; many of them will appear to understand and +appreciate the motives of him who attempts their relief. The poor things +will frequently submit to operations, and lick the hand which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> has +performed them. Eloquent are the appeals which they sometimes make to the +feelings of one in whom they have placed their confidence; often +staggering to meet him when he enters; looking upward into his face, and +uttering low cries, which are more expressive than words could possibly be +rendered. He who has had much to do with dogs must, if he be not +insensible, grow to like them, and gradually learn to think these +creatures possess both knowledge and reason. They will sometimes, without +a struggle, swallow the most pungent and nauseous drinks; but such is not +the case during enteritis. The brain in that disease is always +sympathetically affected, the state of the eye, its peculiar expression +and dilated pupil, denote the fact; and the manner of the dog would, +without these indications, lead us to surmise the circumstance.</p> + +<p>The treatment must be energetic. The sharp, short cries, characteristic of +enteritis, as pointed out in the preceding description of colic, will be +sufficient warning of the danger, and ample intimation that there is no +time to be lost. A turpentine enema should be injected. The treatment +ought always to begin with this, for to unload the rectum is of all +importance. Afterwards, from one to four grains of calomel, with from half +a grain to two grains of opium, should be shaken upon the tongue; and when +ten minutes have elapsed, a draught of ether and laudanum and water, with +an injection of the same composition, ought to be exhibited. While the +cries last, the ether may be continued, and when the strength appears<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> to +fail, it may also be employed. Two hours subsequent to the calomel being +given, from half an ounce to three ounces of castor-oil, diluted with half +the quantity of olive-oil, should be used as a drench; and thrice during +the day the following may be administered either as a pill or draught, in +thick gruel, soup, or mucilage, at the option of the practitioner; who +will, of course, be guided by the disposition of the patient, which in +every particular must be considered:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Grey powder</td><td align='left'>Five grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered ipecacuanha</td><td align='left'>Half a grain to four grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of hyoscyamus</td><td align='left'>One to eight grains.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Bleeding is of some service, but the dog so quickly sinks, that it must be +practised with caution. On this account, as well as for other reasons, +leeches are to be preferred. If the patient be a male, they may be applied +to the belly; but if a female, the side of the abdomen must be shaven, and +that part selected. From four to twenty-four leeches will be sufficient; +and half that number may be again used if no change for the better is +observed, and the strength does not fail. Stimulating applications are +likewise beneficial. A large mustard poultice has appeared to be more +operative than more violent agents. After it has been removed, warm +fomentations of water, with occasional ones of hot turpentine, may be +employed.</p> + +<p>In the early stage, a warm bath of 90 degrees, for half an hour, has been +used with advantage; but the animal,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> when removed from it, must be +wrapped well up in several hot blankets, and kept in them until it is +perfectly dry.</p> + +<p>On the second day from two to ten drops of the tincture of arnica, with +half a drachm of the solution of the chloride of zinc, may be added to the +ethereal drinks and injections, if the disorder has not been checked; and +beef-tea, thickened with rice, may also be frequently administered, using +it instead of water, both in the draughts and injections. No other food is +admissible, and the return to solids must, if the animal survives, be very +gradual.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dysentery and Diarrhœa.</span>—These diseases, which in works on human +pathology are advantageously separated, I cannot here treat of as distinct +disorders. In the dog they are so connected and blended that the line +which divides them cannot be discovered; and for every practical purpose, +they may be here considered as one and the same affection.</p> + +<p>The young and the old are most liable to these complaints. Puppies are +very subject, as also are aged gross favorites; things so fat that it +becomes hard work to live are very generally attacked with diarrhœa. +The pup, however, usually exhibits it in the acute form, whereas in the +other description of animal it mostly appears in the chronic type.</p> + +<p>When acute, colic may accompany or precede it. In proportion to the spasm +will be the violence and the danger of the disorder. Sickness is mostly +witnessed a little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> time prior to the attack, and the matter vomited has a +peculiarly disagreeable and acrid odor. The dog does not again consume +that which the stomach has thrown off, but sneaks away dejected, and +afterwards seems dull. Sickness will occasionally continue throughout the +complaint, but in general it departs as the disease appears. Thirst, +however, is always present; and there is also a disposition to seek cold +things and places. The pulse is quicker, but not stronger, and hardly at +first less thin than during health. There is no pain on pressure being +applied to the abdomen. The membranes of the eye are not injected; they +may be a little deeper in color than is strictly natural, but occasionally +they are the reverse. If, however, the anus be gently forced open, so as +to expose the terminating surface of the rectum, the membrane there will +be found more red, and perhaps less clear in tint, than it ought to be; +and the presence of purgation, attended with a violent resistance to the +administration of clysters, will leave no doubt as to the character of the +affection.</p> + +<p>In the chronic form, the membrane of the eye is pallid; the nose often +moist; the breath offensive; the appetite ravenous; the pulse quick and +weak; the anus inflamed; mostly protruding, and usually disfigured by +piles; the fæces liquid, and of various hues; sometimes black, +occasionally lighter than usual, very generally mixed with much mucus and +a small quantity of blood, so that the leading symptoms are those of +weakness, accompanied with purgation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"> +<img src="images/img_268_th.jpg" width="418" height="288" alt="SUPERPURGATION." title="" /> +<span class="caption">SUPERPURGATION.</span> +</div> + +<p>Acute diarrhœa may terminate in twenty-four hours; the chronic may +continue as many days. The first sometimes closes with hemorrhage, blood +in large quantities being ejected, either from the mouth or from the anus; +but more generally death ensues from apparent exhaustion, which is +announced by coldness of the belly and mouth, attended with a peculiar +faint and sickly fetor and perfect insensibility. The chronic more rarely, +ends with excessive bleeding, but almost always gradually wears out the +animal, which for days previous may be paralysed in the hind extremities, +lying with its back arched and its feet approximated, though consciousness +is retained almost to the last moment. In either case, however, the +characteristic stench prevails, and the lower surface of the abdomen, as a +general rule, feels hard, presenting to the touch two distinct lines, +which run in the course of the spine. These lines, which Youatt mentions +as cords, are the recti muscles, which in the dog are composed of +continuous fibre, and consequently,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> when contracted under the stimulus of +pain or disease, become very apparent.</p> + +<p>On examination after death, the stomach, especially towards the pyloric +orifice, is inflamed, as are the intestines, which, however, towards the +middle of the track, are less violently affected than at other parts. The +cæcum is enlarged, and may even, while all the other guts are empty, +contain hard solid fæces. The rectum is generally black with inflammation, +and seems most to suffer in these disorders. Occasionally its interior is +ulcerated, and such is nearly always its condition towards the anus. Signs +of colic are distributed along the entire length of the alimentary tubes.</p> + +<p>In the acute disease, the case in the first instance should be treated as +directed for colic, with turpentine enema and ether, laudanum and water, +followed by mild doses of grey powder and ipecacuanha, or chalk, catechu +and aromatics, in the proportions directed below:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered opium</td><td align='left'>Half a grain to two grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered prepared chalk</td><td align='left'>Five grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Catechu</td><td align='left'>Two grains to half a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor potassæ</td><td align='left'>Half-a-drachm to two drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered ginger</td><td align='left'>Three to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered caraways</td><td align='left'>Three to twelve grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered capsicums</td><td align='left'>One to four grains.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This may be given every second hour. The carbonate of ammonia, from two to +eight grains, is also deserving of a trial, as are the chlorides and +chlorates when the odor is perceived.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<p>Applications, as before directed, to the abdomen are also beneficial; but +frequent use of the warm bath should be forbidden, for its action is far +too debilitating. The ether, laudanum, and water should be persisted with +throughout the treatment, and hope may be indulged so long as the +injections are retained; but when these are cast back, or flow out as soon +as the pipe is removed, the case may be pronounced a desperate one.</p> + +<p>In the chronic form of diarrhœa there is always greater prospect of +success. Ether, laudanum, and water will often master it, without the +addition of any other medicine; but the liquor potassæ and the chalk +preparation are valuable adjuncts. To the anus an ointment will be useful; +and it should not only be smeared well over the part, but, by means of a +penholder or the little finger, a small quantity should thrice in the +course of the day be introduced up the rectum. For this purpose the +following will be found to answer much better than any of those which +Blaine orders to be employed on similar occasions:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Camphor powdered</td><td align='left' rowspan='3'><span class='triple'>}</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Mercurial ointment</td><td align='left'>Of each equal parts.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Elder ointment</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Thrice daily, or oftener if +necessary, the anus and root of the tail should be thoroughly cleansed, +with a wash consisting of an ounce of the solution of chloride of zinc to +a pint of distilled water. The food should be generous; but fluid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> beef +tea, thickened with rice, will constitute the most proper diet during the +existence of diarrhœa.</p> + +<p>A little gravy and rice with scraped meat may be gradually introduced; but +the dog must be drenched with the liquid rather than indulged with solids +at too early a period. All the other measures necessary have been +indicated when treating of previous abdominal diseases, and such rules as +are therein laid down must, according to the circumstances, be applied.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Peritonitis.</span>—In the acute form this disease is rarely witnessed, save as +accompanying or following parturition. Its symptoms are, panting; +restlessness; occasional cries; a desire for cold; constant stretching +forth at full length upon the side; dry mouth and nose; thirst; +constipation; hard quick pulse; catching breathing, and—contrary as it +may be to all reasonable expectation—seldom any pain on pressure to the +abdomen, toward which, however, the animal constantly inclines the head.</p> + +<p>The treatment consists in bleeding from the jugular, from three to twelve +ounces being taken; but a pup, not having all its permanent teeth, +supposing such an animal could be affected, should not lose more than from +half-an-ounce to two ounces. Stimulating applications to the abdomen +should be employed, an ammoniacal blister, from its speedy action, being +to be preferred. Ether, laudanum, and water ought to be given, to allay +the pain, with calomel in small but repeated doses, combined with +one-fourth its weight of opium, in order to subdue the inflammation. A +turpentine enema to unload<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> the rectum, and a full dose of castor oil to +relieve the bowels, should be administered early in the disease. The warm +bath, if the animal is after it well wrapped up, may also be resorted to. +A second bleeding may be necessary, but it should always be by means of +leeches, and should only be practised upon conviction of its necessity, +for no animal is less tolerant of blood-letting than the dog.</p> + +<p>During peritonitis, the chief aim of all the measures adopted is to reduce +the inflammation; but while this is kept in view, it must not be forgotten +that of equal, or perhaps of even more, importance, is it to subdue the +pain and lessen the constitutional irritation which adds to the energy of +the disorder, thus rendering nature the less capable of sustaining it. +With this object I have often carried ether, laudanum, and water, so far +as to narcotise the animal; and I have kept the dog under the action of +these medicines for twelve hours, and then have not entirely relinquished +them. The consequence has not always been success, but I have not seen any +reason to imagine that the life has not been lengthened by the practice; +and sometimes when the narcotism has ceased, the disease has exhibited so +marked an improvement, that I have dated the recovery from that period.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Strangulation.</span>—This consists in the intestines being twisted or tied +together, and it is caused by sudden emotion or violent exertion. From it +the dog is almost exempt, though to it some other animals are much +exposed. The symptoms are sudden pain, resembling acute enteritis, +accompanied with sickness and constipation, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> terminating in the +lethargic ease which characterises mortification.</p> + +<p>No treatment can save the life, and all the measures justifiable are such +as would alleviate the sufferings of the animal; but as, in the majority +of these cases, the fact is only ascertained after death, the practitioner +must in a great measure be guided by the symptoms.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Introsusception.</span>—This is when a portion of intestine slips into another +part of the alimentary tube, and there becomes fixed. Colic always +precedes this, for the accident could not occur unless the bowel was in +places spasmodically contracted. The symptoms are—colic, in the first +instance, speedily followed by enteritis, accompanied by a seeming +constipation, that resists all purgatives, and prevails up to the moment +of death. The measures would be the same as were alluded to when writing +of strangulation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Stoppage.</span>—To this the dog is much exposed. These animals are taught to +run after sticks or stones, and to bring them to their masters. When this +trick has been learnt, the creatures are very fond of displaying their +accomplishment. They engage in the game with more than pleasure; and as no +living being is half so enthusiastic as dogs, they throw their souls into +the simple sport. Delighted to please their lords, the animals are in a +fever of excitement; they back and run about—their eyes on fire, and +every muscle of their frames in motion. The stone is flung, and away goes +the dog at its topmost speed, so happy that it has lost its self-command.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> +If the missile should be small, the poor animal, in its eagerness to +seize, may unfortunately swallow it, and when that happens, the faithful +brute nearly always dies. The œsophagus or gullet of the dog is larger +than its intestines, and consequently the substance which can pass down +the throat may in the guts become impacted. Such too frequently follows +when stones are gulped; for hard things of this kind, though they should +be small enough to pass through the alimentary tube, nevertheless would +cause a stoppage; for a foreign body of any size, by irritating the +intestine, would provoke it to contract, or induce spasm; and the bowel +thus excited would close upon the substance, retaining it with a force +which could not be overcome. Persons, therefore, who like their dogs to +fetch and carry, should never use for this purpose any pebble so small as +to be dangerous, or rather, they should never use stones of any kind for +this purpose. The animal taught to indulge in this amusement seriously +injures its teeth, which during the excitement are employed with imprudent +violence, and the mouth sustains more injury than the game can recompense.</p> + +<p>If a dog should swallow a stone, let the animal be immediately fed +largely; half-an-hour afterwards let thrice the ordinary dose of +antimonial wine be administered, and the animal directly afterwards be +exercised. Probably the pebble may be returned with the food when the +emetic acts. Should such not be the case, as the dog will not eat again, +all the thick gruel it can be made to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> swallow must be forced upon it, and +perhaps the stone may come away when this is vomited. Every effort must be +used to cause the substance to be ejected before it has reached the +bowels, since if it enters these, the doom is sealed. However, should such +be the case, the most violent and potent antispasmodics may be tried; and +under their influence I have known comparatively large bodies to pass. No +attempt must be made to quicken the passage by moulding or kneading the +belly; much less must any effort be used intended to push the substance +onward. The convolutions of the alimentary track are numerous, and the +bowels are not stationary; therefore we have no certainty, even if the +violence should do no injury, that our interference would be properly +directed. Hope must depend upon antispasmodics; while every measure is +taken to anticipate the irritation which is almost certain to follow.</p> + +<p>Stoppage may be caused by other things besides stones. Corks, pins, nails, +skewers, sharp pieces of bone, particularly portions of game and poultry +bones, have produced death; and this fact will serve to enforce the +warning which was given in the earlier portion of this work.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="PARALYSIS_OF_THE_HIND_EXTREMITIES" id="PARALYSIS_OF_THE_HIND_EXTREMITIES"></a>PARALYSIS OF THE HIND EXTREMITIES.</h2> + +<p>It appears odd to speak of such an affliction as loss of all motor power +in the hind extremities, connected with deranged bowels. What can the +stomach have to do with the legs? Why, all and everything. That which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> is +put into the stomach, nourishes the legs, and that which enters the same +receptacle, may surely disease the like parts. That which nurtures health, +and that which generates sickness, are more closely allied than we are +willing to allow. Thus, a moderate meal nourishes and refreshes; but the +same food taken in too great abundance, as surely will bring disease; and +it is of too much food that I have to complain, when I speak of the bowels +as associated with paralysis. Dogs will become great gluttons. They like +to do what they see their master doing; but as a dog's repast comes round +but once a day, and a human being eats three or four times in the +twenty-four hours, so has the animal kept within doors so many additional +opportunities of over-gorging itself. Nor is this all. The canine appetite +is soon satisfied; the meal is soon devoured. But it is far otherwise with +the human repast. The dog may consume enough provender in a few minutes to +last till the following day comes round; whereas the man cannot get +through the food which is to support him for six hours, in less than half +a division of the time here enumerated. Supposing one or two persons to be +seated at table, it is very hard to withstand a pair of large, eloquent, +and imploring eyes, watching every mouthful the fork lifts from the plate. +For a minute or two it may be borne; but to hold out an entire hour is +more than human fortitude is capable of. A bit is thrown to the poor dog +that looks so very hungry; it is eaten quickly, and then the eyes are at +work again. Perhaps the other end of the board is tried, and the appeal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> +is enforced with the supplicatory whine that seldom fails. Piece after +piece is thereby extracted; and dogs fed in this fashion will eat much +more than if the whole were placed before them at one time. The animal +becomes enormously fat, and then one day is found by the mistress with its +legs dragging after it. The lady inquires which of the servants have been +squeezing the dog in the door. All deny that they have been so amusing +themselves, and every one protests that she had not heard poor Fanny cry. +The mistress' wrath is by no means allayed. Servants are so careless—such +abominable liars—and the poor dog was no favorite down stairs. Thereupon +Fanny is wrapped in a couple of shawls, and despatched to the nearest +veterinary surgeon.</p> + +<p>If the gentleman who may be consulted knows his business, he returns for +answer, "The dog is too fat," and must for the future be fed more +sparingly—that it has been squeezed in no door—that none of the vertebræ +are injured, but the animal is suffering from an attack of paralysis. He +sends some physic to be given, and some embrocation to rub on the back. +The mistress is by no means satisfied. She protests the man's a +fool—declares she alone knows the truth—but, despite her knowledge, does +as the veterinary surgeon ordered. Under the treatment the dog recovers; +after which every one feeds it, and everybody accuses the other of doing +that which the doctor said was not to be done. At length the animal has a +second visitation, which is more slowly removed than was the first; but it +at last yields; till the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> third attack comes, with which the poor beast is +generally destroyed as incurable.</p> + +<p>These dogs, when brought to us, usually appear easy and well to do in the +world. The coats are sleek; their eyes are placid; and the extremities +alone want motion, which rather seems to surprise the animal than to +occasion it any immediate suffering. They have no other obvious disease; +but the malignity of their ailments seems fixed or concentrated on the +affection which is present. The first attack is soon conquered. A few +cathartic pills, followed by castor-oil, prepared as recommended in this +work (page <a href="#Page_116">116</a>), will soon unload the bowels, and clear out the digestive +canal. They must be continued until, and after, the paralysis has +departed. At the same time, some stimulating embrocation must be employed +to the back, belly, and hind-legs, which must be well rubbed with it four +times daily, or the oftener the better. Soap liniment, as used by +Veterinarians, rendered more stimulating by an additional quantity of +liquor ammoniæ, will answer very well; more good being done by the +friction than by the agent employed. The chief benefit sought by the +rubbing, is to restore the circulation, and so bring back feeling with +motion, for both are lost; a pin run into the legs produces no effort to +retract the limb, nor any sign of pain.</p> + +<p>The cure is certain,—and so is the second attack, if the feeding be +persisted in; unless nature seeks and finds relief in skin disease, +canker, piles, or one of the many consequences induced by over-feeding. +The second<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> attack mostly yields to treatment. The third is less certain, +and so is each following visitation; the chances of restoration being +remote, just in proportion as the assault is removed from the original +affliction.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DISEASES_ATTENDANT_ON_DISORDERED_BOWELS" id="DISEASES_ATTENDANT_ON_DISORDERED_BOWELS"></a>DISEASES ATTENDANT ON DISORDERED BOWELS.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="RHEUMATISM" id="RHEUMATISM"></a>RHEUMATISM.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_279.jpg"><img src="images/img_279_th.jpg" width="500" height="265" alt="ACUTE RHEUMATISM." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">ACUTE RHEUMATISM.</span> +</div> + +<p>It appears almost laughable to talk about a rheumatic dog; but, in fact, +the animal suffers quite as, or even more acutely than the human patient, +and both from the same cause—over-indulgence; still with this +difference—the man usually suffers from attachment to the bottle; the dog +endures its misery from devotion to roaming under the table. It is not an +uncommon sight to behold an animal so fat that it can hardly waddle, +without scruple enjoying its five meals a day; which it takes with a +bloated mistress, who, according to her own account, is kept alive with +the utmost difficulty by eating little and often.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> The dog, I say, looks +for its lady's tray with regularity, besides having its own personal meal, +and a bone or two to indulge any odd craving between whiles. These spoiled +animals are, for the most part, old and bad tempered. They would bite, but +they have no teeth, and yet they will wrathfully mumble the hand they are +unable to injure; while the doting mistress, in alarm for her favorite, +sits upon the sofa entreating the beast may not be hurt: begging for pity, +as though it were for her own life she were pleading. The animal during +this is being followed from under table to chair, growling and barking all +the time; and showing every disposition, if it had but ability, to do you +some grievous bodily harm. At length, after a chase that has nearly caused +the fond mistress to faint and you to exhaust all patience, the poor brute +is overtaken and caught; but no sooner does your hand touch the miserable +beast, than it sets up a howl fit to alarm the neighborhood. On this the +hand is moved from the neck to the belly, intending to raise the dog from +the ground; but the howl thereon is changed to a positive scream, when the +mistress starts up, declaring she can bear no more. On this you desist, to +ask a few questions: "The dog has often called out in that manner?" "O +yes." "And has done so, no one being near or touching it?" "O yes, when +quite alone." Thereupon you request the mistress to call the animal to +her; and it waddles across the carpet, every member stiff, its back +arched, and its neck set, but the eye fixed upon the person who has been +called in.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> + +<p>You get the mistress to take the favorite upon her lap, and request she +will oblige you by pinching the skin. "Oh, harder; pray, a little harder, +madam!" Nevertheless, all your entreaties cannot move the kind mistress to +do that which she fears will pain her pet; whereon you request permission +to be permitted to make a trial; and it being granted, you seize the coat, +and give the animal one of the hardest pinches of which your fore-finger +and thumb, compressed with all your might, are capable. The animal turns +its head round and licks your hand, to reward the polite attention, and +solicits a continuance of your favors. The skin is thick and insensible. +What teeth remain, are covered with tartar, and the breath smells like a +pestilence.</p> + +<p>The dog is taken home, and an allowance of wholesome rice and gravy placed +before it, with one ounce of meat by weight. The flesh is greedily +devoured, but the other mess remains untouched. The next day the untouched +portion is removed, and fresh supplied; also the same meat as before, +which is consumed ere the hand which presented the morsel is retracted, +the head being raised to ask for more.</p> + +<p>The second day, however, the gravy and rice are eaten, and the meat on the +morrow is deficient; gravy and rice for the future constituting the +animal's fare. Then, for physic, an embrocation containing one-third of +turpentine is used thrice daily, to rub the animal's back, neck, and belly +with. Some of the cathartic pills are given over night, with the +castor-oil mixture in the morning.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> Constant purgation is judiciously kept +up, and before the first fortnight expires, the dog ceases to howl. Then +the pills and mixture are given every other night, and the quantity of +turpentine in the embrocation increased to one-half, the other ingredients +being of the same amount. This rubbed in as before, evidently annoys the +animal, and on that account is used only twice a-day. When all signs of +pain are gone, the turpentine is then lowered to one-third, the +embrocation being applied only once a-day, because it now gives actual +pain. Some liniment, however, is continued, generally making the poor +beast howl whenever it is administered. At the expiration of a month, all +treatment is abandoned for a week, that the skin may get rid of its scurf, +and you may perceive the effect of the treatment you have pursued. If the +skin then appears thin, especially on the neck and near the tail, being +also sensitive, clean the teeth, and send the dog home with a bottle of +cleansing fluid, a tooth-brush, (as before explained,) and strict +injunctions with regard to diet.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left' colspan='3'>EMBROCATION (FIRST STRENGTH) FOR RHEUMATISM.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Turpentine</td><td align='left' rowspan='3'><span class='triple'>}</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Laudanum</td><td align='left'>One part of each.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Soap liniment</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of capsicums</td><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>A little.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The subsequent strength is made by increasing the quantity of turpentine.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THE_RECTUM" id="THE_RECTUM"></a>THE RECTUM.</h2> + +<p><span class="smcap">Piles.</span>—The dog is very subject to these annoyances in all their various +forms; for the posterior intestine of the animal seems to be peculiarly +susceptible of disease. When enteritis exists the rectum never escapes, +but is very frequently the seat of the most virulent malice of the +disorder. There are reasons why such should be the case. The dog has but a +small apology for what should be a cæcum, and the colon I assume to be +entirely wanting. The guts, which in the horse are largest, in the canine +species are not characterised by any difference of bulk; and however +compact may be the food on which the dog subsists, nevertheless a +proportionate quantity of its substance must be voided. If the excrement +be less than in beasts of herbivorous natures, yet there being but one +small receptacle in which it can be retained, the effects upon that +receptacle are more concentrated, and the consequences therefore are very +much more violent. The dung of the horse and ox is naturally moist, and +only during disease is it ever in a contrary condition. Costiveness is +nearly always in some degree present in the dog. During health the +animal's bowels are never relaxed; but the violent straining it habitually +employs to expel its fæces would alone suggest the injury to which the +rectum is exposed, even if the inclination to swallow substances which in +their passage are likely to cause excoriation did not exist. The grit, +dirt, bone, and filth that dogs will, spite of every precaution, manage +to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> obtain, must be frequent sources of piles, which without such +instigation would frequently appear. Bones, which people carelessly +conclude the dog should consume, it can in some measure digest; but it can +do this only partially when in vigorous health. Should the body be +delicate, such substances pass through it hardly affected by the powers of +assimilation; they become sharp and hard projections when surrounded by, +and fixed in the firm mass, which is characteristic of the excrement of +the dog. A pointed piece of bone, projecting from an almost solid body, is +nearly certain to lacerate the tender and soft membrane over which it +would have to be propelled; and though, as I have said, strong and +vigorous dogs can eat almost with impunity, and extract considerable +nourishment from bones, nevertheless they do not constitute a proper food +for these animals at any time. When the system is debilitated, the +digestion is always feeble; and, under some conditions of disease, I have +taken from the stomachs of dogs after death, in an unaltered state, meat, +which had been swallowed two days prior to death. It had been eaten and +had been retained for at least forty-eight hours, but all the functions +had been paralyzed, and it continued unchanged. If such a thing be +possible under any circumstances, then in the fact there is sufficient +reason why people should be more cautious in the mode of feeding these +creatures; for I have extracted from the rectums of dogs large quantities +of trash, such as hardened masses of comminuted bones and of cocoanut, +which, because the animal would eat it, the owners<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> thought it to be +incapable of doing harm. Nature has not fitted the dog to thrive upon many +substances; certain vegetables afford it wholesome nourishment, but a +large share of that which is either wantonly or ignorantly given as food, +is neither nutritive nor harmless. Whatever injures the digestion, from +the disposition of the rectum to sympathise in all disorders of the great +mucous track, is likely to induce piles; and the anus of the animal is +often as indicative of the general state of the body as is the tongue of +man.</p> + +<p>In perfect health the anus should be small, firm, close, and entirely +retracted; especially should it be cleanly. Any soil upon the part, or any +excrement adhering to the hair about its margin, is indicative of +derangement. If the fundament protrudes, so that it can be grasped by the +finger and thumb, or if it presents a sensible projection to the touch, +the digestion is not sound. The indication is still worse when the orifice +is enlarged—the edges not being inflamed, which indeed they seldom are, +but swollen, loose, coarse, creased, and unsightly. This state will not +continue long before cracks and ulcers may be detected upon the borders of +the opening, which ultimately is constantly moistened by an unctuous and +peculiarly fetid discharge. If the lips of the orifice be gently pulled +aside, the more inward portion of the membrane will frequently be seen of +a bright scarlet color, and wet with a watery fluid, but the anus is +rarely of so deep a tint, the hue being, even in aggravated cases, only a +pale reddish brown.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + +<p>To correct this state of disease, the first thing to be attended to is the +food. The diet must be strictly regulated; it should not be too much +reduced either in quantity or quality, for dogs in this state are +generally old, and always weakly. Enough of good food should be allowed, +but nothing more ought to be given. Meat, lean, and from a healthy animal, +as constituting the lightest and most nourishing diet, will here be best, +and from two ounces to two pounds may be divided into four meals, and +given in the course of the day. Plenty of exercise and a daily cold bath +will likewise be beneficial.</p> + +<p>Medicine must be employed for two purposes; the first, to alleviate the +pain and act locally on the disease; and the second, to amend the general +health, checking the constitutional disposition to be affected. As a local +application, Mr. Blaine recommends an ointment; which I object to, because +I have found it aggravate the suffering without conferring any +compensating benefit. Astringents, such as the acetate of lead, are not +curative; but the following ointment has done so much good in these cases +that I can most confidently submit it to the public:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Camphor</td><td align='left'>Two drachms.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Strong mercurial ointment</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Elder ointment</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The only addition I make to the above is occasionally a drachm of powdered +opium. This is smeared over the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> exterior of, and also inserted up, the +rectum, thrice in the day. A piece of wood nicely rounded, or a penholder +if the animal be small, answers very well to introduce the salve into the +gut; and of course it should be done with every consideration, for the +pain it will at first produce. The resistance is often strong, and the +cries violent; for in some cases the rectum is so sensitive that the mere +lifting of the tail cannot be silently endured. The poor dog seems in +constant agony; for I have known the exclamations to be provoked by simply +looking at the part, and the animal evidently shrieked from the idea of it +being touched. All possible tenderness, therefore, is required; and the +dog should be very firmly held, to prevent its contortions from adding to +its anguish. When the ointment is regularly and properly employed, the +relief is generally speedy; and after the third day the dog, which had +been so energetically resistful, often submits to be dressed without a +murmur. The cessation of the howling will indicate the progress of the +cure, but the application should be used for some days after the animal +becomes silent. If much stench is present, the fundament may be at each +dressing moistened with very dilute solution of the chloride of zinc, and +a small quantity may be administered as an injection, after the grease has +been introduced.</p> + +<p>The constitutional remedies must be regulated by the symptoms, and nothing +absolute can be said on this subject; but in the great majority of +instances tonics will be required. Purgatives are not often needed, but a +day's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> feed of liver once or twice a week will do no harm. Should it not +have the desired effect, a little olive oil may be given; but nothing +stronger ought to be risked, and above all, no preparation of +mercury—which, in the dog, specially acts upon the rectum—ought on any +account to be permitted.</p> + +<p>Piles, if not attended to, become causes of further disease, which may in +some cases prove fatal, though in the larger number of instances they are +far more distressing than dangerous.</p> + +<p>A sero-sanguineous abscess, that is, a tumor consisting of a single sac or +numerous small bladders, containing a thin and bloody fluid, is by no +means a rare accompaniment of long-continued piles. These mostly appear +rather to one side of, and more below than above, the opening, the verge +of which they always involve. They occasion little pain, and often grow to +a comparatively enormous size; when they may burst and leave a ragged +ulcer, which has little disposition to heal, and is not improved by the +dog's drawing it along the ground.</p> + +<p>When these are observed, the knife should not be too quickly resorted to. +The abscess should be allowed to progress until it is fully matured, the +dog being in the meantime treated for simple piles. When the tumor +perceptibly fluctuates, it should be freely opened, the incision being +made along its entire length. This is best done with one of Liston's +knives, which should be thrust fairly through the swelling, entering at +the top and coming out at the lowest part, when with one movement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> of the +wrist the substance is divided. The operation thus performed is much +quicker, less painful, and more safe than it can possibly be rendered if +the tumor be punctured and slit up with repeated thrusts of an ordinary +lancet. I have frequently opened these sacs without the animal uttering +even a moan, and mercy is wisdom where surgery is employed. Dogs will not +bear torture, and soon become blindly infuriated if subjected to pain. The +animal is naturally so sensitive and excitable that the brutality or +suffering a horse can sustain, these animals would perish under. He, +therefore, who undertakes to treat the diseases of the canine race, if the +amiable qualities of the brute or his own feelings have no influence, will +in the success of his practice discover ample reason for the exercise of a +little humanity.</p> + +<p>After the sac is opened a portion of lint should be used, to render the +part perfectly dry, which may then be lightly pencilled over with lunar +caustic, or moistened with some caustic solution. Fomentations of warm +water to keep the wound free from dirt, and with no other object, are all +that subsequently will be required.</p> + +<p>Tumors of a solid nature also form about the anus, and are likewise +consequent upon neglected piles. These generally appear at the root of the +tail superior to the opening. They feel hard; are glistening; not very +tender; but highly vascular, and in some cases pulsate strongly. The dog +is generally loaded with fat, perhaps slightly mangy; nearly always old, +gross and weak. The quantity of blood that at various<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> intervals is lost +from this tumor, which at length ulcerates and bleeds at the slightest +touch, or without any apparent cause, is often very great; but it does +not, save in the very latest stage, induce obvious emaciation. The health +is not good, of course, but to the casual observer the disease does not +appear to affect the system. The spirits under excitement are, to all +appearances, undiminished, and the appetite is in these cases ravenous. +If, however, the dog had to do work, the truth would be soon discovered. +After a short space the strength would fail, and no correction could keep +the poor animal to its duty.</p> + +<p>The treatment must commence with constitutional remedies, if the state of +the part permits of the requisite delay. The digestion should be amended, +and the piles, which are certain to be present, attended to. After a +fortnight, more or less, has been devoted to such measures, a strong +ligature should be tied as tight up as possible around the base of the +growth, and a fresh one should be applied every second day. There must be +no forbearance in the application of the ligature, but the degree of +tension must be regulated only by the strength of the operator. This is +far more severe than the removal would be if the knife were employed, but +I have not seen a case which I dared venture to excise. I do not like the +ligature; it is long and torturing in its action; but here there will be +no chance, for the vessels are too numerous and large to admit of the +speedier process being resorted to. Where it is possible, it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> well, +however, to cut through the skin before applying the cord; for the +operation is expedited considerably, and an important deduction made from +the animal's agony.</p> + +<p>When the tumor drops off, the surface may be sprinkled thrice a day with +the following powder:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Camphor in powder,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Opium in powder,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Grey powder,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered galls, of each an equal quantity.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Or a little of the ointment recommended for piles may be smeared upon the +wound in lieu of the above. An unguent is perhaps to be preferred, as +giving better protection to the sore, over which the fæces must pass, and +also as being more grateful to the feelings of the patient. Powder and +ointment may be changed and varied according to the judgment of the +attendant: thus, to render the last more stimulating, I mix creosote with +it occasionally; or to give it an astringent property I add a portion of +galls, catechu, or kino; but these I never pass into the rectum. +Astringents introduced upon the sore and ulcerated surface of the +intestine of course render it harsh, dry, and corrugated; and as during +the exercise of its function the part is necessarily dilated, the animal +is, by the pain produced from the stretching of the constringed membrane, +indisposed for the performance of that act, on the regular discharge of +which its health in no little measure depends. Astringents,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> moreover, +heat and irritate the part; and the sensations induced make the dog draw +its anus along the ground, thereby adding greatly to the evil it is the +intention of the application to remove. Therefore prudence will approve +what humanity suggests; and those who in kindly feeling can discover no +motive, will in the colder reason find every inducement for the adoption +of the gentler measure.</p> + +<p>Protrusion of the rectum is also sometimes a consequence of gross feeding, +starting up piles in the first instance, and then, from more intense +digestive derangement, causing purgation, accompanied with violent +straining. The tone of the intestine is destroyed. It becomes lax, and its +muscular power is lost. The gut is at first only a little exposed during +the act, and when that is over, it is retracted; but after some time, the +limit of which is uncertain, it remains constantly protruded. It is not so +violently inflamed as might be expected, but it soon gets dry and harsh; +cracks appear upon its surface; and the pressure of the muscle which +closes the anus preventing the free circulation of the blood, renders it +black from congestion.</p> + +<p>If taken early, the treatment recommended for piles will generally effect +a cure; but if nothing be done in the first instance, the disease when +established is apt to prove intractable. The intestine should be sopped +with cold water until every particle of dirt is removed. It should then be +dried with a soft cloth, and afterwards returned. There is never much +difficulty in replacing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> the gut; but there is always considerable +difficulty to get it to be retained. So soon as it is restored to its +situation, a human stomach pump should be inserted up the rectum, and a +full stream of the coldest spring water should be thrown into the bowel +for ten minutes. The fluid will be returned so fast as it enters, and it +must be allowed to do so, the fingers of one hand being employed against +the anus to prevent the disordered rectum being ejected with the water. +Cold injection in less quantity must be administered several times during +the day, and with each a little of the tincture of galls, or of nux +vomica, in the proportion of a drachm to a pint, may be united. The +ointment recommended for piles may also be employed, but without opium, +for no application of a sedative nature must be used. The constitutional +measures will consist of tonics into which nux vomica enters. The food +must be light and nourishing, and purgatives on no account must be +administered. Cold will do good by invigorating the system, and should +always be recommended. Some persons, unable by sedatives and purgatives, +which are injurious, to obtain relief, have gone so far as to cut off the +projecting bowel, and they have thereby certainly ended the case; for the +dog dies whenever this is done. I remember at the Veterinary College, +Professor Simonds killed a fine animal by attempting this operation; for +he took a heated spatula to remove the part, and carried the incision so +high up that he opened the abdomen, and the bowels protruded from the +anus. Amputation of any portion of the rectum is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> not to be thought of; +but an operation of a less heroic description will sometimes accomplish +what the previous measures failed to effect. With a knife, having not too +sharp but a coarse edge, a circular portion of the exposed lining +membrane, of a width proportioned to the size of the animal, may be +scraped off, so as to induce a cicatrix; or, if the dog be very tractable, +and the operator skilful, a piece of it may partially be dissected off; +but the knife, when employed in the last method, is apt to cause alarming +hemorrhage. When this is done, as the wound heals the edges come together, +and the gut is so far shortened as to be thereby retracted. There is, +however, some danger of stricture being afterwards established; wherefore +this operation, however satisfactory it may seem to be in the first +instance, is not so certain in the benefit of its results that it should +be resorted to, save in extreme cases when every other means have failed, +and the choice at last hangs between relief and destruction.</p> + +<p>Another affection of the part, to which Scotch terriers of great size are +particularly subject, begins with an enlargement below the anus, extending +either quite or almost to the testicles; for males are more frequently +attacked by this form of disease than females. The dog is generally old, +and a favorite with an indulgent mistress, having much to eat, and little +or no work to do. The swelling is soft and attended with no pain. On +pressure and on percussion it is ascertained to hold fluid, and in fact it +arises from dropsy of the perinæum. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> health may appear to be good, but +on examination debility will be found to be present. The anus also +protrudes, and the orifice is thickened; while, possibly, a marked +tendency to piles may at the same time be displayed. Should no attention +be paid to the case, the swelling will continue without sensibly +enlarging; but after a period, hard substances may with the fingers be +detected beneath it. These hard bodies are fæces, which accumulate within +the rectum, and often in so great a quantity as to seriously inconvenience +the animal, rendering it dull and indisposed to feed.</p> + +<p>Before attempting to direct the treatment for these cases, it is necessary +the nature of the affection should be fully explained. The enlargement, to +which attention is at first solely directed, is always of secondary +consideration. The dropsy is merely a symptom indicative of the loss of +tone of the adjacent parts, of which the rectum is by far the most +important. If this circumstance be not observed, but the swelling be +treated as if it was all the practitioner had to contend with, he will in +the end learn his mistake. The intestine loses its tonicity; it no longer +has power to contract upon or to expel its contents; it becomes paralysed, +and the dung consequently accumulates within it, distending it, and adding +to its weakness by constant tension. The rectum at length retains no +ability to perform its function; but the sphincter of the anus, or the +circular muscle that closes the opening, appears to gain the strength of +which the intestine is deprived. It contracts, and thus shuts up the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> +fæces which the rectum cannot make an effort to dislodge; and in this +circumstance the physiologist sees evidence of the sources whence the +different parts derive their contractility. The rectum, like the other +intestines, gains its vital power from the sympathetic nerve, or that +nerve of nutrition and secretion which presides over organic life. The +muscle of the anus, on the other hand, is influenced by nerves derived +from the spinal column; and thus, understanding the two parts obtain their +motor power from different sources, the reader will comprehend how one can +be incapable of motion while the other is unaffected, or rather excited; +for the presence of the retained dung acts as an irritant, and provokes +the anus to contract with more than usual vigor.</p> + +<p>If nothing be done to restore the balance of power, the rectum speedily is +so much distended that its walls become attenuated, and then a cure is +hopeless; a sac is formed, and the gut is not only much stretched or +enlarged, but it is also, by the excessive bulk of its contents, forced +from its natural position, being carried either to one side or the other, +but always to where the dropsy is most conspicuous.</p> + +<p>In such cases, when the dropsy is first observed, our care must be to +invigorate the system. Small doses of nux vomica, with iron, gentian and +capsicums, made into a pill, will generally do this, and the following +form may be employed:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Nux vomica, in powder</td><td align='left'>Five grains to a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Capsicums, in powder</td><td align='left'>Ten grains to two scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphate of iron</td><td align='left'>One to four scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>Two drachms to one ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Cinchona powder</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p> +<p>Make into twenty pills, and give four in the course of the day. The liver +is too often at this time unhealthy, and to correct it the subjoined may +be administered:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of potassium</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor potassæ</td><td align='left'>Two ounces.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Simple syrup</td><td align='left'>Five ounces.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>A pint.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Dose, from a tea-spoon to a table-spoonful three times a day. The food +should be chiefly vegetables, or at all events only so much meat should be +allowed as is required to induce the dog to eat the mess of boiled rice. +Exercise is also essential, and a daily cold bath with a brisk run +afterwards, will be of service. The dog will likewise be benefited if his +skin be well brushed every morning; and perhaps it is hardly necessary to +state that any symptoms denoting mange or skin disease, canker, &c., +should be specially counteracted.</p> + +<p>Hitherto, however, nothing has been said about any treatment of the part +which is the immediate seat of the disease. If the fluid poured into the +perinæum be excessive, the part must be laid freely open by two or three +incisions being made along the entire length of the swelling. After this +has been done, the liquid will not escape as from an abscess; for being +held within the cells of the membrane that lies immediately under the +skin,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> comparatively little of it is released from the knife. A fine pair +of scissors will be required to snip the separate bags or bladders; but +that operation must be performed with caution, else injury may possibly be +done. The business being concluded, let the parts be afterwards dressed +with the tincture of iodine, or a tincture of the iodide of potassium, of +the strength of a drachm to the ounce of proof spirit; this being +preferable to water for a solution in these cases. Into the rectum also +injections should be thrown at least three times a day, and all of these +ought to be of a tonic and stimulating kind, being used perfectly cold. +Either of the following may be administered:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>1.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of cantharides</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Camphor mixture</td><td align='left'>One pint.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>2.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of nux vomica</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of tolu</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>One pint.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>3.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of cubebs</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor potassæ</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Camphor mixture</td><td align='left'>One pint.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>4.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Solution of nitrate of silver</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distilled water</td><td align='left'>One pint.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Any of the above may be employed, from a tablespoonful to a common +wine-glass full being used for a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> dose. The pile ointment will likewise be +beneficial, by facilitating the passage of the fæces, allaying local +irritability, and correcting that tendency to piles which is generally +attendant upon, if not the original cause of the affection.</p> + +<p>From what has been described, the reader will have seen that the diseases +of the dog's rectum are neither few nor insignificant. Fistula in ano is +said to be often beheld; but I have never seen a case in which it assumed +in the dog that serious form which characterises it in man. In the canine +race I have mostly let it alone, and hitherto I have had no reason to +repent my forbearance. Blaine and Youatt both speak of the affection, and +give directions for its treatment by operation. The most active remedy I +have found it necessary to resort to has been an astringent or mildly +caustic injection; the solution of the chloride of zinc I prefer to every +other, but the sulphates are also not to be despised. Injections, when not +designed to be immediately operative, or meant to distend the gut and to +act through being ejected, are best given by means of the India-rubber +bladder, which allows the fluid to be more gently and silently thrown up. +The less noise or force attending the operation the less likely is the +animal to be alarmed or excited, and the probability is the enema will be +retained. Small quantities are to be administered when the fluid is wished +to remain; and by attracting the attention of the dog at the time, and +amusing him after the business is finished, the object in view is +considerably favored. The administration<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> of an injection is in the first +instance almost certain to alarm the animal, who can neither understand +nor passively sanction the strange liberty the operation implies. A little +soothing, however, will restore his confidence, and he who has gained the +trust of a dog, may subsequently do as he pleases with the body of the +generous and confiding beast.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="NERVOUS_DISEASES_FITS_IN_THE_DOG" id="NERVOUS_DISEASES_FITS_IN_THE_DOG"></a>NERVOUS DISEASES.—FITS IN THE DOG.</h2> + +<p>Youatt speaks of fits as particularly fatal to the dog, saying they "kill +more than all the other diseases put together." The experience of this +esteemed authority is in direct variance with my own—save from distemper. +When the fits occur in that disease they are mostly fatal, being the +wind-up of all the many evils which the malady in its most intense and +malignant form can accumulate on one doomed life—I have not otherwise +found them especially troublesome.</p> + +<p>Fainting fits require little attention; if the dog be left quiet, it will +in due time often recover without medicine.</p> + +<p>Puerperal, or rather pupping fits, are treated of in their fitting place, +and, if properly administered to, are by no means dangerous.</p> + +<p>Fits <i>par excellence</i> are witnessed when a dog is taking a long walk with +its master; the animal at first lingers behind, or gets a long distance +before the proprietor, who notices the fact, but contents himself with +whistling and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> walking forward. The dog does not obey the mandate; it is +standing still as if stupefied; suddenly it emits a strange, loud, +guttural sound, and then falls upon its side, continuing to cry, but more +feebly and more naturally; its fæces and urine may be discharged +involuntarily; it will bite any one who, during the existence of the +attack, incautiously attempts to lay hold of it; its limbs, at first +stretched rigidly out, are ultimately, with returning volition, put into +violent motion; the eye is protruded and foam covers the mouth. When the +convulsion has subsided, the dog raises its head and stares about; after +which it would, if left alone, start at its utmost pace, and run heaven +only knows where. Should idle men and foolish boys behold a dog wildly run +onward after having come out of a fit, and raise the cry of "mad dog," the +fate of the poor animal is then sealed, as fear is devoid of +discrimination or pity. Half the dogs killed as rabid are those in this +condition, scampering under the impulse of returning sensation.</p> + +<p>The first thing any person is to do when out with a dog which has a fit is +to secure the animal, and to prevent its running away when the fit has +passed. The second thing is stubbornly to close his ears to the crowd who +are certain to surround him. No matter what advice may be given, he is to +do nothing but get the animal home as quickly as possible. He is neither +to lance the mouth, slit the ear, nor cut a piece of the tail off. He is +on no account to administer a full dose of salt and water, a lump of +tobacco, or to throw the animal into an adjacent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> pond; and of all things +he is to allow no man more acquainted with dogs than the other spectators +to bleed the creature. Any offer to rub the nose with syrup of buckthorn, +however confidently he who makes the proposal may recommend that energetic +mode of treatment, is to be unhesitatingly declined. The friendly desire +of any one who may express his willingness to ram a secret and choice +specific down the prostrate animal's throat, must be refused with +firmness. The attendant must however take advantage of the time the dog is +on the ground to pass a handkerchief round the neck or through the collar. +This done, he must wait patiently till the dog gets upon its legs, when he +must, amidst its struggles to be free, caress it and call it kindly by its +name. That part of the business over, he must take the creature in his +arms, and seeking the nearest cab-stand, carry the poor animal with all +expedition homeward.</p> + +<p>I have known a dog to have a succession of fits which lasted more than an +hour; and yet this creature, by the treatment I shall presently describe, +was the next day upon its legs, and to all appearance as well as ever.</p> + +<p>The dog being brought home, if the fit continues, give nothing by the +mouth; because the animal being insensible cannot swallow; and the +breathing being laborious, anything administered is more likely to be +drawn on to the lungs, and so to suffocate the creature, than to pass into +the stomach, and thus (if it have any curative properties) effect a +restoration. On this account the very best physic ever invented would be +dangerous, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> should be withheld. Enemas are the only things in these +cases to be depended upon; and the best the author is at present +acquainted with, is made of 1, 2, or 3 drachms of sulphuric æther, and 2, +4, or 6 scruples of laudanum to 1½, 3, or 4½ ounces of the very coldest +spring water that can be obtained. The above injection having been +administered, the dog is left entirely by itself, and, as far as possible, +in absolute silence for an hour; at the expiration of which time, in +whatever state the animal may be in, another dose is given in the same +manner as before.</p> + +<p>There is no limitation to the quantity which may be administered; the only +sign the attendant accepts that the creature has received sufficient is +the sight of it coiled up as though it were composing itself to sleep, +when he gives one more injection, and leaves the dog to recover at +leisure, but in perfect stillness.</p> + +<p>So valuable is this medicine in cases of fits that I have known it to cut +them short as with a knife; literally to let the first part of the fit be +heard, but to check the attack before the last and worst portion could put +in an appearance.</p> + +<p>Armed with this medicine I fearlessly face the disorder, which other +veterinary surgeons dread; and, whether it be my good luck or no, cannot +be decided, but I have not, under its operation, lost a single case.</p> + +<p>Fits in my opinion are, in the great majority of cases, to be traced to +the quantity or quality of the food consumed. In proof of this, dogs have +had fits whenever<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> flesh has been given; which ceased on this kind of diet +being withheld, and medicine calculated to restore the tone of the stomach +being ordered. In every case of fits, when the attack is over, I attend to +the stomach; at the same time, ordering that the dog is to go short +distances, and never to leave the house without a chain and collar.</p> + +<p>The object of this last injunction is to prevent the animal running about, +and thus heating itself, or causing a flow of blood to the brain.</p> + +<p>It is to be lamented that the crowd of people prevents an injection being +administered out of doors in London: but the same objection does not apply +to the country; and as the effects of the æther are more marked in +proportion as it is quickly exhibited, persons in the country, when, +during the hot months of summer, they take dogs for an airing, should be +provided with the materials necessary to render fits, if not harmless, at +all events less fatal.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="NERVOUS_SYSTEM_RABIES" id="NERVOUS_SYSTEM_RABIES"></a>NERVOUS SYSTEM.—RABIES.</h2> + +<p>The dog is naturally the most nervous of all the dumb tribe. His intense +affection, his ever-watchful jealousy, his method of attack, the blindness +of his rage, and his insensibility to consequences, all bespeak a creature +whose nervous system is developed in the highest possible degree. I myself +once had a little cur, who, as I sat reading, would enter the apartment, +jump upon my knee, uttering a low whimper all the time, creep along my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> +waistcoat, rub his little body against my head and face, lick the hand +lifted up to return his caresses, and then scamper off, and perhaps not +come near me again the whole of that afternoon. What was this but an +affectionate impulse seeking a nervous development? The way to manage an +animal of this description is, to respect his evident excitability. The +instant a dog appears to be getting excited, there should be a sign given, +commanding a stop to be put to all further proceedings. If the respect of +the animal be habitual, the person who mildly enforces it may enter a +room, where the same dog is in a rabid state, and come forth unscathed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 392px;"> +<img src="images/img_305_th.jpg" width="392" height="258" alt="A RABID DOG." title="" /> +<span class="caption">A RABID DOG.</span> +</div> + +<p>I have hitherto been much among dogs, and, nevertheless, have almost +escaped being bitten. The reason is, that I understand and respect the +innate nervousness of the animal. When I go into a room, if there be a dog +there and he growl, I speak kindly to him, and then seat myself, and +bestow on him none of my attention for some time. My request to his master +or mistress is, that he or she will not check or seek to stop the symptom +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> his wrath; but allow him to vent his rage until he is ashamed of it, +and from a feeling of remorse is silent. When this takes place, and a +sufficient time has passed to confirm him in the new mood into which he +has recently entered, I approach him with my hand extended and open; this +I bring near to him by degrees, avoiding all sudden movements or anything +that might provoke his natural disposition. Generally he crouches, then I +speak to him in tones of encouragement. If he display a return of his +warlike propensity, I still bring the hand nearer and nearer to him, +telling him to bite it if he pleases, if he is not ashamed to injure that +which means to do him good. Then, perhaps, he will make a snap at my +extended hand, which is not upon this withdrawn, or the jaws would close +with nervous violence, but allowed to remain, and the teeth are felt to +touch the skin without wounding it. I allow him to hold the hand for any +length of time he pleases, telling him "he would lose his character if he +were to harm it. That he is a courageous dog, and means no hurt; he would +be ashamed to bite." And with this kind of speech, which the animal may +not literally understand, but the sense and purpose of which it +nevertheless appears to comprehend, I seldom fail of getting my hand safe +and sound from the creature's jaws. After that I may pat him, for an +intimacy has begun. He allows me to drag him forth, take him on my knees, +and permits me any liberty I please to take. I do not attribute my escape +to any charm that I possess; but account for it simply<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> by my knowing and +respecting the natural temperament of the beast with which I have to +interfere.</p> + +<p>This natural respect for the feelings of a most affectionate creature, +with such a power of observation as will enable the individual to +recognise the presence of lamentable sickness in an animal that has with +truth been called "the companion of the home," shall at all times enable +the uneducated in such matters to recognise a mad dog, and, unless luck be +dead against the individual, save him from being bitten.</p> + +<p>It is no pleasure to a dog to go mad. Quite the reverse. Dreadful as +hydrophobia may be to the human being, rabies is worse to the dog. It +makes its approach more gradually. It lasts longer, and it is more intense +while it endures. The dog that is going mad, feels unwell for a long time +prior to the full development of the disease. He is very ill, but he does +not know what ails him. He feels nasty; dissatisfied with everything; +vexed without a reason; and, greatly against his better nature, very +snappish. Feeling thus, he longs to avoid all annoyance by being alone. +This makes him seem strange to those who are most accustomed to him.</p> + +<p>The sensation induces him to seek solitude. But there is another reason +which decides his choice of a resting-place. The light inflicts upon him +intense agony. The sun is to him an instrument of torture, which he +therefore studies to avoid, for his brain aches and feels as it were a +trembling jelly. This induces the poor brute to find out the holes and +corners where he is least likely to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> be noticed, and into which the light +is unable to enter. In solitude and darkness he passes his day. If his +retreat be discovered and the master's voice bids him to come forth, the +affectionate creature's countenance brightens; his tail beats the ground, +and he leaves his hiding-place, anxious to obey the loved authority; but +before he has gone half the distance, a kind of sensation comes over him, +which produces an instantaneous change in his whole appearance. He seems +to say to himself, "Why cannot you let me alone? Go away. Do go away. You +trouble, you pain me." And thereon he suddenly turns tail and darts back +into his dark corner. If let alone, there he will remain; perhaps frothing +a little at the mouth, and drinking a great deal of water, but not issuing +from his hiding-place to seek after food. His appetites are altered, hair, +straw, dirt, filth, excrement, rags, tin shavings, stones, the most +noisome and unnatural substances are then the delicacies for which the +poor dog, changed by disease, longs, and swallows, in hope to ease a +burning stomach. So anxious is he for liquids, and so depraved are his +appetites, that no sooner has he passed a little urine than he turns round +to lick it up. He is now altogether changed. Still he does not desire to +bite mankind; he rather endeavors to avoid society; he takes long journeys +of thirty or forty miles in extent, and lengthened by all kinds of +accidents, to vent his restless desire for motion. When on these journeys +he does not walk. This would be too formal and measured a pace for an +animal whose whole frame quivers with excitement. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> does not run. That +would be too great an exertion for an animal whose body is the abode of a +deadly sickness. He proceeds in a slouching manner, in a kind of trot; a +movement neither run nor walk, and his aspect is dejected. His eyes do not +glare and stare, but they are dull and retracted. His appearance is very +characteristic, and if once seen, can never afterwards be mistaken. In +this state he will travel the most dusty roads, his tongue hanging dry +from his open mouth, from which, however, there drops no foam. His course +is not straight. How could it be, since it is doubtful whether at this +period he sees at all? His desire is to journey unnoticed. If no one +notices him, he gladly passes by them. He is very ill. He cannot stay to +bite. If, nevertheless, anything oppose his progress, he will, as if by +impulse, snap—as a man in a similar state might strike, and tell the +person "to get out of the way." He may take his road across a field in +which there are a flock of sheep. Could these creatures only make room for +him, and stand motionless, the dog would pass on and leave them behind +uninjured. But they begin, to run, and at the sound, the dog pricks up. +His entire aspect changes. Rage takes possession of him. What made that +noise? He pursues it with all the energy of madness. He flies at one, then +at another. He does not mangle, nor is his bite, simply considered, +terrible. He cannot pause to tear the creature he has caught. He snaps and +then rushes onward, till, fairly exhausted and unable longer to follow, he +sinks down, and the sheep pass forward to be no more molested. He may have +bitten twenty or thirty in his mad onslaught; and would have worried more +had his strength lasted, for the furor of madness then had possession of +him.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 492px;"> +<img src="images/img_309_th.jpg" width="492" height="319" alt="A MAD DOG ON THE MARCH." title="" /> +<span class="caption">A MAD DOG ON THE MARCH.</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p> +<p>He may be slain while on these excursions; but if he escapes he returns +home and seeks the darkness and quiet of his former abode. His thirst +increases; but with it comes the swelling of the throat. He will plunge +his head into water, so ravenous is his desire; but not a drop of the +liquid can he swallow, though its surface is covered with bubbles in +consequence of the efforts he makes to gulp the smallest quantity. The +throat is enlarged to that extent which will permit nothing to pass. He is +the victim of the most horrible inflammation of the stomach, and the most +intense inflammation of the bowels. His state of suffering is most +pitiable. He has lost all self-reliance; even feeling is gone. He flies at +and pulls to pieces anything that is within his reach. One animal in this +condition, being confined near a fire,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> flew at the burning mass, pulled +out the live coals, and in his fury scrunched them. He emits the most +hideous cries. The noise he makes is incessant and peculiar. It begins as +a bark, which sound, being too torturing to be continued, is quickly +changed to a howl, which is suddenly cut short in the middle; and so the +poor wretch at last falls, fairly worn out by a terrible disease.</p> + +<p>But now comes the question, How do we know that rabies is a nervous +disease? Why, the whole course of the disorder declares it, or if that be +not thought sufficient, the dog at one stage very distinctly announces it. +He may be sitting down, an unwilling listener to his master's voice, when +the brute's eyes will wander; and at length fix themselves upon some +object at a distance, which it will keep watching, crouching down as the +horror seems, to the excited brain of the poor beast, to draw near; till, +having apparently come within bounds, the hateful presence is no longer to +be endured, and the vision-haunted animal dashes forward with a howl of +execration, as if to seize and tear the terrible spectre. This action +being performed, and the dog biting the air, he stands for a moment, +shivers, looks stupidly around him, and slinks back. What is this but a +power of seeing visions depending on a disordered brain, or positive +delirium exemplified by a dumb creature? And the same piece of pantomime +the dog may go through fifty times in an hour. No disappointment can teach +him; and experience is lost upon the animal that in his sane state was so +quick to learn.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p> + +<p>Youatt mentions as a symptom, that the dog in all he does is instigated by +the spirit of mischief or of malice,—that he desires to do injury, and is +prompted by malice in all his acts. This, to an outward observer, will +appear a correct judgment; but it is essentially wrong. It is the +conclusion reached by one who judges mainly of exteriors; it can be true +only to those who are willing to look no deeper than the surface. There +can be no malice in a raging fever, which vents itself on every object +within its reach, animate or inanimate. Mischief is too playful a term to +apply to a consuming wrath that ultimately destroys the life. All pain is +lost; as a consequence all fear is gone. The poor beast is urged by some +power too mighty for its control, which lashes it on beyond all earthly +restraint to pull to pieces, to gnaw, and to attempt to eat every object +it can get at; but how far it is urged by malice or mischief, the +following anecdote will serve to show:—</p> + +<p>A butcher had a large bull mastiff of which he was very fond; but, +observing something very strange in his pet's behavior, he came to consult +the author about the dog. The man was told to bring the animal for +inspection early the same evening. This order was given from no suspicion +of the truth, for the owner's description was too confused to be rightly +interpreted. The animal was accordingly brought punctual to time, led +through the streets by a silk handkerchief carelessly tied round the neck +of the beast. The author being at the exact moment of the dog's arrival, +fortunately, engaged, the butcher had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> to wait some few minutes, during +which time the writer's eyes were kept upon the huge creature. It was +remarked to look round in a strange manner. The eye was retracted and the +nose dry. It was at length seen to put its mouth against its master's +boot, continue in that position uttering a strange noise, and to move its +jaws as if biting at some substance. The butcher all this time stood +perfectly still, allowing his favorite to follow the bent of its +inclination without rebuke or opposition. When the mastiff's head was +removed, the boot it had apparently been biting was perfectly dry. The +author observed nothing more than this; but, afraid to confess his dread, +lest the cry of mad dog should be raised, and do more, much more, harm +than good, he called to the butcher, telling him he was going abroad +shortly, and would call upon him. In the mean time, he was to take the dog +home, place it where it could do no injury, and in a place whence there +was no possibility of escape. The man touched his hair and retired.</p> + +<p>No time elapsed before the author paid his promised visit; and when he did +so, he was pleased to hear the dog was securely confined in that which +ought to have been the front kitchen of the house in which the butcher +resided. To this spot the man led the way, and was about fearlessly to +open the door, when he was entreated to stay his hand. The author listened +at the closed entrance, and from the interior there soon came forth sounds +that left no doubt of the poor creature's real condition. The butcher was +thereupon informed that his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> dog was mad. The man was at first wholly +incredulous; whereon the writer requested him to look through a chink, and +say how the animal was employed. "He is tearing a piece of wood to pieces, +and munching it as though he were very hungry. Poor thing, I must go to +him! He has taken no victuals or drink these three days." The author +interposed, to prevent the master from fulfilling his humane suggestion. +With much difficulty he was persuaded to wait the turn of events, and not +to unloose the door that night. The next morning the butcher was +thoroughly convinced. Neither he nor his family had been able to get any +rest on account of the dog's cries; and before that day expired, to +anticipate the poor animal's fate, the unfortunate beast was shot.</p> + +<p>In this case the dog exhibited no malice, neither did he appear to be +prompted solely by mischief. When the muzzle was first lowered to the +master's boot, the poor animal doubtless was moved to that action by the +irresistible desire natural to the disease. The longing was to bite +something, no matter what; any object must be cooler than the heat that +burnt within the wretched creature's throat and stomach. The teeth were +impulsively prepared to bite, but between the desire and its consummation, +reflection came. The affection natural to the dog acted as a restraint. It +was unable entirely to destroy the prompting of disease, but it turned the +bite which it was prepared to give into a mumble, and the loved master +escaped unhurt.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p> + +<p>There is also something which must not be quite overlooked in the habitual +wanderings that, as the disease grows in virulence beyond the dog's +control, causes the animal constantly to leave the home within which its +attachment resides. There is something likewise in the disposition, which +causes the poor beast to quit the society of all it loves; and to leave +the house in which those for whom its life would cheerfully be sacrificed +dwell, to inhabit a dark and noisome corner. It is not mischief which +makes the creature respond to its master's voice so long as memory has +power—even after rabies has set in. There is no malice in the end of the +disease; it is blind and indiscriminate fury, which would much rather vent +itself on things than upon beings—even finding an unholy pleasure in +injuring itself by gnawing, biting, and tearing its own flesh; and so +truly is the fury <i>blind</i>, that most frequently the eyes ulcerate, the +humors escape, and the rabid dog becomes actually sightless.</p> + +<p>Of the causes or treatment of this disorder we know nothing; neither are +we likely to learn, when the nature of the disease is considered. The +danger of the study must excuse our ignorance; nor is this much to be +regretted, since it is highly improbable that medicine could cure what is +so deeply seated and universally present. The entire glandular structure +seems to be in the highest degree inflamed; and besides these, the brain, +the organs of mastication, deglutition, digestion, nutrition, generation, +and occasionally of respiration, are acutely involved. The entire animal +is inflamed. Some except<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> from this category the muscular system; but such +persons forget that paralysis of the hind extremities is often present +during rabies. The body seems to be yielded up to the fury of the disease, +and it obviously would be folly trying to cure a malady which has so many +and such various organs for its prey. Neither are we better informed with +regard to the causes which generate the disease. Hot weather has been +imagined to influence its development; but this belief is denied, by the +fact that mad dogs are quite as, if not more, frequent in winter than in +summer. Abstinence from fluids has been thought to provoke it; but this +circumstance will hardly account for its absence in the arid East, and its +presence in a country so well watered as England, especially when the +unscrupulous nature of the dog's appetite is considered. The French have +been supposed to set this latter question at rest by a cruelty, miscalled +an experiment. They obtained forty dogs, and withheld all drink from the +unhappy beasts till they died. Not one of them, however, exhibited rabies, +and by this the French philosophers think that they have demonstrated that +the disorder is not caused by want of water. No such thing; they have +proved only their want of feeling, and show nothing more than that one out +of every forty dogs is not liable to be attacked with rabies. They have +demonstrated that the utmost malice of the human being can be vented upon +his poor dumb slave without exciting rabies. They have made plain that the +poor dog can endure the most hellish torments the mind of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> man can invent +without displaying rabies. They have held themselves up to the world, and +in their book have duly reported themselves as capable of perverting +science to the most hideous abuses, and under its name contemplating acts +and beholding sufferings at which the feelings of humanity recoil with +disgust.</p> + +<p>It is rarely that more than one mad dog appears at a time in England; so, +to perfect their experiment, it would be requisite for the French +philosophers to procure all the specimens of the canine species in this +island, and doom them to torture; since, of the predisposing disposition +or circumstances necessary to the development of this disease, man knows +nothing. Ignorance is not to be concealed under the practices of +barbarity.</p> + +<p>Irritation or teazing, by exciting the nervous irritability of the dog, +appears more likely than any physical want to excite rabies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Tetanus.</span>—I have witnessed no case of this description in the dog. Both +Blaine and Youatt speak of tetanus as extremely rare in that animal; but +both mention having encountered it, and that it was in every instance +fatal. Since such is its termination, I am in no hurry to meet with it, +and care not how long it remains a stranger to me. If any of my readers +were to have a dog subject to this disease, the best treatment would be +the application of ether internally as medicine, with slops or light +puddings as food. The effects of the ether ought to be kept up for a +considerable period at one time, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> recommenced so soon as the slightest +trace of the disorder reappears.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GENERATIVE_ORGANS_MALE" id="GENERATIVE_ORGANS_MALE"></a>GENERATIVE ORGANS.—MALE.</h2> + +<p>These parts in the dogs are liable to various diseases, among the most +common of which is a thick discharge, either of pus or of impure mucus. +Petted animals are very frequently thus affected, and are a source of +annoyance to those who lap them. In this condition they also offend the +ideas of propriety, by paying certain lingual attentions to themselves +without regard to privacy. The favourite is for these things repeatedly +chid and thrust from the knee; but it cannot be instructed to forego the +impulses of its nature, or of itself to restrain the symptoms of its +affliction. Indeed, the dog is not to blame; the fault lies with the +owner.</p> + +<p>The generative organs, in the male of the canine species, are peculiarly +sympathetic with the digestive functions. This is so with man, but in the +dog it is much more strongly marked. If a dog become from bad food +affected with mange, canker, sore feet, &c., the part is never cleanly. +When, however, the animal is fat and gross, though neither mange, canker, +nor other disease be present, the organ may, nevertheless, be a source of +painful irritation, and beyond a little thin fluid about the opening of +the prepuce, there will be nothing to attract attention.</p> + +<p>In such a case the discharge originally is thick and mattery. It +accumulates upon the few hairs that fringe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> the urinal orifice, and +sometimes almost impedes the passage of the water. The symptom being +neglected, the running becomes less consistent. The part is frequently +erect, and the animal persists in licking it. The organ is now painful, +and should be without delay attended to. If, however, no heed be taken of +the creature's necessity, to which its instinct directs the proprietor's +eye, swellings appear about the sheath, and blood is mingled with the +exudation. Sores then appear externally, and the member becomes a mass of +acute disease, often of a frightful character.</p> + +<p>If, when the discharge first appears, the dog be taken on the knee, and +its back being slightly bent, so as to bring the hind-legs forward—if, +having the animal in this position, the sheath be retracted, so as to +expose the glans, it is generally found to be inflamed. When the case is +slight, the inflammation is confined to the base of the member, just +around that part where the lining membrane is reflected upon the inner +surface of the prepuce. As far back, therefore, as it can be exposed, a +little redness may be discovered; but this will be so distributed as to +convince us that the interior of the sheath is also involved. All the +inflammation that can be detected will not be sufficient to account for +the quantity of pus that is thrown out; and some persons have therefore +allowed the disease to progress, imagining there was nothing present +requiring to be treated. This is always a mistake. The lining membrane of +the prepuce in these animals cannot be readily laid bare, and that part +is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> always the most seriously attacked. The penis during health ought to +be moist and of a delicate flesh color; it should not be wet, neither +should it be in any degree red. The appearance ought to suggest the +secluded situation to which the part is by nature assigned, and the +sensitiveness with which it is endued. It should not denote uncleanliness +or anger; but convey an idea of delicacy, and even beauty, to those who +have good sense enough to appreciate nature's provisions.</p> + +<p>When the want of early attention has allowed the structures to be +seriously implicated, ulcers appear, which enlarge, and ultimately by +uniting form a mass of sores. There is then often resistance exhibited +when the part is touched, and cries declare the pain which pulling back +the sheath occasions. The prepuce sometimes is not to be withdrawn, and +the struggles of the animal are excessive when its retraction is +attempted. There are then fungoid growths within, and the heat and +tenderness denote the condition of the surface, which cannot without much +violence be beheld.</p> + +<p>All this suffering is to be traced to the misplaced kindness of the owner. +Over-feeding is the cause; and, so far as I know, the single cause which +gives rise to the serious aspect of this form of disease. Should it +accompany debility, it is mild in its character, and as the strength +returns it will disappear. Even in this last case, however, it would be +more certainly, and with more speed removed, by a few simple measures +which necessitate no vast trouble.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span></p> + +<p>In its mildest shape, any astringent eye-lotion will generally answer; but +the strength may with safety and advantage be increased.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>1.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulphate of copper or zinc</td><td align='left'>Five grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distilled water</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>2.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor plumbi</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distilled water</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>3.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Alum</td><td align='left'>Half a scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Rose water</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Either of the foregoing will be of service; but before any of them, I +prefer the subjoined:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Chloride of zinc</td><td align='left'>One grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Distilled water</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Whichever of the lotions the practitioner may prefer, should be used at +least thrice daily, and if more frequently employed, no injury will be +done. The mode of applying the lotion is extremely simple. The seat of the +disease being exposed, with a piece of lint or soft rag the fluid is +passed over the surface. No friction is resorted to; but a simple bathing, +in the gentlest possible manner, is all that can be required. In a few +days the effect will be perceived, for by such means the affection can be +cured; but unless the food is improved, and the digestion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> relieved, there +can be no security against its speedy return.</p> + +<p>Under its more virulent form it is not to be thus easily got rid of, +though even then it is to be subdued. If there be much pain, I inject the +lotion up the sheath, and by closing the orifice around the point of the +syringe, endeavor to pass the fluid over the whole of the interior. +Sometimes the pain or irritation is excessive: I then combine sedatives +with the lotions, and their strength I increase as the occasion warrants; +but the non-professional person had better use none more potent than one +drachm of tincture of opium to every ounce of lotion. When the pain, +decreasing, allows the penis to be protruded, if any sprouting fungus or +proud flesh is upon it, a pair of scissors should be used to snip it off. +Some bleeding will ensue, but a little burnt alum will generally stay it; +though, if allowed to continue, I have thought the local depletion was +beneficial, and it has never to my knowledge been attended with danger. +The burnt alum I use in powder, and I prefer it in these cases to the +lunar caustic; which gives more pain; acts less immediately as a styptic, +and is not so satisfactory in its subsequent effects, and, as the animal +can hardly be kept from licking the place, it may possibly be +objectionable on that account. Such treatment usually is beneficial; and +the only further direction to be added concerns such minor points as +reason probably would not need to have specially pointed out.</p> + +<p>When the hairs at the orifice are matted together, it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> best to snip +them away, which will not only remove a present inconvenience, but +effectually prevent its recurrence. The wounds which occasionally cover +the exterior of the sheath are of no vast importance, or, at all events, +they are of secondary consideration. With the healing of the inward sores +they mostly depart; but their disappearance will be hastened, and the +comfort of the animal improved, if, when the injection is used, they are +at the same time smeared with some mild ointment. That composed of +camphor, &c., and to be found described at page <a href="#Page_265">265</a>, does very well for +such a purpose; but any other of a gentle nature would probably answer as +well.</p> + +<p>Soreness of the scrotum is very common, and I have seen it in every +description of dog. I attribute it to derangement of the digestion; never +having witnessed it in animals that were not thus affected, and not having +been able to discover it had any more immediate origin. It mostly appears +first as a redness, which soon becomes covered with small pimples, that +break and discharge a thin watery fluid. The fluid coagulates, and a thin +scab covers the surface. The scab is generally detached, being retained +only by the straggling hairs that grow upon the bag. The scab being +removed, shows a moist and unhealthy patch, the margin of which is of a +faint dirty red color.</p> + +<p>This condition of the scrotum yields, in the first instance, to simple +applications; but, should nothing be done, it will continue bad for some +period, and may involve<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> the whole of the bag. It will, in most instances, +so far as the outward and more acute symptom is concerned; that is, the +discharge will cease, the scab fall off, and nothing be left for the eye +to dwell upon. With the seeming cessation, however, other and more +deep-seated structures become involved. The disease leaves the surface +only, and its virulence fixes upon the internal parts. The skin at the +place thickens, becomes hard and gristly. There is no pain; but the +sensation is diminished, which, to the surgeon, is a far worse sign than +is a little anguish. The thickening is sometimes stationary; and the +animal dies without any further evil afflicting him. There is, however, no +security that it will remain thus passive; for occasionally it increases +in size, inflames, gets hurt or rubbed, and ulcerates: in fact, cancer of +the scrotum is established; and as this mostly comes on when the +constitution is weakened, little relief and no promise of cure can +generally be afforded.</p> + +<p>These cancers do not appear to burst of themselves. They get sensation as +they inflame; but in every instance that has fallen under my notice, +before ulceration has taken place, they have been slightly wounded; either +by the dog's dragging himself upon the earth, or otherwise. The smallest +injury, however, is sufficient to provoke the action, which when once +excited is not afterwards to be subdued. The ulcer being established, +enlarges; and the humanity of the owner does not allow the lingering and +disgusting disease to take its course, but the poor dog is destroyed to +spare its suffering.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p> + +<p>At the commencement the diet must be changed, for the manner of feeding is +at fault. The remedies proper to improve the general health must be +employed, and everything done to restore the system.</p> + +<p>To the scrotum a mild ointment will be sufficient. Should that not +succeed, some of those recommended for mange may be tried; or the surface +may be lightly passed over once with a stick of lunar caustic, care being +taken to tie the head of the dog up afterwards to prevent it licking the +part.</p> + +<p>The measures already spoken of apply only to mild and recent cases. When +the disease has probably existed for years, such remedies will be of +little service. The skin being unnaturally hard and thick, feeling like +cartilage, and giving the idea that a firm or resistant tumor is connected +with the integument; such being the condition of the part, the surgeon +pauses before he advises it should be interfered with. As it seems to be +possessed of small sensibility, and appears to have assumed a form in +which there is a probability of its remaining, the less done to the local +affection the better.</p> + +<p>The relief should be directed wholly to keep the cancer, for such it is, +in a passive or quiescent state. There is no hope that nature will remove +it; and every effort must be made to prevent its malignant character being +by accident or otherwise provoked. With a little care the dog may die of +old age, and the disease may even at the time of death be dormant. A very +mild mercurial ointment may be daily applied to the surface. This will +remove<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> scurf, allay irritability, and prevent the itching, which might +induce the animal to injure the part. The food must be good, proportioned +to the work the creature has to perform,—sufficiently nutritive, but easy +of digestion, and by no means heating. The stomach must be strengthened by +tonics and vegetable bitters, combined with alkalies. Sedatives are +sometimes required, and hyosciamus is in that case to be preferred. A +course of iodide of potassium is likewise frequently beneficial; but it +must be employed only in alterative doses, and persevered with for a +considerable period. The eighth of a grain or half-a-grain may be given +three times a day for six months; and on the first indication of +irritability appearing, the medicine must be resumed. Should the symptoms +of activity be such as to excite alarm, the iodide must be administered in +quantities likely to affect the system. This is to be done with safety, by +dissolving two drachms of the salt in two ounces of water, every drop of +which will then hold in solution the eighth of a grain of the medicine. +From two to ten drops may be given at the commencement, and every day +afterwards one drop may be added to the dose, which should be regularly +administered thrice in the twenty-four hours. The physic should thus be +gradually increased until the appetite fails; or the eyes become inflamed; +or the animal is in an obvious degree dull. When that result is obtained, +the dose ought to be withheld for a time, or to be diminished three or +twelve drops, and the lessened quantity only given until the symptoms have +subsided.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> The spirits, or appetite, having returned, and sufficient time +having been allowed to make certain of the fact, the dose may once more be +increased; and thus by degrees be augmented, until it is worked up to from +fifty to a hundred drops three times a day, beyond which it ought not to +be pushed. Even while this is being done, it is well to give tonic and +strengthening pills; but purgatives are to be used with extreme caution.</p> + +<p>Too frequently our assistance is not sought until the disease has assumed +its worst aspect. There is then an open cancer, and we are asked to cure +it. There is in medicine no known means of performing so desirable an +object; physic can, in such a case, only be palliative—whatever hope then +remains must rest upon the employment of the knife. The surgeon, however, +must well examine the part before he consents to operate. Entreaties will +not unfrequently be urgent; and where the life of an animal only is +involved in the result, it is hard to say "no" to supplications which may +be accompanied with tears. The professional man, however, must consult his +judgment, and by its dictates resolutely abide; for those who are most +eager in their requests are always most sanguine in their hopes. The +issue, if unsuccessful, will not do otherwise than expose the surgeon to +reproaches, perhaps more bitter than the supplications to which he yielded +were imploring. Even should the proprietor be silent, the reputation of +the operator will be injured; for, when the knife is resorted to, mankind +will not tolerate failure. Therefore it is prudent, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> also humane, to +consider how far surgery can eradicate the affection ere excision is +employed to add to the immediate suffering, and perhaps hasten the +consequence it was designed to prevent.</p> + +<p>The tumor should be circumscribed, or, at all events, there should be +around it a fair proportion of healthy skin whenever its removal is +attempted. When such exists, the operation is justifiable; but without +such being present, it is to be condemned. The skin is wanted to close the +orifice, and it must be healthy, in order that it may properly unite. In +extreme cases, where the life of the animal depends upon activity, it may +be proper to remove both testicles; but this should, if possible, be +avoided.</p> + +<p>Castration in the dog is not of itself dangerous; but it renders the +animal disposed to accumulate fat, and destroys many of those qualities +for which it is esteemed. The creature afterwards becomes lethargic, and +its spirits never are recovered. It is best performed by cutting through +the spermatic nerve, and scraping the artery, so as to separate it; taking +care to do this sufficiently high up to prevent the cord from being +exposed.</p> + +<p>When the operator has decided to take away the spermatic glands, he does +so at the commencement of the operation. With one cut he lays the scrotum +open, and pulling forth the testicle, divides the nerve; then with the +edge of a blunt but coarse knife, scrapes it as the cords lie upon his +finger. Having done this on one or both sides, as the case may require, he +inspects the tumor,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> the substance of which is now exposed to view. By the +aspect of the growth he decides upon the course he will next adopt; or +rather shapes the manner he had proposed to proceed. Seldom will it +occasion him to change his plan; but he must be prepared to do so, if the +appearances should be contrary to his anticipations. The skin is here of +primary importance; wherever it is not involved, it is dissected back, and +every portion of hard or gristly matter scrupulously sought for and cut +away. All such substance being excised, care is then directed to bring the +edges together. A pair of scissors may be required to make them exactly +even, but the less snipping there may be the better. To retain the lips of +the wound in the places desired, collodium will be found far superior to +sutures or plasters. It is with a camel's hair pencil laid in bands along +the parts, which are held in their intended situations while it dries. A +few threads of linen are embedded in it while it is in a liquid state, so +as to increase its strength; and layer after layer is added until the mind +is assured the purpose is obtained. The application must on no account be +made in one continuous sheet; for before union can take place suppuration +must be established, and spaces are necessary to allow the matter to +escape. Therefore, in several fine strips stretching over the wound, and +holding its edges close, the collodium is to be employed; and this being +ended, subsequent attention is generally required only to regulate the +health, on which the healing process will greatly depend.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p> + +<p>To stone in the bladder the dog is liable. The cause cannot be directly +traced, but the symptoms are not obscure; the animal is constantly voiding +its urine, which, though small in quantity, is not of a healthy character. +A few drops of blood occasionally are passed; and, in attempting to go +down stairs, sudden cries are often emitted. Fits of pain and seasons of +illness are frequent, and the point of the penis is protruded from the +sheath, never being withdrawn. The leg is not raised to void the urine; +but the creature strains when the act has either been accomplished, or +there is no power to perform it. If the dog be taken on the knee, and one +knowing the situation of the contents gently manipulates the abdomen, the +body may be felt within the bladder, which will mostly be contracted and +empty.</p> + +<p>The nature of the disease having been ascertained, little can be done +beyond relieving the immediate distress. Some writers have given +directions for operating under such circumstances; but none of them tell +us they have successfully performed lithotomy upon the animal. In every +case of the kind upon which I have been consulted, the idea of such a +measure was not for an instant to be countenanced. Dogs thus afflicted, +are mostly small, and the calculus is generally of great proportional +size, prior to our attention being directed to it. In a creature so very +delicate as the dog, every operation requires to be well considered before +it is resorted to; and though the cutler might make knives sufficiently +diminutive for the occasion, it may be doubted if our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> hands are +sufficiently nice to employ them. The stones I have met with were of a +size I would not have liked to have drawn through the urethra; and +therefore, though I will not assert lithotomy cannot be performed upon the +dog, I must confess I have not performed it, and must say I should require +strong inducements to attempt it upon the animal.</p> + +<p>All I aim at is to limit the increase of the deposit, and to alleviate the +painful symptoms it gives rise to. A strictly vegetable diet best +accomplishes the first object, and doses of ether and laudanum, repeatedly +administered by mouth and injection, most speedily secure the second. +Pills of henbane are likewise of service; and with them small quantities +of the balsams may be combined, though the last should not be continued if +they have any marked diuretic action. The peppers, especially cubebs, I +have thought serviceable, and very minute doses of cantharides have seemed +to be attended with benefit. Here, however, I speak with doubt; for the +agents have by me been employed only in homœopathic quantities, and I +have not the means of saying they had very decided action. They appeared +to do good, since under their use the animals improved; and that is all I +can state in their behalf. Proprietors, however, when the pressing +annoyance is allayed, being told there is no prospect of a radical cure, +do not generally afford us much opportunity to watch the action of +medicines.</p> + +<p>Hæmaturia or bloody urine is met with in the dog; and I (having been +unfortunate in those cases where I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> employed acetate of lead) adopted +small doses of cantharides, and with these to my surprise succeeded; for +which reason I have persevered in my homœopathic treatment. The +quantity of tincture of cantharides I employ is three minims to two ounces +of water, and to my wonder, this appears to answer every purpose; the only +fault, indeed, that a general practitioner might find with it being that +it did its work too quickly.</p> + +<p>Swelling of the glans penis is not uncommon. It comes on suddenly, and the +dog is by it rendered offensive to the owner's sight. The membrane is in a +state of erection, and being so, is of course protruded; and while thus +exposed, the end of it loses its mild red color, becoming of a paler hue, +and at the same time enlarging. Its size increases to such an extent, that +when the erection subsides, it cannot be retracted.</p> + +<p>This generally happens to animals that are weakly; such being of what are +called high breeds, or having recovered from some dangerous disorder. It +is not a dangerous affection, and if taken early is very easily subdued. +With a silk handkerchief, the exposed part should be grasped by the left +hand; and while every means is employed to push the gland back, the +fingers of the right hand ought to be used, to draw the prepuce over it. A +little time and care will, in most instances, do what is desired; and +there is no need of haste, or justification for violence. Oil is not +required, as the parts are sufficiently lubricated by their own secretion; +and still less are those practices some persons have advocated, +admissible.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p> + +<p>The scarification of the glans, or the slitting of the prepuce, should not +ever be allowed, save the absolute failure of all other measures has +demonstrated relief is not otherwise to be procured. Before these severe +resorts are sanctioned, the effects of cold and stimulants, locally +applied, ought to be fully and patiently tried. A lotion containing ether, +in such proportions as water will dissolve it, should be applied to the +part; and spirit of nitric ether, to which double its amount of proof +spirit has been added, may be with a camel's hair pencil painted over its +surface. Ice is even better, but both, according as they can be readily +obtained, are beneficial. Gentle manipulations will also be of benefit, +and if the patience of the practitioner be not too easily exhausted, he +will rarely need more to bring about that which is desired.</p> + +<p>Retention of urine, though not very common in the dog, is, however, +encountered too frequently to be termed a rare affection. It mostly +accompanies debility, during the last stage of distemper, and is sometimes +present in paralysis of the hind extremities. I have not seen a case in +which it took the acute form, though obviously it may do so.</p> + +<p>The symptoms generally are obscure; for in the majority of instances the +distension of the bladder will simply aggravate the general uneasiness. +The condition of the part, therefore, may not be suspected, but in such +cases it is to be ascertained by manipulation. By taking the animal, and +gently pressing its abdomen, if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> the bladder be empty, the intestines will +be felt; but if the viscus be full, there will be a soft and pulpy mass +under the fingers. The sensation imparted by it conveys the idea that it +is fluid, and the greatest care will in it detect nothing denoting +substance or form. The proof thus obtained is positive, and will not +deceive him who has accepted it. All pretending to administer to canine +disease should be able to read this indication, but sometimes others +direct attention to its presence.</p> + +<p>The dog having the bladder gorged, and not so debilitated as to be +deprived of power to move, or by paralysis disabled, mostly lies, but even +then it is never at rest. The position is constantly shifted. Food and +drink are refused, great dulness is exhibited, and a low plaintive moan is +from time to time emitted. If made to walk, the animal straddles the +hind-legs, and its gait is peculiar. The spine is arched, but the +posterior limbs are not drawn or carried forward. If pressure is made upon +the belly, it provokes resistance; and any attempt to raise the dog from +the ground induces it to struggle.</p> + +<p>Relief should without loss of time be afforded by the use of the catheter. +When I was a pupil at the college, the professor used to assert that the +introduction of such an instrument was in the dog a physical +impossibility. The bone found in the penis of this animal, the gentleman +instructed his pupils to believe, opposed an obstacle which could not be +overcome. My former teacher, however, was in error. He had either never +made the trial,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> or he had not judgment sufficient to conduct an operation +which, when properly undertaken, is remarkably easy and simple. I believe +I was the first practitioner in England who used the catheter for the dog, +though prior to my doing so, reports were published of the instrument +having been employed in France. On the Continent, however, I have heard of +no one who had thought of introducing a catheter into the bladder of the +bitch. That also I have done; and find the operation to be unattended with +danger or difficulty. The method of operating upon the female will be +explained in another place. Here I have to speak of the mode in which the +male is to be relieved.</p> + +<p>Let the dog be placed upon its side, and by means of a handkerchief the +penis be drawn. A catheter of proportionate size must be selected. +Metallic tubes will not do; but the gum elastic are to be employed. Before +one of these is introduced, the wire must be taken out, and the outer +surface moistened with olive oil.</p> + +<p>The human catheters answer admirably for small dogs; but these are not +made long enough to be of service to animals of the larger kinds. For a +dog of middle height, an instrument twice the length of those employed on +man ought to be at hand; and for a huge Newfoundland, one thrice as long +will be useful. The shorter catheters may be of the sizes sold as Nos. 1, +2, and 3; the middle length, 4 and 5; the longest, Nos. 6, 7, and 8.</p> + +<p>The dog being placed upon its side, and retained there in a position such +as the operator may think most advantageous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> to his movements, the +catheter is introduced with one hand while the penis is held by the other. +The meatus being found—there is no great ingenuity required to discover +it—the instrument is inserted and pushed gently onward. At first its +passage is easy, but it has not gone far before a check is felt. The +stoppage arises from the spasmodic contraction of the canal, caused by the +point of the instrument having reached the bone of the penis. For a period +the passage is effectually closed; but no force must be employed to +overcome the obstacle. Gentle but steady pressure is kept up; and under +this it is rarely longer than a few minutes before the spasm yields. The +catheter then glides forward, and the operator, resigning the hold of the +penis to his assistant, passes his free hand to the perinæum. When he +feels the point of the tube below the anus, he uses his fingers to direct +its course,—for at this part the canal curves, taking a direction +forward,—and after a little further way has been made, another check is +experienced. This last springs from the contraction of the neck of the +bladder; and once more gentle, but steady pressure must he employed to +overcome the spasm. It rarely resists long; but the sudden absence of all +opposition, and the flow of urine, shows that the object of the operation +has been obtained.</p> + +<p>The dog offers no resistance to the passage of the instrument. I have +never known one to cry, or seen one exhibit a struggle. I could not +account for this by attributing it to any fondness for the necessary +restraint,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> under which the creature is temporarily placed. During the +flowing of the urine, the dog invariably remains perfectly quiet; and the +relief afforded seems to dispose it almost to sleep; for after it is over, +the animal lies in a kind of happy lethargy. The fluid, however, does not +jet forth or empty quickly. The operator must not be impatient, for the +stream is perfectly passive; since, in consequence of the distension, the +bladder has lost its contractive power. To obtain the whole of the +contents, has sometimes required a quarter of an hour, and the quantity +procured has frequently been quite disproportioned to the size of the +patient. From a small petted spaniel, brought under my notice by my +friend, Mr. Henderson, I extracted very nearly half a pint of urine, and +the animal from that period began to get well. From a very small dog, the +property of a lady of fortune, I for several days, every night and +morning, withdrew about four ounces of the excretion with marked benefit +to the animal. The operation is tedious, but it repays us for the time it +occupies. Towards the conclusion the stream is frequently interrupted. It +stops, then recommences; ceases, and then begins again; and the last +portions are often ejected with a force which the first did not display. A +little straining may attend the closing of the operation. For this the +operator must be prepared, and immediately withdraw the catheter; lest the +bladder, energetically contracting upon it, should cause the point to +pierce the sides of the viscus. The instrument is no longer required when +straining is excited; for then the contractive function<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> has been resumed, +and nature will subsequently perform her office without assistance.</p> + +<p>The bladder that has been relieved, may require the care of the surgeon a +second time; but no officiousness should be indulged in that respect. Let +the necessity be present before the operation is resorted to; and the need +for its adoption can be so accurately ascertained, that there is no excuse +whatever for needless interference. The operation is attended with no +immediate danger or subsequent ill consequences, that I am aware of; but +it is particularly recommended by the fact, that in the dog it is not +accompanied with that pain, which in man usually provokes exclamation, +sometimes causes fainting, and not unfrequently induces irritability of +the membrane lining the canal.</p> + +<p>The testicles are occasionally the sources of annoyance to the proprietor. +In one instance a high-bred dog was sold, the person who bought the animal +making the purchase with a view to breeding from it. Disappointment +followed, for no sexual desire could be excited; and as a stock-dog, the +beast was useless. An examination was then made, and the scrotum was +discovered to contain no glands.</p> + +<p>A most infamous fraud was now accused against him who had sold the dog; +and as dog-dealers are not so respectable, and are almost as little +credited as horse-dealers, any charge imputing dishonesty required no +evidence to substantiate it. An infamous villain was convicted of having +castrated the dog before he parted with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> it, in order that a valuable +strain might not be rendered common. This same dog was brought to me. I +could detect no testicles, and I could perceive no cicatrix. The body was +fat and the disposition sluggish, but the frame well developed. It was +possible the scar, if the operation had been performed early, should have +disappeared: and there are means practised by which the testicles can be +in a great measure destroyed without making an incision. Here, however, +there was nothing to denote they had been present; or evidence to show +they had been removed. I could by manipulation discover no bodies in the +inguinal canals. Under the circumstances, I was unable to give a positive +opinion; but I leant to the idea that the appearances resulted from +defective conformation.</p> + +<p>My indecision exposed me to some remarks at the time; for the veterinary +surgeon is never permitted to doubt. Ignorance is the only reason the +majority of his patrons can conceive to account for his deliberation. A +year subsequent, however, the dog died; and the body was then brought to +me, in order that the point might be decided. I found both glands, which +were not larger than they should have been at birth, within the abdomen, +whence they never had descended.</p> + +<p>It is very common to find small dogs, especially spaniels and terriers, +with only one testicle in the scrotum; but in the larger number of such +cases the other can be detected, though it will be of small size, within +the canal. Animals in this condition are quite capable of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> being used as +stock-dogs, and are for such purposes as certain, as those more perfectly +formed. Of this I have had repeated proofs; and, consequently, the absence +of one gland is not to be viewed as a serious defect; though I do not know +that it can be regarded in the light of a recommendation. Speaking from +observation, and bringing the results of positive experience to bear upon +my opinion, I may assert, that in diminutive dogs—animals intended only +to be esteemed as "toys,"—the absence of one testicle is not of the +slightest import; though, in the larger breeds intended for actual work, I +should by no means be inclined so to regard it.</p> + +<p>The testicles are also subject to enlarge and become hard, more than is +natural. In that state they most frequently are devoid of sensation; +though sometimes, but rarely, they are unnaturally tender. The size and +degree of feeling may be the only indications; but generally the scrotum +is at the same time thickened, and exhibits an alteration in structure.</p> + +<p>Blaine speaks of castration under such circumstances. I have hitherto +abstained from direct interference. Notwithstanding the alteration, which +has been obvious, I have, beyond daily rubbing in the ointment, containing +camphor and mercury, resorted to no topical application. In one instance I +employed an unguent, containing iodine; but it was ultimately +discontinued, from a conviction that it was in its operation injurious, +seeming to produce effects the opposite of those desired. The food, +however, I alter; and by gentle aperients I endeavor to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> regulate the +bowels. A course of the iodide of potassium I have likewise adopted, and +can with confidence recommend. Alterative doses only should be +administered; and the drug ought to be continued for three months at +least. If prepared in the following form, it will not perhaps be readily +swallowed up, but the animal will very seldom violently resist its +administration:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Simple syrup</td><td align='left'>Two ounces.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>Six ounces.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of potassium</td><td align='left'>Fifteen grains to one drachm.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Dose, one drachm, or a teaspoonful thrice daily</p> + +<p>The quantity ordered contains from a quarter of a grain to a grain of the +iodide; and, if there be motive for desiring it should be exhibited in +substance, the like amounts may be made into pills with conserve of roses, +and a little powdered liquorice. The form is of little importance; but I +prefer the fluid, because I have found that the animal can, with no great +trouble or vast tax upon ingenuity, be brought to accept it readily; and +with dogs, as with children, we gain by convincing them we are practising +no deception. These creatures possess remarkable discernment: it is +astonishing how long the doubt, when once excited, will act upon the +canine mind. A pill, for this reason, is better pushed down the throat +than presented in meat; for the imposition, being once detected, will for +a long time subsequent to it be suspected. It is, therefore, best to +proceed openly and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> without fear. So strong is my impression that dogs +have a general comprehension of the meaning of sounds, that when I have +medicines to give, I always address them, saying, "Come and take your +physic." Some will do as they are ordered; but others are less obedient. I +have met with none (save clump-headed spaniels—which of all dogs are the +very worst behaved) that were not to be subjected. Frankness and +determination operate wonderfully on these occasions. The animal soon +learns it must submit, and quickly ascertains you have no desire to hurt +it. The natural and beautiful confidence the brute reposes in man is thus +appealed to, and it is surely wise not to tamper with so noble a feeling. +With dogs be resolute and straightforward; have no sense of fear, and have +no desire for deceit. Call upon the innate submissiveness of the creature, +and claim its obedience as a right. The amiable brute will respond to such +appeals; as the struggles which result from weakness operating upon +sensibility will originate confusion, and provoke those bites which are +not maliciously aimed, but intended for self-defence.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GENERATIVE_ORGANS_FEMALE" id="GENERATIVE_ORGANS_FEMALE"></a>GENERATIVE ORGANS.—FEMALE.</h2> + +<p>The ignorant are always inclined to be officious where procreation is +concerned. The knowledge they pretend to, concerning such matters, +however, consists of mingled indecency and mystery; and, when exposed, +only commands contempt. The poor dog, nevertheless, suffers cruelly +through the practices which such persons subject<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> it to; and great as may +be the ignorance of the parties who go about the country under various +assumed denominations, to torture the canine race, surely, they who pay +such fellows, or allow their animals to be abused by these pretenders, +display a want of sense even more deplorable? Still this is done every +day. The nobility continue to be the profitable dupes of a host of +confident impostors; and strangely seem to be infatuated with the belief +that the man who sells a dog can likewise administer to the diseases of +the creatures in which he trades.</p> + +<p>The bitch is most unfortunate in the variety of severities she is +compelled to undergo. Some foolish persons have imagined they can at will +induce the periodical desire for offspring in the animal. To do this, +violent stimulants are employed; being often given by the mouth, but more +frequently injected up the passage. I have no proof that such means are +ever successful; and were they capable of doing all they are employed to +accomplish, I would certainly refuse to make use of them. Nature cannot be +coerced to man's profit; and any interference with her laws is always +dangerous. The consequences may not be so immediate that in every instance +the effect is traced to the cause; but the major portion of the affections +of which the female generative organs of the dog are too commonly the +seat, may be attributed to the carelessness, or cruelty of the owner, or +of those by whom he is surrounded.</p> + +<p>Various morbid growths are apt to appear upon or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> within the parts when +old age advances. These have been generally produced by violence endured +at a period long prior to the development of the disease. Potent +injections may have been employed to bring on the condition called "heat;" +or undue force may have been exerted to drag away the pups when the bitch +was in labor; or brutality may have been resorted to, to tear apart the +animals during the performance of the act of impregnation. Other sources +of accident and injury may likewise operate in disposing the delicate +membrane of the vagina to exhibit disease; for boys, and others also, are +cruelly inquisitive, and the dumb creature cannot complain.</p> + +<p>The growths that appear upon the parts are not peculiar to its locality. +They are only such as may be present on similar structures. They assume +one of three forms, viz. either that of tumor, fungus, or polypus.</p> + +<p>The tumor may be of any shape or size; and it may be very hard or +comparatively soft. Its consistence and dimension will depend upon its +character; and this is seldom in two cases exactly alike. Mostly it is +confined to the more external parts of the passage; but so deep-rooted is +it that it cannot be conveniently dissected away. It may have a broad base +or widely spreading attachment; and those I have examined after death most +frequently were mixed up with the structures on which they seemed to +repose.</p> + +<p>When such is the case, nothing can be done beyond<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> attending to the +general health; as by supporting the constitution, the tendency to disease +is likely to be checked. To the part no local application should be used; +and every care is required to prevent the animal from injuring it.</p> + +<p>When more externally situated, a careful examination must be made, to +decide whether there is a fair hope of the growth being successfully +excised. If it is hard and circumscribed, an operation is justifiable; but +the skin should be healthy. All the integument must be preserved, and the +entire bulk of the morbid body cleanly taken away. The parts are not so +sensitive as to render the operation exceedingly severe; however large the +wound may be, it generally heals rapidly. After the operation no dressing +will be required, unless some untoward circumstance should arise, when, of +course, the remedies needed to counteract it must be resorted to.</p> + +<p>Fungus is invariably preceded by a purulent discharge, which, when the +growth is developed, is mingled with blood. The system is feverish, and +the parts are hot, irritable, and painful. The animal is continually +licking itself, and is disinclined for motion or food.</p> + +<p>In the first instance the cure is speedy; but if allowed to proceed, the +affection is troublesome, and may be difficult to eradicate. When any +unnatural discharge exudes, a mild tepid lotion should be injected. It +should be of an astringent nature, and an infusion of green tea or any of +the eye-washes recommended will be of service. The strength should +likewise be supported, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> the cold bath given daily, while exercise is +particularly attended to.</p> + +<p>When blood mingles with the exudation, a careful examination, with a +speculum, if required, must be made; and the diseased surface should be +touched with lunar caustic, or sulphate of copper. After this, an +injection of the chloride of zinc, one grain to distilled water one ounce, +should be employed thrice daily.</p> + +<p>Should, however, the growth be of any size, it should be snipped off with +a pair of probe-pointed scissors; and the lunar caustic ought then to be +applied and repeated when the bleeding has entirely ceased. If the +bleeding be excessive, cold water may be thrown up, or a pair of bellows, +to drive a current of air upon the place, supposing it to be situated +where it can be thus acted upon, may be made use of. Too frequently, +however, the affection is deeply located, and then injections are alone to +be resorted to, though, at the same time, constitutional measures may be +employed. The case is not to be despaired of, but the prospect of success +may not be satisfactory.</p> + +<p>Polypus is a round pear-shaped body, generally hanging by a pedicle, or +neck, like to the stalk of the fruit. It is smooth, also moist, and highly +vascular, having a red and shining appearance. When present, its +attachment is commonly rather backward, or pretty deep within the passage. +A small glairy discharge is at first observed. The fluid emitted is simply +mucous, caused by the increased secretion of the membrane, which is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> +irritated by the presence of a foreign growth. The parts subsequently seem +to be swollen, and the animal does not appear otherwise affected. At +length something red and glistening is remarked to protrude. It is seen +occasionally, and then withdrawn; but most generally it appears subsequent +to the urine having been voided. Ultimately, however, it constantly hangs +out; and as, when exposed, it annoys the animal, it may be injured, and +bleed freely.</p> + +<p>The practitioner must cautiously examine the part. Before he makes up his +mind concerning the nature of that which is presented, he must assure +himself that the womb has not become inverted. I was once requested by a +veterinary surgeon to see him remove a polypus from the vagina of a bitch, +as he had determined to excise it. Luckily I went, and saved him from +cutting away the animal's uterus, which would assuredly have destroyed +her. A contrary course was pursued, and that dog, in three days +afterwards, was returned to its master well. The following particulars +will enable him who may be in such a difficulty to discriminate the uterus +from a polypus.</p> + +<p>The uterus is soft, but rough when exposed; no vessels are to be seen upon +its surface; it does not shine; it is not round or pear-shaped; it feels +like a thick empty sac, and never appears upon pressure to contain any +substance; it cannot be traced to any stalk-like attachment, and, if +returned, the situation it will occupy denotes the position it was +ordained to hold.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p> + +<p>A polypus is smooth, glistening, and on its surface generally exhibits +vessels. Its covering is always tense, and contains a semi-solid +substance; it is often sensitive, and, if the space allows of the passage +of the finger, the neck or point of attachment can be felt; it cannot, +like the womb, or the bladder when inverted, be forced inward, or made to +take the situation which either of them would occupy.</p> + +<p>Moreover, the appearance of a polypus is an affair which must have +attracted notice some months prior to its occurrence; whereas, the +inversion of the bladder or the womb, occupies but an instant, and is +commonly preceded by no symptoms.</p> + +<p>Being assured there is a polypus, if a fine silk can be passed round the +neck or stalk and be tied tight, so as to cut off the circulation of blood +to the part, the growth will drop off in two days, supposing the operation +to have been effectively performed. When a ligature cannot be applied, the +body should be seized with a proper pair of forceps, and it should then be +turned round and round several times. The object in doing this is to twist +the stalk, so as to strangulate the vessels within it; and this sometimes +answers quite as well as the ligature itself, but the last is best, as +being more sure and less likely to be attended with accident. When neither +can be accomplished, the polypus may be forcibly dragged away, or +literally torn out; but the pain of this is very great, and the operation +has nothing to recommend it but its absolute necessity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p> + +<p>The polypus being removed, perfectly cold, mild, astringent injections, to +act as healing and cleansing lotions, should be used; or if any portion of +the stalk remain, to that caustic may be applied.</p> + +<p>Authors speak of cancer of the vagina. I have seen nothing yet in the +animal that I may designate by such a term. I have, it is true, met with +serious wounds and grievous sores; but all of these have yielded to +treatment, and I am not aware that, if their nature had been malignant, +they could have been subdued by any medicinal measures.</p> + +<p>Dropsy of the uterus I have encountered, though, as no teacher or work +speaks of such an affection in the dog, it was some time before I was able +to recognise the disease. The bitch thus afflicted is generally petted +into ill-health. She is fat, slothful, and weakly. All the various +symptoms show the digestion to be deranged; and in most cases she +eventually perishes of abdominal disease, which is in its termination +independent of the condition of the uterus. The only marked symptom +directing attention to the womb, is the cessation of every sign indicating +sexual desire. For years there may be no appearance of "<i>heat;</i>" but +otherwise the bitch shall be regarded only as delicate, and not be +esteemed to be decidedly unwell. If, however, the body of the animal be +examined after death, the body and horns of the uterus will be found +distended with a thin aqueous fluid; and the walls of the organ will be +seen to be very attenuated, and much wanting in vascularity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> There is no +precise limit to the size the uterus may attain; but, in consequence of +its increased volume, it occupies another situation to that it naturally +holds in the abdomen of the bitch. Generally, when dropsical to any +extent, it will repose immediately upon the linea alba; and it is apt to +be injured if care be not taken when the <i>post mortem</i> examination is +made.</p> + +<p>For dropsy of the uterus, general measures must alone be employed, and +these must be of a tonic character; for, however much the dog may be +petted, or however fat its body may be, the disease is always consequent +upon debility. Among the tonics are several which have a stimulating +action upon the uterus, and where it is suspected to be affected the +following medicines may be administered:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered cinnamon</td><td align='left'>One scruple to one and a half drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered borate of soda</td><td align='left'>Ten grains to two scruples.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered secale cornutum</td><td align='left'>One to six grains.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>One drachm to half an ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered quassia</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make in twenty-four pills, and give three daily.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of iron</td><td align='left'>Ten grains to one scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Powdered cinchona bark</td><td align='left'>One drachm to half an ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Extract of gentian</td><td align='left'>One drachm to half an ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Make as in the previous prescription.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Iodide of potassium</td><td align='left'>Ten grains to one drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tincture of cantharides</td><td align='left'>Five drops to one scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Simple syrup</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Water</td><td align='left'>Two ounces.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Let a tea-spoonful be given three times a day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></p> + +<p>In some cases the pills first recommended may be given with the drops last +proposed; but the action must be watched, and either the dose diminished +or the medicine withheld, if it appears to have any violent effect. The +intent is to work gently and gradually upon the system, and no immediate +result should be expected or desired.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Parturition, or Pupping.</span>—This is a very serious branch of the present +subject; for, through the inability to bring forth their young, many a +valuable bitch is annually lost; and, by the injudicious measures intended +to relieve them, many more are yearly sacrificed. I know of no book that +gives proper directions for the guidance of the practitioner; indeed, the +rules laid down by both Blaine and Youatt are calculated to do mischief +whenever they shall be put into practice. The reader must, therefore, be +content to accept that which will be submitted to his consideration on +this topic, as the result of the experience of an individual whose +observations have been made only during a comparatively short period, and +whose opinions consequently are not to be regarded as confirmed. While +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span>directing attention to what has been declared rejected, the author +solicits no confidence in his judgment, beyond that which results shall +sanction, and reason approve.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 370px;"> +<img src="images/img_353_th.jpg" width="370" height="348" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Little gentlemen are said to incline towards what are termed fine women; +and many persons will remember the caricature, in which a strapping +Life-guards-man was depicted, stooping to salute a lady who scarcely +reached the top of his boots. The like admiration for bulk appears to be +entertained by the members of the canine race. Small curs are much +disposed to bestow their affections upon huge Newfoundlands; and +diminutive bitches, if followed by a host of suitors, will give the +preference to the largest of the group. All descriptions of dogs will +freely have intercourse with one another; and as these animals are of such +various proportions, the female is frequently unable to give birth to the +progeny of a gigantic sire. Care consequently should be taken to provide +suitable males when pups are desired; and in all cases the dog should be +smaller than the bitch. It is not, however, a sufficient precaution that +the dog be of less size; for it, or the bitch herself, may be the dwarf of +a large stock, and being so, may be capable of getting or gestating +offspring as huge as the race from which either of them sprung. It is +possible, therefore, for a small dog to be quite as dangerous as one of +great weight; and I knew an animal of this kind which had been the cause +of many deaths on that account. The animal alluded to was the property of +a gentleman (now deceased) who had long graced the bench. The dog was a +handsome Scotch terrier; and, being small, it was frequently solicited as +a stock-dog. It was, however, very deceptive; for a bitch twice its own +size could with difficulty survive the consequences of its embraces. It is +a diminutive example of a naturally large race; and in its offspring there +is a disposition to return to the original size. Therefore, not only must +the dog be small, but, if possible, it must have been derived from a small +stock. The giant's dwarf may beget a giant; and how frequently do parents +of short stature have children who can at maturity look literally over +their heads! Certainly more important, however, than the size of the dog, +is the magnitude of the stock whence the bitch is derived. A full-sized +pug bitch, whose portrait is given beneath, had connexion with a setter +dog. She was sent to me to be delivered; but with little assistance the +affair was accomplished. A small mongrel bitch, but a great favorite with +its master, broke loose during his absence, and had connexion with a dog +at least four times its size. The animal was brought to me to ascertain +what could be done, her death being expected when the nine weeks expired. +At the proper period, however, she brought forth four pups without any +assistance. On the opposite side numerous instances might be quoted: but, +on this topic, enough has been said to warn the reader that the dog, +however small, should not be permitted to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> approach the bitch whose mother +was large, or whose brothers and sisters stand much higher than herself. +Let the reader look at the two portraits that follow. They are evidently +of one and the same family. They both had a common progenitor. The beagle +is the blood-hound, only of smaller size; and often these beautiful +diminutive creatures suffer in parturition, or throw pups whose size takes +from them all value. However, for the chance of security, if for no more +tangible object; let the dog, in every instance, be smaller than the +bitch; and let it also have no disease, but be in perfect health, strong +and lively. A dog in any way deformed or affected with any disorder ought +to be avoided. Blindness, skin eruptions, piles, paralysis of the tongue, +and a host of other annoyances, I more than suspect to be hereditary. The +mental qualities are transmitted, as well as physical beauties and +defects. Sagacity, health, and beauty are to be sought for, and if all +cannot be obtained, those most desired must be selected. Where shape is +wanted, let the dog possess such form as the bitch is deficient in; thus +the female having a long-nose or legs, may be put to a male short in these +respects; and the rule may be applied in other instances.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_354_th.jpg" width="500" height="403" alt="THE BLOOD-HOUND." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE BLOOD-HOUND.</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 436px;"> + +<p>Judgment is needed; and, of course, the choice is to be in some measure +regulated by the kind of stock the dog has been known to get. All dogs +kept as stock-dogs have reputations for the qualities of their offspring; +and these, sometimes, are better guides than the appearances of the +animals themselves; for it does occur that the pups procured by a +diminutive dog, do occasionally prove the very reverse of what might be +anticipated.</p> + +<img src="images/img_355_th.jpg" width="436" height="343" alt="THE BEAGLE." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE BEAGLE.</span> +</div> + +<p>The bitch, for breeding, should be rather long in the back; and it is +scarcely possible for her to be made too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span> wide in the hind-quarters. She +should be strong, and rather large than small of her breed; and where a +diminution of size is desired, it is better to obtain it through the +father than the mother. When the last method is adopted there is no danger +of the bitch bearing pups of gigantic proportions, and which she may not +be capable of bringing forth. The breed, also, should be as pure as +possible; for there is a disposition in these animals to throw back, as it +is termed; that is, supposing a bitch to be of spaniel breed, to that +degree which allows of no cross being detected; nevertheless if there +should be a stain of cur or terrier in her pedigree, one or more of every +litter she bears, may prominently exhibit it. It is often long before this +natural proof of a degraded family can be entirely eradicated; and it is +very common for persons to express surprise at the pups born resembling +neither of the parents they were derived from.</p> + +<p>Another caution not to be neglected is, to keep the bitch from all +communication with dogs it is wished her progeny should in no way +resemble. A low-bred playmate may not appear to be of much consequence; +and the proprietor may imagine, if actual connexion is provided against, +no further precaution can be required. The females of the canine race, +however, are able to bestow their affections; and tender recollections are +as potent over them as they are known to be in other cases, where higher +animals are concerned. Bitches are not always prudent in their loves, but +are apt to fling themselves away on curs of low degree. If reared with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span> a +companion of vulgar appearance, there often springs up between the pair a +devotion which no time can afterwards subdue. The passion, for such it +really is, becomes of a more than romantic endurance. The loved one's +image grows to be so impressed upon the mind—so much so, that all the +fruits of the body afterwards bear its likeness. There may have been no +intercourse between the pair, but to animals of her breed, the bitch may, +contrary to her longings, have been devoted: and yet, in the offspring she +brings forth the object of her affections will be represented. This, +however, is very likely to be the case, when the first male accepted is by +accident or neglect of impure origin. There have been several well-marked +cases illustrative of this fact, and probably many which have never been +properly observed. The peculiarity of a high-bred bitch bringing forth a +blemished litter, would be set down to her throwing back; but perhaps a +fair proportion of the cases thus accounted for, might with justice be +attributed to the mental influence which has been pointed out.</p> + +<p>The first indication of a bitch approaching to desire, is a slight +enlargement of the teats. This may be observed for a week, more or less, +before the parts show any signs of change. These last, however, soon begin +to swell, and a thick glairy discharge of simple mucus drains from them in +small quantities. The secretion becomes more copious, and thinner, +gradually changing its character to that of blood; and as that alteration +in the fluid is remarked, the labia grow larger, redder, and more hot.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span></p> + +<p>The animal has then "heat," or œstrum, upon her, and her system is +generally excited. She is more lively, and should any other dogs be with +her, she indulges in a variety of coquettish antics. Her attitudes when +thus excited are very picturesque, and the beauty of the animal is never +exhibited to greater advantage.</p> + +<p>A lively grace animates her whole frame; and she is now the creature a +painter should study, or a poet describe. She will not immediately accept +the male, whose passion she evidently practises all her arts to excite. +For a few days, perhaps, a romping courtship may go forward before union +is actually permitted.</p> + +<p>Dog fanciers almost universally attach importance to the appearance of the +discharge. Some say the dog should not be offered before the bleeding +begins to diminish. If these rules are not attended to, I have been most +confidently assured the evil consequences of the neglect are certain to be +present in the pups. The litter prematurely begotten, it is foretold, must +be bad in some way; though why this should be the case, or how the cause +produces such effects, none of the dog fanciers have been able to explain.</p> + +<p>As by attempting to obey these injunctions I have known many +disappointments to be produced, there was every inducement, even had I not +been inquisitive from professional motives, to set me testing the truth of +these assertions; for I am not inclined to sneer at every opinion +announced by persons devoid of education. A power to observe is by no +means regulated by an ability to read or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> write; and as the dog fanciers +bred much more largely than I possibly could do, their experience entitled +their opinions to attention. Nevertheless, ignorance is so exposed to +misconception, that its declarations at all times should be examined, and +I resolved to test the truth of the rule which so many announced to be +established.</p> + +<p>The result has not confirmed the belief generally entertained; but it has +induced me to conclude that the dog may be allowed whenever the bitch will +permit him. Nature, I have found, regulates the matter, so as not to +necessitate man's supervision. The bitch will, by her instinct, decide the +question; and she may, without any dread of mysterious consequences, be +left to its direction. In support of this conclusion, a large number of +animals can readily be adduced. The numerous bitches, especially in the +country, that are placed under no restraint, but are left free to gratify +their impulses, afford obvious demonstration of the fact. These creatures +have litters that are much stronger and healthier than those which are +more tenderly guarded.</p> + +<p>The fatality that attends the offspring of very choice breeds, does not +infer that the customs they are subjected to conduce materially to their +benefit; and my experience, so far as it has been carried, supports the +conclusion which this circumstance would seem to countenance.</p> + +<p>Let the bitch therefore follow her inclinations; but it is not unusual for +force to be employed on such occasions. This should never be allowed. The +female ought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> on no account to be compelled; but it is a common practice +to employ restraint when she is unwilling. Some assistance may +occasionally be needed, particularly with the smaller breeds, which are +apt to be physically disabled; but it should be limited to such offices as +favor the desires of the parties principally concerned. Whenever man's aid +goes beyond that, it is likely to be injurious; for if Nature orders an +animal to decline the gratification of its instinct, we may rest assured +there is good reason why such a phenomenon is exhibited, although we may +not possess the acumen to rightly interpret its indication.</p> + +<p>Some people permit the dog and bitch to remain together for several hours; +but with favorite stock-dogs, it is customary to present the female twice. +I have found the second visit to be needless; and a single occasion has +never yet failed to procure me three or four pups, which is quite as many +as the majority of bitches are able to rear. The ordinary practice, +however, appears to do no harm, so far as I am aware of its consequences. +I do not, therefore, object to it; but I know it is not imperative, and it +is well to be convinced on such a point.</p> + +<p>After the bitch has been lined, she should be most carefully watched. Her +desire rather increases than diminishes, and she will be most anxious to +escape in search of new admirers. Her appetite renders her ingenious; and +the owner is often vexed to find she conquers at this time those bounds +which at other periods confined her. Let her be securely housed, or kept +under the eye<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> of her master, who must not forget her propensity to rove.</p> + +<p>When the discharge ceases, and the local swelling subsides, the necessity +for vigilance is at an end. The animal has then returned to chastity, and +will be as obedient as before her passions were inflamed. During the nine +weeks of gestation, she demands no special care. She thrives best if left +to take her chance, and does better in proportion as she is not pampered. +Her food should be wholesome, and her exercise rather increased than +diminished. She should not be made fat, neither ought she to be suddenly +reduced.</p> + +<p>The safest course is to take no notice of the particular condition of the +animal, but to let her ordinary treatment be continued without any change. +The bitch will return to her usual manners and appearance, nor will there +be for some time anything to denote her having conceived. In the middle of +the fourth week, however, the presence of the young within the abdomen +may, by skilful manipulation, be detected. I know of no one who has before +made the observation, but I am confident as to the correctness of the +statement; since I have frequently been enabled to inform parties that +their dogs were in pup, when the circumstance was not suspected. In many +instances, I have been able to ascertain before the expiration of the +first month the number of young that would be born; but of course these +matters are not always to be told with equal certainty. They can, however, +be generally ascertained with tolerable accuracy;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> but where there is only +one sense to guide the knowledge, and that one is not quite unobstructed, +the judgment is liable to be mistaken with regard to particulars, though +it may be assured concerning the main point.</p> + +<p>To discover whether a bitch is in pup, let her be placed upon a table, and +her fears or excitability banished by caresses. Then lay her upon her +side, and with the fingers gently manipulate the intestines. If the womb +is impregnated, the person, directing his attention first to the situation +the uterus occupies, near to the rim of the pelvis, and inferior to the +rectum, will there detect round smooth bodies, like little eggs. These may +not be perceptible if the bladder be loaded; but if the catheter be +employed to draw off the urine, they will surely be felt. If the rectum be +full of fœces, it serves as an admirable guide to the position of the +uterus; though he who is acquainted with anatomy needs no such assistance.</p> + +<p>Some globular substance being detected, the fingers are advanced, and if +more than one pup be conceived, another similar to it will speedily +impinge upon the touch; then another, and so on, until the whole of the +promised family have been thus announced. The last is the most difficult +to discover: for should there be more than two or three, it may, and will, +generally occupy the extremity of a horn; and, in that situation, may +escape observation. There are to the womb of this animal a pair of horns, +which are long, and extend to the region of the kidneys. Both cannot be +traced at the same time, and there is a chance of the two being +confounded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span> Therefore it is well not to be positive as to the precise +number of young the bitch will bring forth; and I never presume to speak +confidently upon the point; for though, in the majority of cases, my +opinion may have been corroborated, nevertheless, I have often known a pup +more than I supposed the uterus contained to have been delivered.</p> + +<p>From the end of the fourth week, the litter, as it were, go away, or are +lost; but when the seventh week arrives, the contents of the abdomen may +be plainly detected; and if the bitch be taken upon the lap, and her belly +supported with the hand, they at this period will be felt to move, and the +motion even of their limbs is clearly recognised.</p> + +<p>Milk appears in the teats about the middle of the ninth week, and the +presence of the fluid declares the event is near at hand. The following +day, or the one succeeding, is marked by a mucous discharge from the +vagina; and when that is witnessed, parturition is seldom delayed beyond a +day or two at most.</p> + +<p>The exact period is announced by the animal being disinclined for food and +desirous of solitude. Some bitches do not wish for seclusion; but others +are very anxious to obtain it; and in either case the disposition should +be gratified. All that is necessary for the comfort of the creature should +be provided; but if the accommodation designed for her be rejected, she +should as far as possible be allowed to indulge her own liking for another +spot.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the time of parturition draws near—that is, when the increase of mucus +is remarked—a daily meal of boiled liver should be given; but nothing +stronger, of a laxative nature, ought to be administered, unless the +absolute necessity of such relief as aperients afford is ascertained. Many +persons are in the habit of giving buckthorn or castor oil at this season; +but the dog is naturally very delicate; and nothing calculated to detract +from the strength which the coming effort must severely tax, should be +heedlessly resorted to.</p> + +<p>When the bitch retires, let her wish for privacy be respected. For three +or four hours allow her to be undisturbed; but at the expiration of that +time, the person who most enjoys her confidence, may approach her. After +an exchange of recognitions, the animal may be examined. If nothing +extraordinary can be remarked, nothing should be done beyond offering food +and water; neither of which, however, need be pressed upon her. A day +possibly may thus pass, without any sign of decided progress being made; +nevertheless, the owner's patience must not be alarmed, for the greatest +danger springs from premature assistance.</p> + +<p>The first pup is often long before it is delivered; so that the cries be +not sharp, loud, and frequent, the delay need not generate fear. +Four-and-twenty hours having elapsed, and the indication of suffering with +constant straining being present, the help which man can give should not +be pressed upon the animal. The throes must cease, or the bitch appear +exhausted by lying on its side,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> and emitting low moans before any aid is +offered. Then the little finger, well greased, may be passed gently up the +vagina, to learn if anything be within the passage; and if a pup be felt, +instruments, as hereafter described, may be employed; but, on no account, +need the finger be pushed beyond the os uteri. If the mouth of the womb be +well opened, free, and the passage clear, the attention must be bestowed +upon the bitch, and every means employed to revive the strength and bring +back the pains. Some unusual circumstance is needed to justify manual +interference—such as a pup with its side presented, or the os uteri well +expanded, and the head of a dead pup filling up the space.</p> + +<p>To such an extent have I practically followed out the measures here +recommended, that under my care the labor-pains of a Scotch terrier ceased +without anything being born. The bitch returned to her customary habits, +but appeared dull, while a dark discharge was emitted. I told the +proprietor the bitch had a dead pup within her, and entreated him to give +the animal time. He consented to do this; and on the fourth day from that +of the unsuccessful labor, the animal was delivered of a dead pup, with +perfect ease.</p> + +<p>The presence of straining alone should never be regarded as a symptom of +pupping being actually at hand. The bitch, like other animals, is subject +to spasms, called false labor-pains. These are in appearance highly +deceptive, for they are generally accompanied with plaintive cries. To +distinguish their true character, let the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> hands embrace the abdomen; and +at the time when spasm seizes her, let gentle pressure be made upon its +sides. If the pains be false, the convulsion will be felt to render turgid +the muscles of the abdomen, but nothing within it will at the same time +feel hard. Should, however, the labor have commenced, other signs than +these will then declare the fact. When the throes come on, the uterus will +contract; and beneath the hands it will be then felt a hard, harsh, and +solid body. Its character, when naturally excited, is not to be mistaken; +but is so well and strongly marked, that there is no excuse for not +detecting its indication.</p> + +<p>For false pains nothing need be done for some time; but if they continue, +and seem to distress the animal, ether and opium may be freely given by +the mouth; this will have the effect of quieting the spasm without +injuring the pups.</p> + +<p>The existence of true labor being ascertained, should there be sufficient +cause to suspect obstruction to be present, then let the finger be oiled +and introduced up the passage with caution as directed. Some persons when +called to a bitch in pup, always begin at once doing this, but it should +not be done unless there be some reason for the practice. I have known +fellows poke the poor animals about, as though to do so was an important +duty, which they were bound incessantly to perform. The introduction of +the finger cannot do otherwise than remove the mucus which Nature provides +to lubricate the passage and facilitate the egress of the pup. It is the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span> +mildest and best moisture the membrane can receive, and its removal is not +to be slightly thought of. The finger, moreover, by the friction it +occasions, irritates the parts; and however gently it may be introduced, +it cannot otherwise than in some degree have this effect. The less it is +used, therefore, the better; and when it is inserted, the attention should +be alive to note every circumstance the touch can acquaint us with.</p> + +<p>Other parties, when the labor is difficult or tedious, think it advisable +to place the bitch in a hot bath. All the authors I know of, recommend +this measure; but I must, without reservation, in the strongest possible +terms, condemn it. In obedience with the directions of those who wrote or +lectured on this subject, I originally followed the practice; but it was +not long before I was apprised of its evil effects; and my wonder now is, +how so injurious a custom ever came into general favor. I have known the +bitch, when the throes were energetic, to be placed in the warm bath; and +under its action to have indeed been quieted, for the pains never +subsequently returned. The efforts, upon the vigor of which the delivery +depended, have, to my knowledge, been more than once, twice, or thrice, +dispersed, by the warmth which at such a time is a poison; for I can +recollect but few cases where the bitch was taken from the water to +survive.</p> + +<p>Still, as the assertions of an individual cannot be supposed of sufficient +force to overthrow an established habit, let me here, at the hazard of +wearying the reader,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> venture to reason upon the matter. The uterus is +principally composed of white muscular fibre, upon which structure heat +has a sedative and cold has a stimulative action. The members of our +profession well know this fact; and the reader, who can hardly be +unacquainted with the colic, may in that affection find a proof to +convince him of its truth. Cold water will bring on the belly-ache. This +is occasioned by a chill to the intestines, causing their muscular fibre, +which resembles that of the womb, to spasmodically contract. The vitality +of the muscles of the intestines is excited; and to allay the pain, that +excitability must be destroyed. Heat will effectually do this; and hot +clothes, bags of sand, or bottles, are placed against the belly for that +purpose. When the suffering depends on cold alone, the relief is speedy; +and when it is dependent on other causes, the sense of comfort imparted +testifies to the effect of the application. The heat allays the spasm, +which the cold provoked.</p> + +<p>Warmth, therefore, is a sedative to organic muscular fibre; and now, let +it be asked, if during labor we should seek to dispel the contraction of +the womb? During gestation the muscular coat of the uterus is passive; but +when that function has been perfected, Nature endues it with energy to +expel the fœtus. Upon the violence of its contractions the performance +of this important office is wholly and entirely dependent. Without it the +young cannot be borne; and however painful may be its force, nevertheless, +such pain is to be welcomed, and regarded thankfully. The throes may be +agonizing, but it is more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> cruel to check than to promote them; for the +temporary relief we obtain by causing them to cease, will certainly be +purchased with the life of the animal that enjoys so dearly-bought a +repose.</p> + +<p>The shriek of the bitch during the time when a pup probably is being +forced into the world, may harrow the heart of an affectionate master, and +his sympathies may be wrought upon by beholding the convulsion which +stretches every fibre of her frame. The sounds may grate upon the ear, and +the spectacle may be terrible to look upon—for in dogs I have seen misery +so powerfully exemplified, that I do no wrong to any man, when I suppose +the picture would be piteous to his humanity—but it is not charity which +would put a termination to the pangs. Place the bitch, then, in a warm +bath, and the appearances almost instantaneously are changed. The animal +rejoices in the ease which a cessation of torture produces. No doubt she, +for the time, luxuriates, and her face expresses the sense of happiness +she then enjoys. But her fate is with the pleasure sealed; and she obtains +a momentary ease to meet with a lingering, or perhaps a frightful death, +for I have known inflammation of the womb to follow the use of the warm +bath. The use of the warm bath is, during labor, at best a mistake +generated by ignorance; and unfortunately it is one of those errors which +can rarely be afterwards redeemed; for the weakness it induces is so +great, that the tonicity required in parturition is destroyed; and this no +medicine can restore.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span></p> + +<p>Another common failing in veterinary practitioners is, a belief that the +ergot of rye, or secale cornutum, acts upon the dog as a direct uterine +excitant, and thus promotes the parturitive function. In this belief, +however, they are not single. Many writers speak with confidence of its +operation upon the animal. The accounts are positive; and I would not +lightly place my unsupported testimony to the fact against a host of +authors who can be suspected of no motive to misstate. The gentlemen +alluded to are authorities of such weight that a strong conviction of the +truth is required to make me advance, against such and so many witnesses, +my single word. The reader must, however, take both for what they are +worth; and remember the truth is not the less true because there may be +but one humble individual ranged upon its side. It is not my intention to +say the authors who speak decidedly concerning the action of the ergot on +the bitch had no grounds for the statements they advance. I should not be +justified in making so gross an assertion; on the contrary, I believe +sincerely they saw all which they narrate; but, nevertheless, I am +prepared to maintain that secale cornutum is not an excitant to the uterus +of the dog in that sense which would warrant the veterinary practitioner +in regarding it as a lawful agent. To be so esteemed by such persons, it +should be both safe and certain in its operation. It should not only +possess a chance of doing good in one direction, but it ought to be +attended with no probability of doing harm in another way. It may, in the +hands of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span> others, have caused the uterus to contract, and thus have +favored parturition, or have brought about abortion. I have seen it do +neither, but I cannot say it has never thus acted; I am in no position to +prove the negative. When I have given it to the animal, it has disordered +the stomach and induced vomition. The dogs I tried its action upon might +possibly have been bad subjects for experiment, but I am not aware that +they presented any peculiarity. In every case that has passed under my +observation, secale cornutum has been injurious; and I fear lest it may be +so, when employed by others; I, therefore, discountenance its use, +declaring the custom of exhibiting it with a view to quicken labor to be +dangerous. I have used it as an emetic, though, rarely; as, for ordinary +circumstances, there are preferable agents at command; but for some time I +have abandoned its employment as a parturient for the bitch.</p> + +<p>To reconcile, in some measure, the opposite opinions, and explain the +probable source of difference, let the reader consider the possible +conditions of the animals I and others have subjected to observation. The +medical man, when experimentalising upon a dog, generally buys the animal; +and as he merely wants a life to practise upon, he does not give money to +procure beauty or high breed; cheapness is an object with him; and any +unfortunate straggling brute, that can with impunity be trapped, is +sufficient for his purpose. Such unhappy creatures are to be caught +roaming about the country; perhaps poorly fed, but strong and low-bred +curs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span></p> + +<p>The dogs I am called to are not of this kind. They have been tenderly +fostered, and generally their health has been deteriorated by the excess +of care bestowed upon them. They are high-bred animals, and their +sensibility is equal to their caste. My object, also, is not to play with +life, but to save it; and that at which the medical man would laugh, I +have reasons to regard with a serious countenance. Therefore, the accident +which to me would be most important, might to others be so trivial as to +deserve no notice, and even to excite no remark. However, supposing no +accident to occur, the vigorous and low-bred mongrel might well endure +that which a delicate and high-bred pet could not sustain. The stomach of +the one being strong, would retain that which should induce violent spasm +in the morbidly sensitive organ of the other. Dogs, it is true, are but +dogs; yet, as a group, they present such varieties that there can be many +things asserted of them which shall be true or untrue as applied to +individuals.</p> + +<p>Consequently, when I, writing of medicines as applied to certain +descriptions of dogs, assert a particular agent is not in its action such +as various writers have described, it is just possible I may not +contradict the declarations previously made.</p> + +<p>We may probably be both speaking of our knowledge only of really different +things. Nominally the creatures we each observed were dogs; but though +they were the same in race, in capabilities and bulk, they were perfectly +distinct. The dog of the pharmacologist is a kind<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> of beast I know nothing +of; I am ignorant—entirely and totally ignorant—of the creature that +Magendie and other respectabilities report of. As to the tales told by the +French physiologists, I confess an inability to credit one-third of them; +and from the list of those narrated by English physicians, I am obliged to +make a very wide selection. My unfortunate capacity for incredulity in +this matter has been educated by a professional acquaintance with the +animal; and gentlemen must pardon me if I am disposed to think, they who +are not ashamed to publish their wanton disregard for life would not be +very tender with respect to a mere report about the creature whose +suffering they despised. Where sympathy is dead, the conscience cannot be +very acute.</p> + +<p>I have yet another custom here to deprecate; and I am sorry to add, it is +one which books and teachers equally countenance. I allude to the +employment of instruments in parturition, without any rule being pointed +out as to the time when such aids are necessary. Hundreds of bitches are +murdered by the misdirected efforts of Veterinarians; and of the +brutalities resorted to by other persons, I designedly take no notice. +Such fellows—mere pretenders—are below the contempt of every honest +mind; and my indignation passes over them to face the persons by whom +their interference is permitted. It is horrible to think of the amount of +torture which man's favorite animal is hourly subjected to, through the +culpability or weakness of those who should,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> in gratitude for the poor +beast's affections, be cautious to protect it.</p> + +<p>Poetical as the dog is at all times, I know of no circumstance that +develops more pathetically the disposition of the creature than that of +pupping. At such a time, the bitch in her agony seems to trust more +confidently in mankind. Animals that at other periods have allowed no one +to approach them, at such moments have seemed to welcome me, and have +appeared to comprehend the motive which brought me to their sides. To be +examined they submit; and the pain it will often occasion may cause the +animal to cry, but it draws forth no sign of resentment. The eyes are +fixed upon the operator, as if to tell him of the suffering, and entreat +for his sympathy. The expression of the face is mild and even plaintive; +but, if possible, still more appealing are the endeavors the creature +almost invariably makes to assist her attendant's designs. She seems, by +some process that I cannot otherwise than consider to be a mental one, to +comprehend human motives, and to more than appreciate our intentions. Her +gratitude now would appear to be intense, and her confidence to be +boundless. Where I have reluctantly been necessitated to resort to force, +the dragging of a dead pup through a swollen passage has produced the pain +which brought a sharp shriek from the animal; the agony has been such that +even the fortitude of the canine parent could not silently sustain; and +under its almost maddening influence, the head has been turned +instinctively to bite. The natural impulse,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span> however, was never fully +gratified; the nose has touched my hand, but the jaws have closed before +they grasped it. I have then distinctly felt the snapping motion, and +plainly heard the teeth rattle as they quickly hit against each other, but +they have never injured me. The dog could not repress the natural +instinct; but though the hand was against its mouth, the noble beast has +bitten the air.</p> + +<p>If men knew more of dogs, the animal would be more esteemed. The persons +who pretend to dislike them are always ignorant of the creatures. It is +impossible for human beings to see much of, and be acquainted with, these +despised brutes, without becoming their admirers. To like dogs denotes no +peculiarity of taste or strangeness of disposition; for he must be +incapable of appreciating natural goodness, who can observe these animals +and not grow fond of them. There is no mental sympathy between a shrub and +ourselves; yet a passion for flowers is pretended to by many who cultivate +a horror of the canine race. Both feelings are affections, and a person of +good sense would be ashamed to acknowledge either. Flowers are sweet and +pretty, but man cannot love such things; whereas, between us and dogs +there can be a positive bond of affection. In this world no one should be +proud of disliking anything it is possible for him to love, or indulge a +hatred towards any life that can adore him.</p> + +<p>I have too many reasons to be grateful for the generosity of the brute, +not to feel warmly toward it. There is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span> no day my hands are not spared, +for they are constantly exposed, and never protected; and I should long +ago have been torn to pieces if the canine race were legitimate objects of +dread. Therefore I merely discharge a debt, when I assert the magnanimity +of the creature; and it is a duty on my part to do all in my power to +benefit the despised brute. With that object I speak most unreservedly, in +condemnation of the way in which instruments are employed during +parturition. Many various inventions are sold in shops; and of these, the +great majority are very dangerous. Of themselves, very few indeed are +safe, with any skill; and most are seldom needed. In the mode of employing +them, they are almost sure to do injury; for in ninety-nine cases out of +every hundred, they are introduced much too early, and in the hundredth +they are used with unnecessary violence.</p> + +<p>Before any instrument is employed, the pup should be within the pelvis. +The forceps sold in shops are made with the intention of dragging the +fœtus from the womb; and one of the difficulties the practitioner is +supposed to encounter in parturition of the bitch, is taught to be the +impossibility of hauling the fœtus from the horn of the uterus. One pup +generally occupies the body of the womb, and the rest of the litter are +located in the horns. That is their natural situation; and as in the +gravid state the length of the horns is greatly extended, of course some +occupy a place far within the abdomen. The length of the horns, however, +though supposed to constitute the only obstacle, is not the single cause +which prevents<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span> the pup being reached by instruments. The horns, in +consequence of their greater length, become bent, or folded upon +themselves; so that an instrument which should drag the pups to light, +where more than two or three are present, should be made to pass forward +in the first instance, and then be constructed to take a backward +direction. Those who invented these instruments to deliver bitches with, +would seem to have been ignorant of this necessity; and I here mention it +to prove how perfectly inadequate such things are for the purpose +intended.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_375_th.jpg" width="500" height="291" alt="THE GRAVID UTERUS." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE GRAVID UTERUS.</span> +</div> + +<p>Before any instrument is employed, the pup should be within the vagina. +This is a rule that can hardly be with impunity violated by the generality +of practitioners. Simple and brief as may be the direction, it is one that +only on rare occasions may be safely disregarded; and of the exceptional +case, mention will be made hereafter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span> The pup must be within the passage; +and not only there, but so there, as to seem impacted, before assistance +by means of instruments is necessary. The largest fœtus can, in almost +every case, proceed thus far; and where it is of too great a size to come +so low, any interference would be desperate; for then it must be of such a +magnitude as to destroy the probability of delivery being accomplished.</p> + +<p>When the pup has not entered the pelvis, the practitioner may be assured +the obstacle is not created by the disproportioned size of the young. The +labor either has not proceeded far enough, and time is required for its +completion; or the uterus is feeble, and stimulants are wanted to +invigorate it. The largest fœtus can be moved by the womb; so the size +must be an impediment only to its passage through the vagina. There is +therefore no mechanical hindrance before that part has been reached, and +no mechanical assistance at an earlier period is imperative.</p> + +<p>When the veterinarian is called to a labor that has already commenced, and +perhaps been some time about, he directs his first attention to the +orifice. If the perineum looks unnaturally distended, so large as to be +remarkable, the presence of a pup in the vagina may be concluded; and here +he must know how to act with decision.</p> + +<p>If the throes are on, and strong, though evidence of pain be heard, we +must not be too quick to interfere. If there be anything like a bladder +protruding from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span> vulva, nothing whatever must be done. In easy births +the pups invariably come into the world enveloped in their membranes, and +thereby their egress seems to be greatly accelerated. If these burst, or +are broken, the delivery is thereby rendered more difficult. The membranes +consequently, if protruding, should not be touched. Some persons, I know, +seize them under an idea, that by pulling at these, or at the cord, the +fœtus can be brought away. The notion is fallacious. With the first or +second pup the membrane may be visible; and, nevertheless, the labor may +not then have proceeded far enough to detach all the placenta. The +entirety of the caul, or water-bag, denotes that the fœtus is alive; +and it also shows that Nature is proceeding to accomplish, in due time, +her offices.</p> + +<p>The position which the bitch assumes during labor also deserves to be +noted. While she remains within her bed, and continues lying upon her +side, however tedious may be the labor, there is little reason for +apprehension. A few cries vented when the throes are present, or a moan or +two emitted when they are coming on, may be expected, and deserve little +observation; but when the bitch gives forth sharp, short exclamations, +leaves her house or basket, and places herself in the attitude she takes +when voiding her fæces, there is cause to conclude something wrong, and +requiring immediate help, has taken place.</p> + +<p>Most authorities make mention of what are called wrong presentations; and +such are very commonly met<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span> with in the cow, mare, and the larger animals; +but I have never known a case of false presentation in the bitch; and I am +led to conclude that the authors who narrated such cases, drew upon their +experience in other directions, describing imaginative possibilities as +circumstances that had actually occurred. I do not well comprehend how a +false presentation could take place in this animal, and I can grant the +possibility of its ever having been witnessed to the first pup alone. It +is remotely possible that this one should be presented sideways, though +highly improbable it could take such a position. After the womb has +expelled the first of the litter, the body of the generative organ +contracts; and all the others must pass through it in a line favorable to +the birth.</p> + +<p>It is of little consequence, in the young of the dog, whether the head or +tail be first born. Examples in both directions are always witnessed in +every puppying. So likewise is it of small importance how the legs are +placed, though of course delivery is favored by their being properly +arranged. At the time of birth, however, the bones of the pup are but +partially consolidated; and that circumstance causes them not to offer +those serious obstructions which they are found to present in other +creatures. The gelatinous mass readily takes the form required for its +expulsion; and the practitioner has little reason to perplex himself +concerning those particulars which in the calf or foal he knows to be of +vital import.</p> + +<p>The principal obstruction to birth in the bitch springs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span> from the weakness +of the creature. To this its sufferings, and the too frequent tediousness +of its labor, are to be mostly attributed. When there are evident signs of +debility—shown by the throes having subsided, and further evidenced by no +symptom of their reappearance being witnessed after three or four hours' +watching—from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful of brandy, mixed with +sugar and cold water, may be administered; and in half an hour repeated, +if it should have no effect. This I have seldom found to fail, and never +have I known it to do injury; wherefore I prefer it to the ergot of rye, +which in my hands has been uncertain and injurious. Patience, however, is +more often needed, than stimulants required; and before the latter are +resorted to, the symptoms of debility ought to be recognised; for without +these be perceived, the passive condition of the uterus deserves no +immediate attention.</p> + +<p>When the throes are on, the efforts may be assisted. This is best done by +placing the hands under the abdomen, and with them making pressure +whenever the straining appears. The hands, however, must not be held so +long as will let them get hot; for, by communicating warmth, more harm is +done than the benefit afforded is likely to compensate. The object in +placing the hands under the belly is, to brace and give support to the +abdominal muscles; which, in the dog, are naturally weak, and in the bitch +during gestation always become attenuated.</p> + +<p>Cold cloths to the abdomen will also in some cases—but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span> not in +all—excite the uterus, and bring on vigorous throes. The coldest water I +could procure is that of the temperature employed by me; and it has +seldom, to my knowledge, been otherwise than beneficial.</p> + +<p>When the birth is long delayed, the bladder and rectum should be examined +and emptied of their contents by means of the injection-pipe and catheter. +To draw off the urine of the bitch is not difficult or dangerous. A +knowledge of the situation of the meatus, or termination of the urethra, +is necessary to the operation; and this is best obtained by dissection. It +lies within the pelvis, a short way anterior to the brim, and above the +symphysis of the ischium. I know that while endeavoring to explain, I am +here making use of words which will to the majority of readers convey no +meaning; nevertheless, I cannot be more clear. I have, however, in a +communication to the <i>Veterinarian</i>, entered into this matter; and I here +extract from that journal part of a paper published in the number for +January, 1849:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"With regard to the bitch, I always let the animal stand upon +her legs, simply having an assistant to hold the head and engage +the attention of the creature. The meatus lies about half an +inch or two inches within the pelvis, the distance varying with +the size of the dog. The line of the urethra is rather forward +than downward, though, of course, in both directions. After +having once or twice passed the instrument, it is surprising how +very readily this conjectured impossibility is performed. I +think so little of the difficulties, that I have no inclination +to dilate upon the few precautions which are required<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span> to remove +them. I may, however, here state, that, when grasping the penis +of the dog, a handkerchief or a portion of tow will be required +to render the hold secure; and the wire should, before the +catheter is introduced, be withdrawn, while it ought to be +moistened with olive oil to facilitate its passage, as the canal +is not unfrequently devoid of mucus."</p></div> + +<p>When the pup is partly born, and its passage appears to be delayed, either +through the feebleness of the throes or some mechanical impediment, +assistance should be afforded. The restlessness of the bitch will, +perhaps, be the most proper indication; and it is the more necessary to be +cautious in our interference, as, on account of the size of the animal, +the aid we can afford is limited. When a paw is to be seen, this may be +laid hold of; but not without the fingers being covered; for, as the limb +is slippery, the force intended to secure it would hardly render the grasp +confirmed, and might crush the member. The osseous structure in the pup at +birth, as I have already stated, is not consolidated; and all other +components of the body are in a condition proportionally immatured. The +tiny being, when first brought into the world, is little better than a +living mass of pulp; and on that account, it must be gently handled. Far +less violence than might be supposed requisite to do so, will dismember +it; and no vast force is needed to pull even the head from the trunk. +Aware of this, the efforts intended for the delivery must be regulated by +the power of the substance to endure them. The practitioner must take a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> +thin, soft cloth, or what is better, his silk pocket-handkerchief, and +with this lay hold of any part that can be grasped. If but one leg can be +got hold of, that must be secured, and an attempt made to bring forward +the other. The two being obtained, gentle force or traction may be through +them applied while the throes are on. The dragging must not be strong, as, +if the pup be alive, it will be injured; or, alive or dead, it may be torn +to pieces.</p> + +<p>A broken pup, as the fœtus is called when any part of it has been +pulled off, is always more dangerous to the life of the bitch, and much +more difficult to get away, than one that is entire. The impediment bears +relation to the extent of the mutilation. Thus the separation of the head +is more serious than the deprivation of a limb; for, let not the reader +imagine that in the dog, as in the cow or mare, embryotomy by means of a +knife can be successfully resorted to. I have endeavored sometimes to +perform craniotomy, or to remove the brains of the fœtus, hoping by so +reducing the bulk of the head to facilitate the delivery; but the result +has displeased me, and I no longer follow the practice. The pup, if to be +got away at all, will be most easily removed entire; and that it may not +have its integrity destroyed, the assistance given to the mother must be +temperate. Every little aid is a help to the labor; and knowing that, we +must be content if we are denied to accomplish all. The traction, assisted +by a secure grasp, should be steady; and the lips of the part should at +the same time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span> be as much as possible pulled open with the fingers of the +free hand. Mild, soothing, and encouraging words will, during the +operation, be of every consequence; and it is of importance that, in every +particular, the animal should be humored to the extent of possibility. +Restraint should be enforced only where absolutely necessary; and when it +is so, the creature will strangely comprehend the reason that compels, and +patiently, or at least without resentment, submit to its endurance. A +harsh word, however, or a blow, or both together, too frequently gratify +the impatience of the practitioner, and, at this time, often dispel the +throes on which the birth depends. The dog is ever sensitive to +correction; no living being more acutely feels rebuke or praise; and its +excitable nature, lighted up by the pains of labor, cannot then endure +unkindness, and should receive our sympathy. Good language, no hurry, and +a rejection of all violence, will do more for a desperate case than all +the drugs in the pharmacy, or all the tact which ingenuity is possessed +of.</p> + +<p>To secure the legs, when they can be felt, Blaine recommends a skein of +worsted. I have not found that article of any use whatever. If introduced +into the vagina, it soon becomes moist, adheres to the finger, and cannot +be detached from it. If, however, applied in a loop or slip-knot round a +paw, I have known it cut through the bone; and its only advantage lies in +the fact of its little tendency to come off when once fixed. Even in that +respect, however, it sometimes disappoints,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span> and I consequently no longer +use it. To supply its place, I had the following very simple instrument +made; and it answers every intention, although it is but seldom +required:—</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/img_386_th.jpg" width="500" height="177" alt="PARTURITION INSTRUMENT." title="" /> +<span class="caption">PARTURITION INSTRUMENT.</span> +</div> + +<p>A tube of polished metal is at one end curved to suit the line of the +pelvis, and at the other it is grooved, and also has a small cross-bar. +Into the tube a piece of zinc wire is introduced, so as to double and form +a loop at the bent extremity, the ends of the wire coming forth at the +other. One of the ends of the wire is twisted into the groove, so as to +render it fast; and that being done, the instrument is prepared for use. +When required, it is introduced with the loop of wire upon the point of +the finger, and the paw it is desired to fix being felt, the finger is +withdrawn, and the instrument moved forward. The free end of the wire is +then pulled to render the hold secure; when it is twisted round the +projecting bar and made secure. By employing a pliable wire, we gain those +advantages which arise from its not becoming flabby and adherent when the +part is moist; but it retains its form, and is therefore more readily +directed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span> The tube assists us in guiding the loop, which, being once +fixed, can be made secure, so that traction does not afterwards further +tighten it. The danger, however, is not entirely removed; for, if undue +force be used, the wire may do injury as well as the worsted; and for that +reason I seldom resort to it, unless assured the pup is dead, when the +pains are generally slight, and additional force is often necessitated.</p> + +<p>When the pup dies before birth, the membranes in which it is enveloped +generally rupture; and by introducing the finger, the fœtus is to be +felt without these interposing. The mere rupture of the membranes, and the +emission of the meconium—a dark, greenish, semi-fluid substance—will not +alone convince us of the fact; but, if the labor has been prolonged, if +the throes are almost lost, and if no motion can be detected in the pup, +we may conclude the life has departed.</p> + +<p>Dead pups are more difficult to deliver, and stimulants are generally +needed to promote their expulsion; but manual help is to be given with +caution. Youatt speaks of working hard, till his nail was soft and his +finger sore, for two hours at a time; and that author tells us the passage +was, by his industry and frequent examinations, so much swollen, that only +with considerable difficulty could the finger be passed.</p> + +<p>The humanity which shines in every wish that writer ever penned, and the +purpose of all his teaching, assures us he thought such a proceeding was +not only imperative but praiseworthy. He was, however, a good man +actuated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span> by an imperfect knowledge. Let no one follow his example; but be +passive till the time for action is ascertained—and it is of no use to +grope for it. Frequent examinations are injurious; the more seldom they +are made the better; for, if undertaken only when the judgment sees a +chance of hope, no harm will be occasioned. Under every delay, therefore, +have patience; for often the pup which originally would resist every +attempt to bring it forth, will, after it has been dead a few hours, be +delivered with a facility we could not anticipate. If the parts are not +irritated and rendered dry, there is little to be apprehended; but if this +be done, inflammation of the uterus is apt to be induced, and should that +occur, it is of little consequence to the life of the bitch whether the +pup be delivered or not delivered.</p> + +<p>From the pup, whether it be dead or alive, we are not to look for those +signs which denote there is a pressing necessity to accomplish the +delivery without delay. I have known a fœtus, after being ascertained +to be dead, to be retained four days, and the bitch to survive. Instances +of the dead pup remaining in the womb a day or two are very common; and, +if we had no other proofs, these would be sufficient to convince us there +need be no immediate hurry. When, however, the bitch becomes restless, +gets in and out of her bed, pants, staggers, refuses food, drinks largely, +and is shortly afterwards sick; when the tongue becomes dry, and the pulse +grows quick and thin, or unnaturally hard and strong, there is danger, and +at every hazard delivery must be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span> accomplished. There will, however, then +only be a distant chance of success; and where these indications have been +remarked, the life of the mother has generally been lost. If a portion of +the litter has been born, and, on the appearance of the symptoms just +described, the pups refuse to suck, and when placed to the teats turn from +them, the termination will be fatal. The milk seems to have lost its +inviting properties, and to be rendered disgusting by the approach of +death; and the sign is as conclusive as the departure of vermin from the +carcase of an animal.</p> + +<p>Forcible delivery is to be accomplished by every means in our power; for +it is undertaken only when hope by ordinary process is despaired of. +Forceps of any kind, however, are to be employed with extreme care. These +instruments are always dangerous in the bitch; as we cannot see, and can +but imperfectly feel, so there is little guide to their proper use. The +crochet, a blunt hook—and for the dog it can hardly be too blunt—is to +be preferred. As I have before submitted to the public my opinion of this +instrument, I here extract from a paper which appeared in <i>The +Veterinarian</i> for February, 1847:—</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"> +<img src="images/img_389_th.jpg" width="418" height="100" alt="THE CROCHET." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE CROCHET.</span> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I was obliged to meet my pupils in the evening, and was not +sorry to leave a case which had now, in my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span> mind, become +hopeless; but as I walked, I could not forbear thinking of that +which had occupied most of my attention during the day. The +different instruments employed to facilitate the labors of +different animals passed in review before me; but some were not +applicable to the dog, and others could not be manufactured with +sufficient speed to benefit my present patient. The crochet, +used with such power by the human practitioner, seemed the one +most likely to avail; indeed, it had often before occurred to +me, that an adaptation of this instrument would, in our hands, +be of infinite service; and, after I had dismissed my class, I +hurried to procure what I had conceived would be useful. Mr. +Perry, to whom I applied, had a human crotchet in his shop, and +this he consented to alter according to my directions. I stayed +till the alterations were completed, and by eleven at night +reached home, to put the adaptation of the crotchet to the test. +It answered beyond my utmost expectation, and I was enabled to +bring away the whole of the contents of the womb with +comparative ease. Four pups were extracted; and while I compared +them with the little animal from which they had been removed, it +required the evidence of my senses to convince me that the +disproportioned mass had been forced through the narrow passage +of the Italian greyhound's vagina. The pups were all dead. Each +bore the well-marked character of the Russian, and by their size +indicated their sire: nor was that size decreased by their +having been retained a week beyond their usual period.</p> + +<p>"So far my labor was accomplished; but the appearance of the +bitch indicated that all had been done to little purpose. The +pulse began to decrease in number, and, nevertheless, continued +hard and jerking—the eyes became fixed—the jaw closed—the +head pendulous—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span> all the symptoms of approaching death were +exhibited. I tried to support the system; but the poor animal +died in spite of every attention, and the examination after +death showed the womb to be intensely inflamed.</p> + +<p>"It was with some anxiety that I looked for injuries and +abrasions, scarcely deeming it possible the violence I had +necessarily employed had not lacerated the delicate structure +with which the instrument had been in contact. Not a mark which +I could attribute to the crotchet was to be discovered. I have +seen fearful wounds made by the forceps used to deliver the +bitch; but here, in the most desperate case of the kind which I +had ever undertaken, was not a scratch or a bruise to be +detected.</p> + +<p>"I have since confirmed the indications of utility which were +given by the crotchet on the first occasion of its employment; +and had I not received such proofs in its favor as appeared to +be conclusive, I should, perhaps, on the results of a few cases +only, have hesitated to introduce it to general notice. Besides +the instances before alluded to, I have employed the instrument +on four occasions—three times in my own practice, and once at +the request of a practitioner, whose name it is desired I should +conceal. Two of the cases were successful, so far as the bitches +were concerned; one, which was evidently sinking when brought to +me, was delivered of a pup in a decomposed state, and died five +hours afterwards, the post-mortem displaying acute peritonitis; +the other, which I attended to yesterday, was alive when I last +saw it; but I am of opinion its hours are numbered. The pulse is +hard, but not quick—the animal restless—and the eye dull: +worse symptoms can hardly be present. The poor beast had been +left too long unassisted for help of any kind to be of much +avail.</p> + +<p>"Of the pups brought forth by the aid of the crotchet,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span> the +majority were dead; indeed, though safe to the mother, the +instrument is apt to be fatal to the offspring. The numbers +stand thus:—Dead when extracted, 7; mutilated when brought +forth, and immediately destroyed, 1; alive, 1. Thus the +proportions are as 8 to 1 against the probability of saving the +pups; but it must be remembered that the calculation is made +from the cases of which the majority were, by previous delay, +rendered hopeless, and under fairer circumstances the result +might have been different.</p> + +<p>"I will now proceed to describe the crotchet, and explain the +manner in which I have employed that instrument. It has been +long known to the human accoucheur, but by him is not employed +save under certain conditions. A piece of stout steel wire +constitutes its substance. The wire, about twelve inches long, +is flattened at one extremity, and both ends crooked and made +perfectly smooth or blunt, the flattened hook being the larger +of the two. For the dog, the instrument must, of course, be +proportioned to the passage into which it is to be introduced; +and as the pup, in consequence of the weakness of the abdominal +parietes in the bitch, often is felt lying below the level of +the symphysis, a dip or lateral bend is given to the hooks.</p> + +<p>"So simple is the crotchet, which ought to be highly polished, +in order to secure its being perfectly smooth. It is first +warmed and greased, then introduced with the index finger of one +hand, while the other guides the instrument into the womb. The +fœtus is to be first felt, and this is the more readily done +if an assistant supports and compresses the abdomen. When the +finger has ascertained that the pup is favorably placed, the +hook (and I generally use the flattened extremity of the +instrument) is to be pushed forward and then retracted, until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span> +the operator is aware that a firm hold has been obtained. The +purchase being secure, the finger is to be employed to keep the +fœtus from escaping, by pushing it against or towards the +point of the crotchet, and holding it there. Traction is now +made steadily and in the proper direction; and the assistant at +the same time, by manipulating the belly, facilitates the +delivery of the bitch, which should be in a standing +position—not upon its back.</p> + +<p>"The directions are not very complex, but they must not on that +account be disregarded. By introducing the finger, and taking +care that its extremity corresponds with the point of the +instrument, a great object is gained by securing the pup more +firmly: yet there are other advantages also obtained by this +mode of operating. The head of the fœtus is generally too +large for the vagina, and hence the difficulty of its expulsion; +but by the employment of an instrument which is simultaneously +to pass, we appear to be increasing the obstruction: however, by +compressing the head with the end of the finger, it is in some +degree forced to conform to the diameter of the passage, which +the gelatinous development of the pup at the time of birth +readily enables it to do. Moreover, the hazard of injury being +done, if the instrument should lose its hold, is guarded +against; for should the hook slip, the point would be received +upon the end of the finger before it could catch the soft parts. +However, the operator will feel the hold giving way long before +it is entirely lost, and will be enabled to rectify the +occurrence in the majority of cases before there is a chance of +accident. The finger, therefore, becomes a sensible guide to the +operator, and by its employment the traction is rendered more +firm and steady. But above all, care should be taken to have the +instrument perfectly blunt, and the beaks of the hooks not too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span> +long. A sharp point might, at the first glance, seem more likely +to answer the purpose in view; but its employment would be +attended with danger, and on being tested, it would be found +more apt to tear away. In fact, the sharper the point, the less +firm would be the hold, since the substance to be secured is +somewhat of a pulpy nature; whereas, by using as broad and flat +a point as possible, the force is exerted on a larger surface, +and the grasp is proportionably the more likely to be retained; +the object being not to rend the fœtus, or tear it away, but +to gently pull it through the vagina, using only so much +violence as the judgment assures us is imperative for the +accomplishment of the purpose."</p></div> + +<p>On reflection, I am inclined to think the measures adopted in the case +narrated above were somewhat more precipitate than they ought to have +been. Now, I should have taken more time; and the success does not assure +me that the haste exhibited was fully warranted.</p> + +<p>It is not always easy to ascertain when the whole of the pups have been +removed. The last in the womb, always occupying the extremity of one of +the horns of the uterus, may by an inexperienced practitioner be +overlooked. Most persons seek to learn whether the labor has been +perfected, by inserting the finger up the vagina; and they who base their +opinions upon an "<i>examination</i>" of that description will often be +deceived. External manipulation will best lead us to the knowledge we +desire to gain; and when the hand is properly directed, an approach to +certainty can be obtained. The pup to be felt through the walls of the +abdomen is an uneven<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span> body; the inequalities caused by the limbs being +detected. After parturition there is generally one thing that may be +mistaken, which is the contraction of the body of the uterus. The first +pup born occupied that situation, and on its expulsion the part of the +womb it filled narrows, becoming thick and somewhat hard. Under the +fingers, it conveys the idea of a solid substance, and it may be imagined +to be another fœtus. It is too frequently seized when the forceps are +ignorantly and violently employed. The womb has been repeatedly forcibly +dragged forth, and its integrity destroyed. A mistake of this kind is +fatal. The rupture of the uterus is followed by sickness and a cessation +of the throes; while the hemorrhage from the laceration induces +inflammation that destroys the life; therefore, when forcible means are +determined upon, extreme care is required, and forceps, as a general rule, +had better be dispensed with. As regards other means—such as the tube and +wire, the crotchet, the supports to the abdomen, and the employment of +stimulants—these must be regulated by the circumstances of the case.</p> + +<p>The appearance of the bitch will generally denote when the births are +completed. She, after the last of the litter has been born, seems to be +much rejoiced, and by her manner indicates she has no more business at +present to transact. She curls herself round, draws her puppies close to +her, makes the bed comfortable, sees that all her family are in order, and +then composes herself for a comfortable sleep. The meaning of her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span> actions +is at this time so conspicuous, that I have repeatedly lingered to watch +them; and he who has never witnessed her conduct on such occasions, might +be entertained by observing it.</p> + +<p>The animal subsequently requires little attention, beyond a change of bed +and a fair supply of nutritive food. She does best when least noticed; but +it is well to see that she takes a sufficiency of exercise. On the +following day she should be taken out; and on every day after that she +ought to be about pretty much as before. Some bitches, however, are such +devoted mothers as to sacrifice health, and occasionally life itself, to +enjoy the pleasure of being with their young ones. This excess of +affection must be controlled; for if not checked it will seriously injure +both parent and offspring. All animals, however, are not thus +distinguished. Some bitches cannot be induced to suckle the pups they have +given birth to; and others, though less frequent, will eat their progeny. +The disposition to desert or destroy their young seems to prevail among +the parentage of this world. In the female of the dog the maternal +instinct is most powerful; but under certain conditions of the animal's +body, the natural impulse seems to be perverted, and she takes the life +she would else have perished to preserve.</p> + +<p>It is painful, knowing this, to reflect that on his own species man +inflicts the highest punishment, for an act that possibly may be, in the +human being as in brutes, the consequence of a mental excitement +accompanying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span> the period of parturition. Women, when not in distress and +otherwise afflicted, rarely indeed are guilty of infanticide; and I have +observed annoyance or ill health proceed or accompany the like act in +animals. If the rabbit be looked at, her alarm seems to change her nature; +and the bitch that devours her pups will, upon inquiry, be generally found +to have suffered some species of persecution. That the brain is affected +there can be no doubt. The unnatural propensity is of itself a proof; but +the strange appearance, and the altered looks of the creature, +sufficiently denote her state. She is not then savage; her ferocity has +been gratified; and she seems rather to be afflicted with a remembrance of +the act she was unable to resist. She is the picture of shame; she slinks +away at our approach, and her eye no longer confidently seeks that of her +master; her aspect is dejected, but I think more with sorrow than with +crime.</p> + +<p>I would not plead for sin; but what I have beheld in dogs inclines me to +think the majority of those who have been hung for infanticide were +legally murdered. There is danger in admitting such an opinion; but seeing +all animals at certain periods exhibit a particular propensity, it is very +doubtful whether the morbid feeling, as exemplified in the human race, is +really one that calls for mortal punishment.</p> + +<p>When a bitch has devoured her young, let an emetic be administered; and +should the bowels be costive, an aperient be exhibited. A little fever +medicine may follow;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span> but if its effects are not immediately witnessed, +tonics, without loss of time, should be resorted to. The food must be +mild; and everything should be done to guard against excitement. The +system requires to be soothed; for the act is always attended with general +disturbance; and attention must be paid to prevent the milk from +accumulating in the glands.</p> + +<p>Some persons entertain a notion that the bitch which has once devoured her +litter, will ever after retain the disposition. This is a false idea. On +the next occasion, if properly treated—that is, if not persecuted, +chastised, alarmed, and annoyed, but properly dieted—she may prove, and +most likely will prove, an excellent mother; the very excitability which, +when over-stimulated, induced her unnatural impulse, making her, when +tranquil, the more alive to the instincts of her nature. I once saw this +in a very remarkable manner illustrated by a rabbit. The doe was sold to +me very cheap, and was in litter at the time of purchase. A week after she +came into my possession, she plucked her fur and made her bed. One morning +I distinctly saw a nest full of young; but looking again at noon, not a +single one of the progeny was to be beheld. Some little blood and a +mangled leg told their history; and the animal a fortnight afterwards was +again put to the buck.</p> + +<p>I by chance discovered, while the doe was breeding, that she had an +inordinate thirst. At first it amused me to see the creature lap the water +I presented to her; but at last I placed within her hutch a cup, and had +it kept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span> constantly filled. Her desire for liquid was not speedily +quenched; and it became to me a source of some pain when I reflected how +much agony the craving must have caused prior to my being conscious of its +existence. The next litter was not eaten by the mother. She brought them +up, and they likewise did well, drinking as much as they pleased. The +disposition of the doe appeared to undergo a change. From having been +savage, that is, from always endeavoring to bite and scratch the hand that +cleaned her residence, or even supplied her table, she became gentle and +familiar, allowing her person to be caressed, and letting her progeny be +looked at. She was at last as good as she was beautiful; and I parted with +her for a sum exactly four times that which she had cost me.</p> + +<p>After a bitch has pupped, there always is from the vagina a discharge, +which rarely ceases before a week expires, and sometimes flows forth for a +longer period. Some gentlemen of the "fancy," as the dog breeders term +themselves, boast they know how to check it; and to what extent their +knowledge may reach I cannot pretend to say. I have been requested to +perform such an office, but hitherto I have not attempted to fulfil it; +and I should be very sorry to do so, even if I were certain there existed +the means to arrest the exudation. It is natural; if the animal be left +alone, she will be sure to perform the offices of cleanliness, and to do +everything her state requires.</p> + +<p>For the first week the bitch is very attentive to her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span> family; and as it +gives her pain when one is taken up, it is better not to handle the pups +more than is absolutely necessary. She should be well fed; not crammed, +but nourished; and she will require more food than formerly, for there are +many mouths to feed through hers. The quantity of support she needs may be +conjectured from the rapid growth of the pups.</p> + +<p>A small bitch of my own had a litter of four. The mother weighed seven +pounds six ounces; and between the second and fourth weeks the young ones +daily added one ounce and a half each to their bulk. It would require some +amount of milk to supply such a quantity of flesh; and we have also to +remember that, during the rapid growth, the process of consolidation is +simultaneously going forward. Good nourishing food, sufficient in bulk, is +absolutely imperative; for if the pups be stinted, the dogs will assuredly +be weak.</p> + +<p>A strong bitch may be able to bring up as many young as she can produce at +a litter; but the animals of the smaller or more choice breeds are seldom +possessed of such capabilities. The very diminutive will not generally +rear two pups without suffering; and four are a very heavy drag upon the +majority of the animals kept as pets, even though they be in no way +remarkable on account of size. Three, perhaps, is the average number the +larger favorites can nurture.</p> + +<p>When, through a desire to get as many specimens of a particular breed as +possible, a delicate bitch is allowed to suckle all the members of a heavy +litter, fits are the too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span> probable consequence. The animal becomes so much +weakened by the continual drain upon her, that the whole system is +debilitated, and the brain shares the general disorder. Previous to this +being perceptible, the animal may be observed to pant violently when her +young are sucking; and instead of cuddling to them in a manner expressive +of her delight, she stretches herself out, and frequently exhibits +uneasiness by shifting her position. At length she breaks away from her +offspring, which appear to be dissatisfied with her departure. She does +not continue quiet after her escape, but seeks ease in vain, has a vacant +expression of countenance. Affection, however, impels her to return; and +the same scene is exhibited, the pups seizing upon her, and having no +regard for her exhaustion. The little things are hungry, for the source of +their nourishment is failing; and thus the demand is the greater, just as +the supply becomes the less.</p> + +<p>At length the poor bitch pants, staggers, falls, and writhes in +convulsions, which on an average continue about five minutes. The struggle +subsides, to leave the animal in a sad state of weakness. The pulse then +is quick and feeble; the pupil of the eye is dilated; and if the teats be +tried, the milk they ought to contain will be found absent.</p> + +<p>For the fit itself little need be done. While they are violent, an +injection of ether and laudanum may be thrown up; and when the +consciousness is in some degree recovered, a dose of the same, with from a +quarter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span> of an ounce to an ounce of sherry may be administered. Afterwards +a few tonics may be given; but the mother must never be permitted to visit +her young ones as before. Either a foster-parent must be found (and a cat +will rear a small pup very tenderly), or the litter must in part be +brought up by hand.</p> + +<p>This last is more troublesome than difficult to do. The pups want to be +fed early and late; consequently, they must be taken into the bed-room; +and when the feeding time arrives, the soundest sleeper will be reminded +of his duty. A bottle, such as is used for infants of the human kind, must +have a sort of nipple made of wash-leather fitted to it. The leather is to +be pricked all over with a fine needle, and within it is to be placed a +small piece of sponge to give substance and form to it. There is need to +do that, because the pup when it sucks wraps the tongue round the teat; +and unless the body it thus grasps has bulk, it cannot extract the liquid. +This, therefore, being attended to, the little creatures very soon learn +their lesson, and all that is subsequently to be done will be to hold them +to the bottle, and the bottle to them. Each pup occupies from ten to +fifteen minutes at a meal; and they may be allowed to decide the quantity +that will do them good, unless one should obviously be morbidly +gluttonous, when the indulgence of its appetite should be restrained.</p> + +<p>During the night the bitch must be kept away from her hungry tormentors; +but in the day-time she may be allowed to go to them every time after they +have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span> fed; and she may remain to enjoy their society for half-an-hour +on each occasion. The small gluttons, though full of cow's juice, will +nevertheless find appetite for such a luxury as mother's milk; but their +energies being blunted, they will have power to do no more than to prevent +an accumulation within the glands. The little, however, which they can +swallow seems to do them much good; for after this manner I have brought +up many pups, though, when I have attempted to rear them wholly upon cow's +milk, success has not always rewarded my care.</p> + +<p>There is only one circumstance needed to be pointed out when pups are +brought up by hand. The sponge and leather of the false nipple is apt to +become sour; and therefore, after they have been used, they should be kept +in water rendered slightly alkaline with the carbonate of soda.</p> + +<p>At three weeks old, puppies may be brought to lap a little; and they not +only learn quickly where their bellies are concerned, but they never, like +other children, forget what they once acquire. After a month a little +scraped meat or boiled rice may be added to their diet; and by five weeks +old they will feed themselves. Therefore, if the trouble be great it does +not last long; and to those who can make an amusement of the business, the +pleasure repays the labor. I do not know whether feeding pups is quite as +agreeable a pastime as killing birds; but I am sure it is far less +dangerous to him who follows it; though the difference of name given to +such recreations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</a></span> may, to weak eyes, invest them with very opposite +attractions.</p> + +<p>At this place it is not intended to enter at length into the plan to be +pursued in rearing the pups; but the method in which they ought to be +weaned must be pointed out. Some persons remove the entire litter at a +stated period; various dates being fixed by different individuals when the +young ones can do for themselves. A pup can survive if taken from the +mother at the expiration of the third week; but it must be a strong +animal, or it will feel such an early separation from the source of its +natural nourishment.</p> + +<p>The stronger the pup, the more attached is the bitch to it; and I have +known these animals to pine and neglect the rest, when the favorite has +been taken from her. If, however, the healthy are beloved, the weakly, in +almost a stronger degree, are the objects of dislike. In many breeds where +the value is regulated by the lightness of the weight, the one most prized +by the owner is the one that too frequently dies. The causes of this +disappointment are many. Pups have neither politeness nor generosity. They +scramble at their meals; and the one that is not able to contest for his +share is certain to get the least. Thus the debilitated hope of particular +litters comes but badly off. It is pushed aside by its brothers and +sisters, whose vigorous greediness appears to endear them to their mother. +For the boisterous gluttons she will accommodate her position, and fondly +lick them in return for their energetic appetites;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</a></span> but to the poor sickly +thing she has given life to, she lends no assistance, and bestows no +attention upon. She seems to be ashamed of, and disgusted with, its +degeneracy and while the others grow fat and sleek from positive +repletion, it becomes thin and dirty from actual starvation. Where, +therefore, it is desirable to rear the smallest of the litter, the +proprietor must take care to see it properly fed. The bitch may need to be +held, in order that the little one may suck her; and often have I placed +her under such restraint.</p> + +<p>In order that the small one may be nurtured, some persons have taken away +from the mother the rest of the family; but this practice, though +successful with regard to the life, generally disappoints with respect to +the diminutiveness, which made the existence precious. Upon the abundance +which such single blessedness secures, the growth is generally rapid; and +it is not very long before Nature makes up for her previous stint. The +better method is, to let the companions continue; care being exercised +only to see that at meal-times all share alike.</p> + +<p>The bitch, also, requires our attention to observe that all the glands are +properly emptied. Puppies, like children, are apt to be fanciful where +plenty prevails; and it is no very rare occurrence for a litter to combine +in refusing to draw the most forward of the teats. These are situated +under the sternum or breast-bone; and repeatedly have animals with young +ones recently born been brought to me, because their owners perceived +symptoms<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</a></span> which could not be interpreted. The animal is restless; the nose +is dry; the tongue hot; the appetite is either lost, feeble, or +capricious; and the dog is disinclined to move, often crying out when +obliged to walk.</p> + +<p>If the teats are examined, all those posteriorly situated will be found +fairly drawn. On these the pups can take a firm hold; and as they are the +most capacious, no doubt they present temptations against which the lesser +glands anteriorly placed cannot compete. The smaller are therefore +rejected; and will be found to be distended with their secretion. If this +is removed, and, as necessity arises, afterwards withdrawn, no more need +be done, but the symptoms will subside.</p> + +<p>To milk the bitch requires only a little patience. The gland should be +taken between the finger and thumb, when any degree of pressure, not +designed to create pain, may be made, and the fluid squeezed out. The +animal submits with pleasure to have this operation performed, and seldom +moves before it is perfectly accomplished. Where any appearance of +hardness is detected, the place should be kneaded between the finger and +thumb; for pains should be taken to remove the coagulated milk, which is +generally the cause of the induration. Frequent and thorough milking will +do more good in these cases than any of the active remedies sold by +chemists and dog-fanciers, for the purpose of immediately curing them.</p> + +<p>To dry up the milk of a bitch is a duty we are often called upon to +perform; but it is one I invariably decline to accept. The animal will +always soon cease to yield<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</a></span> its secretion if it be let alone; for if dog's +milk were valuable, we should in vain use our utmost art to prolong its +continuance. When the pups are removed, Nature takes away that which is no +longer required; but if the litter be suddenly separated from the mother, +or all the young should be born dead, Nature may not immediately +accommodate herself to the circumstances. In such cases, the milk should +be withdrawn three times daily; a dose of opening medicine should be +administered, and the food should be spare. A few days' attention will be +required; but the matter, if neglected, causes much suffering, and very +frequently lays the foundation for future evil.</p> + +<p>Falling of the vagina, or membrane lining the passage to the womb, is +sometimes witnessed in animals that are much confined, and consequently of +a debilitated habit. Creatures so savage as to be dangerous, and which, +therefore, cannot be properly exercised, are most subject to it; and I +have in the greater number of instances met with it in high-bred +bull-bitches of that disposition.</p> + +<p>The reason of this is, the bull-dog ranks as an entirely artificial +creation. In proof of this stands the well-known fact, that unless the +breed be sedulously kept up, it is apt to degenerate, or to become +extinct. Old breeders even now say, the ancient kind of English bull-dog +is nowhere to be found. But take another proof. We want no anatomical +knowledge or prejudice: in him formation is to be judged. Let the reader +look at the head of the animal depicted on page <a href="#Page_404">404</a>. Is not the cranium a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</a></span> +malformation? Do not the habits of the animal prove it to be a pampered +creation? It is not generally known, that the disposition of the genuine +bull-dog is too fond. It will fondle upon any stranger; and yet, contrary +to the general custom of its race, it displays small preference for its +master. It will fondle a human being as though its heart would burst with +affection; but upon the slightest excitement—often upon a sudden +sound—it will fly at and mangle the hand that was caressing it. Then the +hold taken by this animal is more retentive than is strictly natural. It +will fix upon an object, and frequently suffer itself to be dismembered +before it will let go its hold, although its master's voice be +energetically raised to command it. Do not these traits bespeak the being +formed rather by man's malice, than created by Nature's goodness? Look at +the likeness of the beast, and say how far it resembles the mild, +graceful, and generous race to which it outwardly belongs.</p> + +<p>It is the high, or rather perverted, state in which the breed is kept, +that subjects them to accidents; it is the pampered condition in which +these antipodes to beauty are reared that renders them so liable to +afflictions that do not affect the ordinary run of their kind—such as +falling of the vagina. It comes on generally when heat is present, and +mostly disappears when the excitement subsides. A red bag is seen to be +pendulous from the orifice of the part; and if no care be taken to prevent +it, this by exposure gets injured; becomes hard; bleeds freely, and is +difficult to return. It often presents a pitiable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</a></span> aspect; but however +painful it may be to look at, there seems to be but little suffering +attending it. The animal permits it to be freely handled, and does not +resist even when sharp dressings are applied.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 433px;"> +<img src="images/img_409_th.jpg" width="433" height="366" alt="THE BULL-DOG." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE BULL-DOG.</span> +</div> + +<p>In such cases cleanliness is to be strictly observed. If the protruded +membrane should be thickened and excoriated, it must be well washed with a +sponge and warm water. Afterwards it may be bathed with a lotion, (made of +nitric acid one drachm, to proof-spirit one ounce,) and then returned. A +cold injection, composed of alum one drachm, dissolved in spring water one +pint, may be used thrice daily; and from a quarter of a grain to a grain +of powdered gallic acid may be given three times a-day.</p> + +<p>The inversion of the womb is more serious; but it is generally more +speedily restored. In the larger animals, that produce one or two young at +a time, the uterus is commonly inverted subsequent to parturition; but in +the dog I have known it only when the womb had for some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</a></span> period been +unimpregnated. Blows may cause it; so also may excessive weakness; and the +earlier it is attended to, the more readily will it be restored. The +treatment is described in the following narrative, which was published by +me in the <i>Veterinarian</i>.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I began by having a soft clean cloth spread upon a table, and, +placing the dog on this, with a sponge the uterus was gently +moistened. No friction was employed, but with tepid water the +part was carefully sopped. This process was not quick. An hour +and a half expired before all the extraneous matter was by it +removed. This accomplished, with a pair of scissors the +fibrinous tumors were snipped off. The hemorrhage was trivial; +but there yet remained marks of bruises and signs of laceration +which could not be cut away. To these a spirituous solution of +nitric acid—a drachm to the ounce—was applied, and the entire +of the exposed surface dressed with it.</p> + +<p>"Knowing the peculiar form of the passage, I was able to return +the womb, and met with little obstruction. Up to this point I +had succeeded better than at first I hoped; but here came the +difficulty. The uterus was replaced, but how was it to be +retained? The irritability of the system would have a natural +tendency to reject the viscus, and the lotion I had used was not +of a soothing quality. To render the case more desperate, there +was the knowledge of the temperament and habits of the +animal—its manner of sitting—its mode of curving the spine to +void its fæces—the marked excitability of its generative +organs—and its peculiar sensitiveness to suffering.</p> + +<p>"To own the truth, I had done so much more than,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</a></span> seeing the +hardened and lacerated condition of the parts, I had in the +first instance anticipated was possible, that I was not exactly +prepared for my good fortune. I remained for some time +thinking—and, really puzzled, requested those present not to +speak. I wanted some combination of medicine which I could not +satisfactorily procure. A sedative to the general system was +required, but not one that should depress; as, after operations +of this description, the vital powers are disposed to sink, and +therefore generally require to be stimulated. I moreover wanted +an excitant to the uterus. Many things were hastily thought of, +and as quickly rejected; and, in my difficulty, I was at last +obliged to ask advice of those about me. A bandage or harness to +pass over the parts was suggested; but the almost impossibility +of fixing it properly, and the mischievous ingenuity the dog +exhibits with its teeth, rendered this plan obviously +inappropriate. One person proposed to adopt the +custom—sometimes, I am sorry to say, followed by +cow-leeches—of passing stitches through the labia. The brutal +and unjustifiable practice was of course rejected, and, I trust, +by the members of the veterinary profession, it is never +embraced.</p> + +<p>"Fairly at my wits' end, I suddenly determined to try how the +injection of cold water into the uterus would act. I knew of no +case in which this agent had been employed, and could not feel +confidence concerning the consequences of the experiment; but, +in despair, I resolved to hazard it. A quantity fresh from the +pump was therefore obtained, and it was thrown up, being allowed +to flow back. A stream of cold water was thus made to pass over +the interior of the uterus, and about two quarts had been used +before the animal appeared to be at all affected, excepting that +the injection seemed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</a></span> induce a sensation of discomfort. At +last a feeble moan was uttered, which, when another pint or +thereabouts had been injected, burst into something approaching +to a cry. I then desisted. The tube was withdrawn, and, hoping +that the symptom of pain resulted from the contraction of the +organic fibre under the stimulating effects of the cold, the +animal was ordered to be placed where nothing could disturb it.</p> + +<p>"Having passed an hour in the company of my friend, when about +to leave I requested to see the dog once more. The animal had +been put into a hayloft, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear +it give tongue on our approach: it came to meet us, and the +change was such as I could not have anticipated. The parts had +regained almost their natural appearance; certainly they +presented nothing to indicate the aspect they had exhibited only +a few hours before.</p> + +<p>"A mild aperient was given. The animal had no other medicine, +neither was any local application used. For three days a slight +discharge of a blackish color ensued; but when this stopped, the +animal was returned to its owner cured."</p></div> + +<p>Hardened swellings, or indurated tumors in the teats, are very common in +the bitch. They are caused by the milk being allowed to accumulate in the +glands, and there to curdle or act as a foreign body on the parts +immediately around it. The bitch will secrete milk, although she has had +no pups; and a virgin bitch will do so quite as actively as one that has +been a mother. When heat has subsided, although no intercourse has been +permitted at the period, when the birth would have taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</a></span> place the glands +will swell; and on squeezing them, a full stream of thick milk will flow +forth. Nine weeks, therefore, after œstrum, whether the desire has been +gratified or denied, the teats should be examined and relieved. If this +should not be done, small lumps will appear. These are round, not +sensitive; but generally roll under the fingers, and appear at first to be +perfectly detached, though more or less deep seated. No time should be +lost in removing them; for if allowed to remain they rapidly increase, and +often become of an enormous size. Others also appear until the whole of +the glands are involved; and the extent of the implication renders an +operation, which in the first instance would have been both simple and +safe, so complicated and hazardous as not to be risked. The tumors, +moreover, as they enlarge, by their weight and size, become exposed to +numerous accidents; either they are excoriated by the movements of the +legs, hurt by blows, or lacerated by being dragged along the ground. +Anything that interferes with their integrity seems to change their +character. From having been dormant they start into activity, and the +slightest wound degenerates into a wide-spreading ulcer. When this last +appearance is established, no treatment I know of can effect a cure. If +there be a hope, it lies solely in the skilful use of the knife; but +generally the constitution is so much exhausted, and the disease so firmly +established, that surgery is but a desperate resort.</p> + +<p>When taken in time, the situation of the tumor being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</a></span> ascertained, the +skin is divided and the growth dissected out. This is easily done, and it +is seldom that a vessel requiring ligature is divided. The care required +is to spare the skin, no portion of which, unless it should be implicated, +ought to be excised. Neither plaster nor suture will afterwards be wanted. +The bitch would with her teeth remove either; and as the healing process +is established, the integument will contract and unite.</p> + +<p>When there is more than a single tumor to take away, or one of large +dimensions to remove, though there may be no important vessels to +ligature, the oozing of blood is sometimes greater than may with safety be +disregarded. In such cases, the application of cold water, or of oil of +turpentine, or the tincture of ergot of rye, or blowing upon the part by +means of a pair of bellows, will be of service, and may each be tried; but +the actual cautery, though held in high esteem by veterinarians, is not +suited to these instances.</p> + +<p>After the tumor or tumors are cleanly removed, a course of iodine should +be enforced; and it should be persevered with for several months, nor +given up simply because all present symptoms have disappeared. The +tendency has been exhibited, and the medicine is now employed to prevent +its development for the future; and, by the continued use of the agent, we +hope to accomplish that intention.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SKIN_DISEASES" id="SKIN_DISEASES"></a>SKIN DISEASES.</h2> + +<p>Every affection of the skin in the dog is termed mange. This is very +wrong; and receipts for the cure of mange are all nonsense, unless we can +imagine that one physic is good for various disorders. The dog is very +subject to mange; that is, the animal's system can hardly suffer without +the derangement flying to and developing itself externally, or upon the +skin. True mange is chiefly caught, being mainly dependent upon contagion; +but all the other varieties have the seats internally, and are chiefly +owing to the keep or lodging. Too close a kennel will give rise to mange, +as will too spare or too full a diet; too much flesh or unwholesome food; +too hard or too luxurious a bed. In fact, there is hardly a circumstance +to which the animal is exposed which will not cause this malady to be +developed. Peculiar kinds of bedding, as barley straw, will give rise to +it; and particular kinds of diet, as subsisting entirely upon flesh food, +will produce it. In short, I know a few, and only a few, of those things +which will cause it; and my time has been so taken up that I have been +able to observe but five distinct varieties; though my reason informs me +there are many more than I here describe. However, as, in describing five +kinds of mange, I do more than either of my predecessors, the public must +be content with the moiety for the present; and wait till either I find +time to accurately note, if possible, the different<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</a></span> forms which mange in +the dog will assume, or some more close observer comes forth to take the +task from before me.</p> + +<p>True mange is dependent, as in the horse, upon an insect; and though not +commonly met with, is known by the same symptoms, as the similar affection +in the more valuable animal. The skin is partially denuded of hair, but +never perfectly so; for in the most bare place, hairs, either single or in +small and distinct patches, will be seen adhering to the surface of the +body: these remaining hairs are very firmly planted in the skin, have a +coarse or unnatural feel, and look all awry and unthrifty. The skin +appears very dry and scaly; it is corrugated, or thrown into ridges. The +parts chiefly affected have been the back, eyes, neck, &c.; though no part +of the body is exempt, for I have seen it virulent upon the feet, and the +rest of the body comparatively untouched.</p> + +<p>The animal appears dejected, though at seasons he may assume his usual +liveliness; but when nothing attracts his attention, his time is nearly +consumed in scratching himself violently. His appetite generally remains +good, notwithstanding the torture he endures; but the heat of the body +denotes fever, and his thirst may be excessive.</p> + +<p>The treatment consists in rubbing the body over with some of the various +dressings for mange; some of which, however, are compounded for the horse, +and do not very well suit the canine race. Care should be taken that the +dressing, of whatever nature it may be, reaches and is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</a></span> expended upon the +skin, as simply anointing the dog or smearing the salve upon the hair is +of no earthly use. The unguent which I have employed, and with such +success as emboldens me to recommend it, is composed of—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Ung. resini</td><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>As much as you please to take.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Sulph. sub</td><td align='left'><span class='double'>}</span></td><td align='left'>A sufficiency to make the rosin ointment <br />very thick.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol. junip.</td><td align='left'><span class='double'>}</span></td><td align='left'>Enough to make the unguent of a proper <br />consistency, but not too thin.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This is to be applied one day; washed off the next; and then the dressing +repeated until the dog has been dressed three times, and washed thrice; +after which the ointment may be discontinued; but again had recourse to if +the animal exhibits the slightest signs of uneasiness; when the entire +process may be gone through once more. Mercurial ointments are the most +certain remedies for this disorder; but then they are not safe, and should +always be avoided where the dog is concerned.</p> + +<p>The second kind of mange is where hair partially falls off; and this kind +of disorder is well marked by bare patches of small dimensions, showing +themselves on the point of the elbow and any part which is prominent, and +which the animal might be supposed to have rubbed as he lay in his kennel. +The patches are small and free from hair; but at the same time the skin +exposed is rough, scaly, thickened, and corrugated. The itching is +intense; but it does not particularly affect the exposed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</a></span> part; it rather +seems to reside in those portions of the body which are well covered with +hair.</p> + +<p>For this form of disease the cure begins with tonic medicine; and after +this has been administered a week or a fortnight, as the strength may +appear to require restoration, it is suddenly left off; and liquor +arsenicalis in gradually increasing doses is administered. If it be a +little dog, let the first day's dose consist of half-a-drop each time; and +if for a large animal, of two drops each dose; three doses in either case +to be given in the course of the day. In the former case, the quantity of +arsenicalis is to be increased half-a-drop each day, and in the latter +instance one drop daily is to be the advance; the quantity in both cases +to be distributed over three doses, one to be given in the morning, one at +noon, and the last at night.</p> + +<p>The medicine is to be kept on increasing each day, until the dog loathes +his food; has a running from the eyes; a scarlet conjunctiva; or exhibits +some symptom that denotes the physic has hold of his system; when the +arsenicalis is to be discontinued for three days, and then steadily +persevered with at the dose which preceded the derangement. Thus, +supposing it requires three and a half drops to throw the small dog off +his appetite, the quantity to resume with will in that case be three +drops.</p> + +<p>There is no power I possess which can predicate the quantity of the liquor +arsenicalis which an animal will bear; its effects on different creatures +of the same species are so various, that what one can gorge with impunity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</a></span> +would kill his companion. On this account no fixed quantity of the +medicine can be recommended; but the practitioner must be satisfied to +watch the symptoms induced, and be content to be guided by these. So soon +as the physiological symptom is beheld, the good results of the medicine +may be anticipated; and no compound in the pharmacopœia works with +greater certainty. The disease will begin to decline; and in a month, six +weeks, or two months at furthest, will be thoroughly eradicated. In the +course of that period, however, it may be as well to give Nature a jolt +every now and then, by occasionally increasing the dose, being always +prepared to diminish it on the symptoms giving the slightest hint that it +is prudent so to do. The arsenicalis should be used simply diluted with +water; and during the period occupied by the cure, no other medicine +whatever will be required.</p> + +<p>The next form of mange attacks very fat and cruelly overfed animals. The +poor dog is very foul. He, as it were, smells aloud; and his hide is +enormously thickened, being everywhere devoid of sensation. Pinch it as +hard as you can—even until the moisture be forced through the pores by +the pressure—and the operation which should inflict pain, will only +communicate pleasure.</p> + +<p>The animal, instead of crying out or endeavoring to snap, will stand +altogether quiet, the expression of the face announcing the perfect +delight it experiences; or the head turns round to lick the hand of the +pincher, thereby entreating him to continue the delicate recreation.</p> + +<p>The hair is generally more or less removed from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</a></span> back; and the +thickest portions of the skin are either above the neck, or just before +the tail. The animal is the whole day dull, never being alive except at +meal-times, when it is all activity; the rest of the day is passed in +sleeping, licking, scratching, biting, and gnawing its person—to the +infinite annoyance of an indulgent master, who looks on the mass of +disease before him, and with regret pictures the animated creature which +it once was.</p> + +<p>Here the mode of feeding must be changed. Flesh must be strictly +prohibited. Boiled rice forms the most wholesome diet; but even rice milk +will not be touched. Neither will be eaten at first; but this does not +much signify, as a day or two of abstinence rather does good than injury. +If, however, the refusal to feed be exhibited beyond the third day, one, +two, or three ounces of meat, according to the size, may be allowed; which +quantity, though insufficient to satisfy the desires, is sufficient to +keep a dog alive and hungry for an almost indefinite period. Fresh +vegetable diet should be presented every day; and if declined, it should +immediately be withdrawn. On no account should it be allowed to remain +about, and the animal to blow upon it till it either becomes stale or +noisome in the creature's eyes. Fresh clean rice should be boiled, and +presented every morning; and this should be offered and withdrawn, as +though it were too choice a luxury to be twice refused. The animal, tired +out, and despairing of gaining anything better to eat through resistance, +will fall to the loathed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</a></span> dish at last; and afterward swallow it without +any coaxing, although the preference for flesh as food will be cherished +to the death.</p> + +<p>The food being managed as directed, the dog may also have first a mild +emetic, to be followed by three doses, on three different days, of +castor-oil prepared as recommended, p. 116.</p> + +<p>To these is to succeed a course of pretty strong tonics, to keep up the +general tone of the body, invigorate the appetite, and to support the +strength. Likewise a cold bath every morning may be added, and plenty of +exercise in the course of the day.</p> + +<p>So soon as the appetite is subdued, stimulating dressings are applied down +the back, where the hair is wanting; and, for a beginning, the common +mange liniment answers very well. It is thus prepared:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol. tereb</td><td align='left' rowspan='3'><span class='triple'>}</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol. picis</td><td align='left'>Of each equal parts. Mix.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ol. nucis</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>This may at first attract no notice; after it has been submitted to for a +week, add to every three pints an extra pint of turpentine, which will +soon banish all the philosophy the strongest-minded dog may have at his +command. Even subsequent to the period when the application of the +liniment is received with the acutest and most piteous cries, the torture +must be continued until the skin, being reduced to its natural thickness, +announces that its office is perfected; only, with the production<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</a></span> of this +last effect, the agent that gives such pain should be used less lavishly.</p> + +<p>During the application of the liniment, some diluted liquor arsenicalis +may also be administered, and even the pills containing iodide of sulphur +exhibited.</p> + +<p>The fourth kind of mange is where the hair falls suddenly off in circular +patches. For this any simple ointment, as the ung. cest. or no application +at all is sufficient.</p> + +<p>The fifth kind is the worst, especially where it attacks young pups. +Almost all the hair falls off; and the poor little creature is thin, and +nearly naked, while the surface of the body is covered with dark patches, +and comparatively large pustules. If the dark patches be punctured, a +quantity of venous and grumous blood exudes; but the wound soon heals. In +full-grown dogs, the same form of disease seldom involves more than the +top of the head, neck, and the entire length of the back; but it is +precisely of the self-same character as in the more juvenile animal.</p> + +<p>In both cases the treatment is the same. The dark pustules are to be cut +into, which produces no pain; and the pustules are to be freely opened, +which operation is attended with no apparent effects. The bare skin is to +be then washed tenderly with warm water and a soft sponge, after which the +body may be lightly smeared over with the ointment of camphor and mercury; +see p. 265. This operation must be repeated daily. The liquor arsenicalis +may be administered as drops, and pills of the iodide of sulphur likewise +exhibited.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</a></span></p> + +<p>Where the dog is old, a cure invariably results; but it takes time to +bring it about. Perhaps months may be thus consumed; and the practitioner +will require a goodly stock of patience before he undertake the treatment +of such a case. The proprietor, therefore, must be endowed with some +esteem for the animal, before he can be induced to pay for all the physic +it will consume. I cannot account for so virulent a form of skin disease +affecting pups; but certain it is, that they have scarcely left the dam +before its signs are to be detected. Probably it may be owing to their +being weaned upon garbage or putrid flesh. Certain it is that the cure of +creatures at this tender age greatly depends upon their previous keep. If +it has for any known length of time been good and generous, the +practitioner may undertake the case without fear; but if, on the other +hand, the pup, though of a valuable breed, had lived in filth, never +enjoyed exercise, and been badly nurtured, no entreaties should tempt the +veterinarian to promise a restoration. It will certainly perish, not +perhaps of the skin disease, but of debility.</p> + +<p>Here I may for the present conclude my imperfect account of mange; again +insisting that in every form of the disorder the food is to consist of +vegetables, and every kind of flesh is to be scrupulously withheld, unless +to pups in a very weakly condition. Blaine and Youatt speak of alteratives +as necessary towards the perfection of a cure; but as I am simply here +recording my experience, all I can say is, I have not found them to be +required.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</a></span> Cleanliness—the bed being repeatedly changed—free +exercise—wholesome, not stimulating food—and fresh water—are essential +towards recovery. In no case should the dog suffering under these +complaints be allowed to gorge or cram itself; but the victuals must be +withdrawn the instant it has swallowed sufficient to support nature.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CANKER_WITHIN_AND_WITHOUT_THE_EAR" id="CANKER_WITHIN_AND_WITHOUT_THE_EAR"></a>CANKER WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE EAR.</h2> + +<p>Blaine treats of these two as different diseases. Youatt speaks of them as +the same disease situated on different parts. As they differ in their +origin and in their effects, however closely they may be united, I hold +Blaine's arrangement to be the soundest, and therefore to that I shall +adhere. Water-dogs are said to be the most liable to attacks of these +disorders; but I have not found such to be the case. At the mouth of the +river Ex, near Exeter, Devonshire, for instance, there are numerous dogs +kept for the purpose of recovering the wild fowl, by shooting of which +their masters exist during winter. Here is rather a wide field for +observation; but among the many water-dogs there to be found, the canker +both internal and external is unknown; whereas there is scarcely a dog +kept in town, especially of the larger size, that does not present a +well-marked case of canker. The London dog is, for the most part, over-fed +on stimulating diet (flesh), and kept chained up, generally in a filthy +state. The country dog gets plenty of exercise, being allowed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</a></span> to sleep in +the open air where he pleases outside of his master's cottage, and has but +little food, and very seldom any flesh. I scarcely ever have a sporting +dog sent to me, on the approach of autumn, suffering from what their +masters are pleased to term "foul," but canker within and without the ear +are found to be included in the so-called disorder. Often am I desired to +look at both long-haired and short-haired dogs, and find both kinds +victims to these diseases; but canker without the ear, or on the flap of +the ear, I never see without canker within the ear being also present. +Canker on the flap of the ear, it is true, becomes the worst in +short-haired dogs, because these animals have this part by nature more +exposed to injury. Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, have the disease +within the organ worst, because the warmth of their coats serves to keep +hot and to encourage the disorder.</p> + +<p>Therefore, we find on inquiry that neither breed of dogs is more liable or +more subject to be attacked by a particular kind of canker; though in each +kind there exist circumstances calculated to give a direction to the +disease when once established. Authors speak of rounding the ear for +external canker; that is, of taking a portion of the border away, so as to +leave the flap of the ear the less for the operation; and fox-hounds are +said to have the ears rounded to escape the ravages of the disorder. There +are said to have been poor dogs subjected to a second and third rounding; +till at length the entire ear has been rounded away, and the wretched +beast has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</a></span> been at last destroyed; because man first fed it till it was +diseased, and then was too heartless properly to study the nature of the +affection which tormented the animal.</p> + +<p>Let those who may feel disposed to question this view of external canker, +ask themselves what it is which induces the dog to shake his head +violently at first? For the brute must shake the head violently and +frequently, before canker in the flap can be established. The disease is, +in the first instance, thus mechanically induced. It has its origin in the +violent action of the beast; and that action is the very one which ensues +upon the animal being attacked by internal canker.</p> + +<p>The dog shakes his head long before the eye can detect anything within the +ear. By that action, in nine cases out of ten, we are led to inspect the +part. The action is symptomatic of the disorder, and it is the earliest +sign displayed. In the dog whose coat does not favor internal canker, it +may, however, establish the external form of the disease; which being once +set up, may afterwards even act as a derivative to the original disorder.</p> + +<p>External canker is nothing more in the first stage than a sore established +around the edge of the ear, in consequence of the dog violently shaking +the head, and thereby hitting the flap of the ear with force against the +collar, chain, neck, &c. Shaking, however, does not cure the annoyance. An +itching within the ear still remains; which the dog, doubtless imagining +it to be caused by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</a></span> some foreign body, endeavors to shake out. In +consequence of the continued action, the sore is beaten more and more, +till an ulcer is established; the ulcer extends, involves the cartilage +which gives substance to the flap of the ear, and thus is created a new +source of increased itching. The ulcer enlarges, becomes offensive; and he +who is consulted, instead of seeking for the cause, begins by attending to +the effect. Various remedies are employed to cure the flap of the ear; and +each and all of these failing, the poor animal is at length rounded, and +as books and teachers advise, rounded high enough up.</p> + +<p>All the diseased parts are carefully cut away; but the disease appears +again, and the wretched beast is rounded a second time. On this occasion +the rounding is carried still deeper, the operator being resolved the +knife this time shall take effect. The dog has little ear left when the +disease appears again; and the master saying he wants his dog for the +field—to shoot over, and not to look at—the remaining portion of the ear +is removed, hoping for better luck this time. However, chances are now +against them; they have cut beyond mere skin and cartilage, into the seat +of flesh in goodly substance. Spite of the brutal use of the red-hot iron, +the hemorrhage is great, and ulcers appear before the cicatrix is +perfected. The miserable animal having nothing more that can be cut away, +is then killed, being said to be incurably affected.</p> + +<p>This is a true history, and can be substantiated by reference to all the +authors who have hitherto written<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</a></span> about the dog. It does not, therefore, +depend solely upon the testimony of the present writer; but sad is the +reflection, that all the pain and suffering thus occasioned was +unnecessary. Canker without the ear cannot be established unless canker +within the ear, in the first instance, exists. It may not be violent; it +may be present only in an incipient stage, and never get beyond it; but in +this state it is sufficient to annoy the animal, and make it shake its +head. Doing this, however, it does enough to mislead the practitioner, and +cause the death of the unfortunate animal.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;"> +<img src="images/img_428_th.jpg" width="390" height="275" alt="DOG WITH A CANKER CAP ON." title="" /> +<span class="caption">DOG WITH A CANKER CAP ON.</span> +</div> + +<p>When a dog is brought with canker in the flap, the first thing I order is +a calico cap, to keep the animal from shaking the ear. I then give the +person accompanying the creature a box of the mercurial and camphor +ointment, ordering it to be well applied to the external ear thrice daily, +with the intention of cooling the part. I do nothing absolutely to heal +the ulcers beyond keeping the part from being shaken; for I have not yet +met with a case in which the cartilage has been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</a></span> positively involved, +however much authors may write about such a texture having suffered. I +direct my chief attention to the healing of the internal ear, from which I +trace all the evil to have sprung. For this purpose I give a bottle of the +canker-wash, described a little further on, ordering it to be applied +thrice daily, and rest contented as to the result.</p> + +<p>With regard to internal canker, how virulent was the disorder, and to what +lengths it used to progress, may be imagined from reading Blaine and +Youatt; both of whom speak with terror of its effects, advising the use of +agents for the recommendation of which I cannot account, excepting by the +supposition that they were selected under the influence of fear. Most of +the solutions advised are painful; but how far they were effective we may +conjecture from the descriptions they have left us of the disease. They +tell us that, as the disorder proceeds, it eats into the brain; either +causing the dog to be destroyed, or driving it phrenetic. The poor animal, +we are informed, leans the head upon the fore-feet, the diseased ear being +pressed downwards, and continually utters a low moan, which at length +rises into one prolonged howl. Of all this I know nothing; but I remember +at college, when going the rounds with the Professor Simonds, on a Sunday +morning, hearing one of those huge howls which are uttered by large dogs +when enduring excessive torture. On my asking whence the sound proceeded, +I was coolly informed by my teacher that he supposed Sam (the head groom) +had been pouring<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[Pg 425]</a></span> some dressing into the ear of a dog that had got canker. +Of what the dressing that had occasioned such pain was composed, I never +inquired; but we may judge of its power to destroy the bone, from the +extent of the agony which it produced. No wonder, when such powerful +agents were employed, the bone, the brain, or any other part, was +affected.</p> + +<p>Thank heaven! there is one good custom prevalent in this disease—dogs +affected with it are brought to us early. Often, when the animal is only +observed to be constantly shaking and scratching the ear, the proprietors +bring the dog for us, to remove something from the interior of the organ. +At other times, and with the most careless or unobservant masters, the dog +is brought under our notice with a blackened discharge within the +convolutions of the ear, and a slight smell, like decayed cheese, +proceeding from it. A crackling sensation is then imparted to the fingers +when the base of the ear below the flap is manipulated; the necessary +pressure sometimes drawing forth an expression of pain. A worse case than +this I have not encountered; though how common canker has been in my +practice may be conjectured from my keeping a two-gallon stock-bottle of +the wash in my surgery, and a label, for the bottles in which it is sent +out, within my drawers. The mode of administering this wash is admirably +described by Youatt, from whose pages I transcribe it:—</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[Pg 426]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>"Some attention should be paid to the method of applying these +lotions. Two persons will be required in order to accomplish the +operation. The surgeon must hold the muzzle of the dog with one +hand, and have the root of the ear in the hollow of the other, +and between the first finger and the thumb. The assistant must +then pour the liquid into the ear; half a tea-spoonful will +usually be sufficient. The surgeon, without quitting the dog, +will then close the ear, and mould it gently until the liquid +has insinuated itself as deeply as possible into the passages of +the ear."</p></div> + +<p>The warming of the fluid I find to be unnecessary; and there is something +to be added to the above direction, when the wash I advise is employed. +After one ear is done, let it be covered closely with the flap, and the +other side of the head turned upward without releasing the dog. When both +are finished, take a firm hold of the dog, and fling him away to any +distance the strength you possess is capable of sending the animal; for +the instant the dog is loose, it will begin shaking its head, and, as the +canker-wash I employ contains lead, wherever a drop falls, a white mark or +spot, as the liquid dries, will be left behind.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CANKER_WASH" id="CANKER_WASH"></a>CANKER WASH.</h2> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Liquor plumbi</td><td align='left' rowspan='2'><span class='double'>}</span></td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>Of both equal parts.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aqua distil</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Youatt speaks of the liquor plumbi as a dangerous agent to the dog, and +advises for canker that a scruple be mixed with an ounce of water; but in +opposition to that esteemed author's recommendation, I have employed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[Pg 427]</a></span> +liquor plumbi pure, with the best effect, in extreme cases; though, in +ordinary disease, the above is sufficiently strong; and in medicine it is +a maxim that a sufficiency is enough.</p> + +<p>I give to the animal, as a general rule, no medicine to take; but +invariably recommend the dog to be kept on vegetable diet; for, inasmuch +as meat is the sole cause of the disorder, however potent may be the drugs +employed for the cure, it is imperative for its eradication that the cause +be removed.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, in consequence of the violent shaking of the head, serous +abscesses of considerable size form inside the flaps of the ears. This +mostly happens with large dogs, and the abscesses are hot and soft, being +excessively tender. The animal does not like them to be touched, or even +looked at, but is frequently shaking the head, and howling or whining +afterwards.</p> + +<p>The remedy in these cases is equally simple and efficient. The person who +undertakes to remedy the evil, first, by way of precaution, tapes the +animal; that is, he forms a temporary muzzle, by binding a piece of tape +thrice firmly round the creature's mouth. He then places the dog between +his knees, and turning up the ear, with a small lancet makes quickly an +opening in what then is the superior part of the sac in the inverted ear. +This is necessary, because, if the opening were made inferiorly, all the +fluid would escape, and the side of the emptied sac would collapse. If the +point of the knife even could be introduced into an incision made upon the +lower part<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[Pg 428]</a></span> of the ear, it would not be so easy to cut speedily from below +upward, as to push the blade from above downwards. Well, the opening being +made with the lancet, a little fluid escapes; but no pressure being put on +the sac, the major portion is retained. The operator then takes a straight +probe-pointed bistoury, and having introduced it into the orifice, by +making only pressure, instantly divides the sac. Frequently considerable +fluid escapes; the beast operated upon makes up its mind for a good howl; +but, finding the affair over before its mouth was moulded to emit the +sound, the cry is cut short, and the dog returns to have the tape removed, +that it may lick the hand that pained it.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 448px;"> +<img src="images/img_434_th.jpg" width="448" height="312" alt="A DOG TAPED OR MUZZLED FOR OPERATION." title="" /> +<span class="caption">A DOG TAPED OR MUZZLED FOR OPERATION.</span> +</div> + +<p>After the enlargement is slit up, nothing more is required than to fill +the sac for a day or two with lint soaked in the healing fluid; and when +suppuration is established the lint may be withdrawn, and the wound, if +kept clean, left to nature.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[Pg 429]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THE_EYE" id="THE_EYE"></a>THE EYE.</h2> + +<p>Most writers describe a regular series of disorders associated with the +eye of the dog. I must be permitted to recite only those which I have +witnessed; and surely, if the diseases which the writers alluded to above +have mentioned do exist, I must have encountered some solitary instance of +each of them; instead of which, I have been honored by the confidence of +all classes, and have after all to confess I have not witnessed a specimen +of genuine ophthalmia in this animal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Cataract.</span>—This derangement of the visual organ is very common with the +dog. Every old animal that has lost his eyesight is nearly certain to be +blind from cataract. The optic nerve appears to have retained its health +long after the crystalline lens has parted with its transparency. The +latter becomes opaque, while circumstances allow us to infer the former is +yet in vigor; for certainly dogs do see through lenses, the milky or +chalky aspect of which would justify us in pronouncing the sight quite +gone. There is no precise time when cataract makes its appearance. It may +come on at any period or at any age. It may be rapid or slow in its +formation; but from its generally known habit, we should be inclined to +say it was rather slow than otherwise; though upon this point the author +can speak with no certainty. No breed appears to be specially liable to +it, but all seem to be exposed to it alike. The small-bred,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[Pg 430]</a></span> house-kept, +high-fed dogs, however, are those most subject to be attacked by it; for, +in these kinds of animals, on account of the derangement of the digestive +organs, the eyes seem to be disposed to show cataract earlier than in the +more robust creatures of the same breed.</p> + +<p>The cause of this affection is, in the horse, usually put down to blows; +but, in the dog, we dare not say the disorder is thus produced. The dog is +more exposed to the kicks and cuffs of domestics than is the horse; the +violence done upon the first-named animal being less thought about, and +therefore less likely to be observed. But that the disease takes its +origin in any such inhumanity the author has no proof, and no intention of +insinuating an accusation against a class, who being generally ignorant, +have therefore the less chance of a reply.</p> + +<p>The disease seems to be the natural termination of the animal's eyesight; +and, though the author has seen the iris ragged-looking, as though acute +ophthalmia had loosed its ravages upon the delicate structures of the eye, +nevertheless he has in vain endeavored to detect the presence of that +disease.</p> + +<p>Were ophthalmia common enough to have produced one-half of the cataracts +which are to be witnessed by him who administers to the affections of the +canine species, surely I must have met with it; as not being a very brief +disorder, but one which by its symptoms is sure to make itself known, I +must have encountered it in one of its numerous stages. However, not +having seen it, and still being anxious of tracing cataract to its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[Pg 431]</a></span> +source, the author has been induced to attribute it to the influences of +old age, high breeding, or too stimulating a diet.</p> + +<p>Medicine having appeared to do injury rather than to produce benefit, the +author has generally abandoned it in these cases; whereas those measures +which are within the reach of every proprietor, such as change of abode, +attention to necessary cleanliness without caudling in the bed, wholesome +food, and a total abstinence from flesh, added to the daily use of the +cold bath with a long run, and constant employment of a penetrative +hair-brush to the skin afterwards, have seemed to stay the ravages of the +disorder; and on these, therefore, the author is inclined to place his +entire dependence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Gutta Serena.</span>—The author has seen one or two cases of this affection. One +was present with disease of the brain, to the increase of which it was +clearly traceable. The other was attributable to no known cause; but as +blows on the head are beyond all doubt ascertained to produce this +affliction, the author in his own mind has no doubt of its origin. A +temporary affection of this nature is also constantly witnessed when the +dog falls down in a fit, or rather faints from weakness; as when a female +is rearing an undue number of pups, or when a dog has been too largely +bled, or retained too long in the warm bath.</p> + +<p>In the last cases, the gutta serena departs as the animal recovers; but in +the first-named, sometimes it is constant, and no medicine appears to +affect it for good or for evil. The author, therefore, does nothing in +such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[Pg 432]</a></span> cases beyond giving general directions, as in the instance of +cataract.</p> + +<p>Gutta serena is known by the organ being perfectly clear, but the iris +remaining permanently fixed. The introduction of sudden light produces no +effect on it; neither, unless the current of air be agitated, does the +eyelid move. Towards the latter stage the eye changes color; but when it +first occurs, a person without experience would prefer the eye in this +state, because it looks so thoroughly bright and transparent. The aspect +of these eyes is known to those who are much among animals, and the +carriage of the body is recognised as altered when a creature becomes +blind; besides which, trust him alone, and his running against different +obstacles, as well as his manner of walking, will declare the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Simple Ophthalmia.</span>—To this disorder of the eye the dog is very +susceptible. It may be caused by dust, dirt, thorns, or portions of leaves +getting into the eyes; the symptoms are, constant closing of the lid, and +perpetual flowing of the tears. Though the eye be closed, the lid is never +quiet; but is being, during the entire period, spasmodically, though +partially, raised to be shut again, or in perpetual movement. If the lids +are forced asunder, the conjunctiva or mucous membrane forming the inner +lining of the lid is seen to be inflamed; while the same membrane covering +the ball of the eye is perceived to be of a white color, and perfectly +opaque.</p> + +<p>The cure in this instance is always, first, to remove<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[Pg 433]</a></span> the cause of the +injury, and then to apply some of the remedies in the manner mentioned +hereafter.</p> + +<p>The conjunctiva in the dog is very sympathetic with the mucous membrane +lining the stomach. The interior of the stomach may be inflamed, and the +eye sometimes exhibits no sign of sympathy; but more often, as in +distemper or rabies, it will denote the existence of some serious +disorder. So if the animal's digestive powers are weakened by an undue +quantity of purgative medicine, the eyes will assume all the symptoms of +distemper, even to the circular ulcer in the centre of the organ. However, +in instances of this kind nothing need be done for cure; the major +disorder being subdued, the minor one subsides.</p> + +<p>No matter how virulent the disease of the eye may appear to be—even +though it should become perfectly opaque—let it alone: any meddling does +injury. No bathing or medicaments can hasten the cure. Although it should +ulcerate in the centre, and the terrible appearance of the eye be seconded +by the entreaties of the proprietor, still I caution you to continue quite +passive. Touch the ulcer with nitrate of silver, as is the common +practice, and the eye will most likely burst. The aqueous humor will +escape, and a large bunch of fungus will start up in the place of the +ulcer occupied. This fungus, if let alone, may fade away as the stomach +returns to health; but a white spot is established in its place to remind +you of your officiousness.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, simple ophthalmia occasionally will appear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[Pg 434]</a></span> when nothing can +be detected to affect the stomach; probably owing to large dogs chasing +through brush-wood, or those of the smaller breeds hunting through long +grass. Then a square of soft lint, formed by doubling a large piece +several times, is laid upon the painful organ, and kept wet with the +following lotion:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>(1.) LOTION FOR THE EYE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tinct. arnic. mont.</td><td align='left'>Three drops.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tinct. opii</td><td align='left'>Six drops.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Mist. camph.</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The first symptoms having subsided—that is, the dog being capable of +raising the lid, and the flow of tears having in some measure stopped—the +previous lotion may be changed for the following wash:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>(2.) EYE WASH.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Arg. nit.</td><td align='left'>One grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Mist. camph., or Aq. dist.</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The proper manner of applying these preparations to the eye deserves +notice. Let the owner buy a large-sized, long-haired, camel's-hair +painting brush; pour a little of the liquid into a saucer; saturate the +brush in the fluid; pull the lids gently asunder, being careful not to +call forth resistance by frightening a timid animal with any exhibition of +haste or violence; then, having the eye exposed, draw the brush quickly +across it, and the business is over.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[Pg 435]</a></span></p> + +<p>The author is frequently consulted by ladies, because their favorites' +eyes run water. Such is a consequence of high breeding in some of the +canine species; and being so, medicines of various kinds, by drying up the +secretion of the lachrymal gland, may at first appear to do good, but must +ultimately be fruitful of the most serious injury.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ejection of the Eye.</span>—The eye of the dog is rather curiously situated, +which, as the writer knows of no author who has remarked on its position, +he may as well refer to in this place. The eye of man is situated within a +bony orbit, from which it cannot in the course of nature protrude. The eye +of the dog, also, has an orbit partly formed of bone; but as regards the +ridge, which in man supports and gives prominence to the eyebrow, in the +dog it is composed of ligament, as with animals of the cat, pig, and other +species. The reason of this arrangement—the cause for composing part of +the orbit of ligament—is to allow the eye to protrude or to take its +place without and before the orbit. This position of the eye is easily +perceived, when a live specimen which has confidence in man is examined +upon the knee, and at the same time the skull is inspected. The cause of +this peculiar situation of so important an organ, is to allow the eye to +possess telescopic properties; because the dog has the faculty of +withdrawing the eye within, or rather quite to the back of the orbit; as +any who have beheld the animal in some stages of brain disease, or the +last stage of distemper, must, with their attention directed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[Pg 436]</a></span> the fact, +be convinced. The dog in its wild state lives by the chase, and therefore +has Providence endowed his visual organ with peculiarities which best +enable it to discover its prey; at the same time, also, affording extra +scope of vision, or power of seeing around it, to the eye of the animal.</p> + +<p>Owing to this peculiarity, the eye in consequence of a bite may be forced +out upon the cheek; or, as once happened in my own experience, the use of +tapes for the purpose of giving medicine may be the cause of the injury. +Whenever this happens, procure a glass of clean milk-warm water, and a +piece of soft lint; then wash the eye; when obtain a soft napkin; let the +eye be well greased with any mild and perfectly sweet ointment; wrap the +napkin about the right hand, and with the fingers thus encased, gently +take hold of the ejected ball of the eye, while the fingers of the left +hand are employed in raising the lid of the emptied orbit; then applying +gentle but adequate force, and at the same time giving to the wrist of the +right hand a rotatory motion, the eye will at once assume its proper +place. The use of the eye lotion and wash will perform all that the after +symptoms may require.</p> + +<p>Dogs are often brought to us because the animal has been taking liberties +with the cat; which mistress puss has turned to resent, and her paw—the +claws in the moment of irritation being out—has unfortunately scratched +the dog's eye. When consulted on such a subject, the eye lotion No. 1 is +in most instances all that is required; for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[Pg 437]</a></span> the coverings of the eye are +endowed with great powers of self-reparation. If, however, the application +recommended does not perform everything to the proprietor's satisfaction, +the eye wash No. 2 will perfect the cure. Accidents of this description +are apt to leave scars in the shape of white marks across the eye, which +time must be allowed to remove; and this in general is performed, while +all the appliances of art in the writer's hand have been useless for +hastening this object.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DISEASES_OF_THE_LIMBS" id="DISEASES_OF_THE_LIMBS"></a>DISEASES OF THE LIMBS.</h2> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Dew-claws.</span>—The dew-claws, as they are termed, grow high upon the +inner side of the leg, nearer to the foot than to the elbow. They are +frequently removed while the dog is very young, being then merely cut off +with a pair of scissors. This, however, is a very primitive way of +operating; and it is best done with a knife, first reflecting back +sufficient skin to cover the wound which the removal will occasion. The +excision, moreover, is only justifiable when the dew-claw hangs from the +leg attached to it merely by integument; when it is regularly formed, +united to the leg by means of continuous bone, it may be allowed to +remain; for in that case there is little more danger of its being torn off +as the dog grows up and hunts game, than any other of the claws appended +to the extremity of the foot.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Claws.</span>—These frequently, especially in petted dogs that pass their +days parading about on Turkey carpets, become of extraordinary length; in +some cases,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[Pg 438]</a></span> turning round and forming a complete circle, so as to +penetrate the little pad at the base of the last joint of the toe. In this +case they cause swelling, inflammation, and suppuration, accompanied by +such intense pain, that in extreme cases it may be necessary to take away +the toe of the foot itself, although in general it is sufficient to clip +the offending claw. However, to do this nicely, with expedition, and +without giving great pain to the patient, is to be desired. Blaine +recommends a small saw, such as is employed to cut off cocks' spurs with; +but the dog must have excessive patience and extraordinary powers of +endurance, who could allow this to be moved quickly backwards and forwards +on a claw, one end of which rests on an inflamed and highly sensitive +surface. Besides, it is not one claw we are generally required to remove, +but sixteen; and long before the first had been fairly taken off by the +method advised by Blaine, the cries of the poor animal would say, "Hold, +enough!" Moreover, favorites of the class I have mentioned are generally +brought by their mistresses, who cannot endure their pets to suffer, and +rightly refuse to leave them to the mercy of a veterinary surgeon. This +last circumstance requires a speedier instrument than the one proposed by +Blaine, to be discovered. The rowelling bistoury, employed for the horses, +answers better than the saw; but even it occasions so much pain as to +cause serious annoyance and obstruction. I have found nothing answer so +well as a pair of wire nippers; which, provided they be in good condition, +will take off the whole<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[Pg 439]</a></span> of a dog's claws, although for the operation the +animal never quits its mistress's arms. They are quick and effective, +cutting through the strongest claw on the instant; giving no pain; often +removing the nail without the knowledge of the patient, who provokes +laughter rather than commiseration by frequently shamming the agony he +does not feel—venting heart-rending cries, but invariably in the wrong +place. For the performance of the operation there is but one caution +necessary, and that is, to leave the root of the claw long enough, or not +to attempt cutting it too short; because the unnatural life the animal +lives causes small arteries to extend even into the growth of horn, and a +little blood is a terrible loss in a lady's eyes. However, beyond causing +the mistress distress, the practitioner need be in no fear about dividing +one of these abnormal vessels, for the eccentric growth of which the most +experienced practitioner cannot at all times be prepared.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Falling off of the Claw.</span>—There is another injury to which the claws of +the dog are exposed, and the cause of which in no instance have I been +able to trace. The toe becomes hot, swollen, and inflamed; the animal +walks lame, or upon three legs. Whenever the particular claw in fault is +touched, the cries of the dog sufficiently testify that the seat of the +disease has been found. A simple treatment, such as bathing the claw and +placing the foot frequently in warm water, will occasion the horny +covering to be cast off in a few days; after which all that is required +will be to wrap the part up in soft lint for a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[Pg 440]</a></span> short period, and to +deprive the animal of its accustomed exercise for a day or two.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sinuses up the Claw.</span>—These are of frequent existence, and are commonly +found where their presence was not suspected. The dog walks lame, and its +master's sagacity cannot discover the cause. The animal is accordingly +submitted to our inspection. To pinch the claw in this case is of no use; +it can only mislead the judgment. The better plan, after having +ascertained none of the claws are loose, is to make the dog stand upon the +lame foot on a piece of blotting paper. If the slightest moisture be left +thereon, throw the animal on his back, and minutely examine the lower +surface of each claw. On one will be seen a small hole, not larger than +the point of a pin, from which exudes a thin watery discharge.</p> + +<p>Soak the foot in warm water; then with a sharp knife pare off the +superficial horn; then soak and pare again; and so on till the entire claw +is removed; when slit up, making a free wound of any sinuous opening that +may exist in the ball of the toe. Dress the interior of the sinus with a +small portion of sulphate of copper; afterwards with the healing lotion +previously recommended; and all will do well: but the claw once taken +away, either by nature or art, is very seldom perfectly restored.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Foot-sore.</span>—Men of robust habit, who shoot over an immense tract of +country, and take a pleasure in lawfully finding the game they kill, often +have to complain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[Pg 441]</a></span> that their dogs become foot-sore. These animals have an +elastic pad at the bottom of each foot, on which, conjointly with the +nails of the toes, the creatures walk. The bottom of the dog's foot is +covered with a thick cuticle, which is rapidly reproduced in ordinary +cases, as soon as or before it has been worn down: but the game dog is +often kept inactive during the summer, and then in autumn brought into +sudden work. The consequences of this foolish practice are, that nature +during the warm season supplies only a cuticle fitted to the wants of the +animal, which being suddenly forced to endure excessive exercise, soon +wears away, and the foot thus left devoid of covering, is raw, and +consequently tender. For this state of the part, Blaine, who is therein +followed by Youatt, recommends "pot liquor." I do not know what "pot +liquor" means. Cooks apply the name to various refuse waters, in which +different and opposite ingredients have been boiled. If so, the material +with which it is made being dissimilar, the product cannot be the same. It +appears to be a filth, generally cast into the hog-tub; and as such cannot +be a proper medicine wherewith to cure a lame dog's foot. I throw it into +the receptacle for which it is intended; and do so because I cannot +understand it is possessed of any curative properties. The mode I pursue +in these cases is simply this:—I get a basin of tepid water and a soft +sponge; and I then well wash the injured foot. When every particle of grit +or dirt is thoroughly removed, I apply to the dried sore surface a lotion +composed of two grains of chloride of zinc to one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[Pg 442]</a></span> ounce of water, with +one or two drops of the essence of lemons. Having thoroughly washed the +foot with the lotion, I soak some rags in it, which I wrap around the +injured member, fixing over all a leather or gutta-percha boot; and when +thus treated, and the animal is subsequently brought into work with +caution, a few days I find generally settles the business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dog-Carts.</span>—This appears to be the place to meet, or rather answer, the +remarks which have appeared in Youatt's work on this subject. He argues, +because the dog is a beast of draught in northern climes, it can be +without violence, and indeed was intended by Providence to be used as such +in temperate countries. Thus, if this argument be of any value, that which +the dog can endure in a temperate climate, it can likewise without injury +undergo in a torrid zone. The argument, if of worth, admits of this +extension; for, if the subject of it is to be moved at all, it is not for +the reasoner to arrogate the power of saying at what point it shall stop. +However, granting him to possess this right, he will thereby gain nothing +by it. In the northern climes, where the dog is employed as a beast of +draught, it is so used only for the winter season; during which time the +face of the landscape is covered by one sheet of snow. Is the poor dog in +a cart, as seen in this country, only so employed? Is he not rather +obliged to drag his heavy load, to which the master's weight is often +appended, along dusty roads instead of snowy paths, and at the top of his +speed, rather than at a pace which the poor creature can maintain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[Pg 443]</a></span> for +hours? Is it not worked in summer as well as winter? Does not mud cover +the roadways in this country during the colder season for a far longer +period than the snow? The summer's toil must be most oppressive to this +over-tasked animal; for, though the dog is naturalized close to the +northern pole, he becomes scarce for a long distance before the equator is +reached. It is the creature of a cold climate; and what it can do in one +country is by no means the measurement of that which it can perform in +another; as those who have been at the trouble and expense of exporting +hunting-dogs from England to India can testify.</p> + +<p>The foot, moreover, may travel over a sheet of snow with impunity, which +may be unsuited for journeying over artificial roads, deep in mud or +water; or else hot, dry, and parched with a summer's sun. The sportsman's +dog is often sore-footed; and do the approvers of dog-carts pretend that +the wretched beast, forced by an inhuman master to undue labor, is of a +different species? If the animals are the same, how can it be argued that +the organ, which when moving over soft ploughed or grassy fields often +fails, is all-sufficient for the longest and heaviest journey performed +upon a hard artificially constructed road?</p> + +<p>One grave senator in the House of Lords used as an argument against the +Bill introduced to put down that abominable nuisance, dog-carts, in this +country, the pleasure he had experienced, when a child, while being drawn +in a carriage pulled by a dog along the lawn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[Pg 444]</a></span> attached to his father's +residence. There is no legislation required to meet such cases. No doubt +the pleasure felt by the delighted child was shared by the beast, who +wagged his tail, and scarcely felt the tax imposed upon its huge strength. +Had the cart been removed from the lawn to the road, and been knocked up +with rough wheels and without springs, like the carts used by vagrant poor +are, the load of a child would not even then have made the cases similar. +To make the instances the same, the cart must not only be of the rudest +construction, but it must be filled with weight limited solely by the +master's capacity to buy; while on the top of the burthen must be placed, +not a happy child, but an idle full grown rascal. And the vehicle thus +encumbered must be dragged, not along a soft lawn, at a pace necessary to +please the son and heir, but along a hard road, at a rate which alone can +satisfy an impatient and brutal master.</p> + +<p>In whichever way we regard this question, reason proves against it, and +the dog subject to the most dreadful disease that is communicable to man +should on no account, in this densely populated country, be subjected to +usage best calculated to bring on the malady.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="FRACTURES" id="FRACTURES"></a>FRACTURES.</h2> + +<p>A fracture is technically called a solution of continuity; but, as the +general reader will imagine the definition can hardly be correct, with +regard to a bone which may be broader than it is long, I will here define<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[Pg 445]</a></span> +it to be the violent division of a bone into two or more parts.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 297px;"> +<img src="images/img_450_th.jpg" width="297" height="364" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Fractures are divided into comminuted, simple, and compound. The +comminuted and compound, for the present purpose, may be regarded as one +and the same; since it is obviously impossible to restore the bone of a +dog which has been crushed into innumerable pieces; and such a state of +the hard structure is scarcely possible to exist without the soft parts, +as flesh or muscle, around the injury being involved, or the lesion +rendered compound as well as comminuted in its nature.</p> + +<p>Then it is simple fractures only that have to be dealt with in this place; +and a simple fracture exists when a bone is snapped across into two equal +or unequal pieces. It does not matter at what point the injury may occur; +so that the bone be broken only into two pieces, and none of the flesh be +torn, or the joint involved, the fracture is a simple one. In the dog, +several simultaneous simple<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">[Pg 446]</a></span> fractures may exist; as where the animal +breaks across the whole of the four metatarsal bones proceeding from the +hock to the foot; or snaps, which is of more rare occurrence, the entire +number of metacarpal bones, proceeding from the joint, which is called the +knee of the dog, towards the foot of the animal.</p> + +<p>The bones, however, most commonly fractured are the ulna and radius in the +fore-limb, and the tibia and fibula in the posterior extremity. Next to +these in order are the femur or thigh-bone, in the hind-leg, and the +humerus or arm-bone of the anterior limb. Then come the four metacarpal or +metatarsal bones, being the same in number in both legs. These are all the +author undertakes to treat. The first and last he manages pretty +successfully. For the restoration of a fracture, all that is necessary is +to bring the ends which have been divided together, and to keep them in +the place into which your art has brought them. To accomplish this end, +the author is accustomed to cut from a sheet of stout gutta percha three +broad straight ribbons; then to soak these in warm water till they are +pliable, having first cut in them several holes resembling button-holes, +by the aid of a punch and narrow chisel. When they have lain in the warm +water a sufficient time to soften, and no more—for the water of too great +a heat shrivels up as well as softens the gutta percha—he draws forth one +ribbon, and this he moulds to the front of the sound leg.</p> + +<p>That done, he takes another piece of the gutta percha, and this he models +to the hind part of the sound leg.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">[Pg 447]</a></span> The remaining slip is fixed to the +side of the limb. After the pliable gutta percha has been forced to assume +the shape desired, it is the practice of the writer to cover it with a +cloth saturated in cold spring water, to hasten the setting of the +material, and thereby shorten a process which always renders the dog +somewhat uneasy. All this accomplished, he next braces the splints +together, and fixes them upon the limb, by means of a long piece of tape; +putting under them, next to the skin of the animal, a quantity of lint to +prevent the gutta percha from irritating the flesh. The tapes he also runs +through the holes previously made, and winds about the limb, or over the +splints—rather, but not too tightly in the first instance—with the +intent of arousing the restorative amount of inflammation. This quantity +of inflammation, the reader may imagine, would be certain to ensue on so +violent an injury as the separation of the hard supports of the body; but +in this he is mistaken. I have known a favorite hound to break at once the +four metatarsal bones, and though the splints necessary to promote a union +were kept on above two months, nothing of the kind took place; at the end +of which time all bandages were removed, and his movements effected the +cure which my appliances were unable to bring about. Some persons even +advocate taking off all bandages from a broken leg, and sending the dog +for a walk, where union is tardy; but people who use such language talk +about that, concerning which they literally know nothing. It is not one +walk which will produce the desired effect; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">[Pg 448]</a></span> repeated walks are +required to accomplish what appears to the ignorant so certain to occur. +Thus, to do nothing is far better in some cases than to perform much; +since the absence of remedies accomplishes that which all the +paraphernalia of the surgery is unable to produce.</p> + +<p>There are cases, however, which cannot get well of themselves, unless +deformity be esteemed of no consequence. Thus, when the radius and ulna +are snapped right across, and the foot, deprived of all support, dangles +at the end of the limb; here the interposition of surgical agency is +absolutely required; for the fracture, if left to itself without the aid +of art, would never assume its proper situation. So when the humerus or +femur are fractured, the bones may unite of themselves; but in that case +shortening of the limb and incurable lameness is certain to ensue. The +practitioner aims not only to bring the separated ends of the bone +together; but he endeavors, by the invention of various means, to keep +them there, or to force the limb all the time of the cure to be and to +remain at its fullest length. To prevent the tendency to contract in the +limb, and consequently to shorten, is one of the chief difficulties which +we have to contend with in the treatment of fractures. When a bone is +broken, the muscles which hold the parts together sooner or later +contract, and sometimes with such force as to draw the ends of the bone, +which were once continuous, side by side; thus rendering the limb shorter +than it was previously. This force is generally exerted immediately on the +occurrence of the accident; but in some petted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">[Pg 449]</a></span> animals where the system +is slow, it does not take place till some indefinite period has elapsed. +Fortunate is the gentleman who is called on to treat a case before +anything of the kind has occurred, as his difficulties will thereby be at +first materially lessened; but when putting on the splints, he must be +careful that they are strong enough and his tapes tight enough to keep the +leg extended, or to resist the power which sooner or later he may rest +assured will start up.</p> + +<p>The bandages and splints having been on some time—the precise period of +which cannot be estimated,—the leg will swell, especially the foot, and +the tapes become so tight as to cut into the flesh. The practitioner pays +little attention to the primary indication of swelling being about to take +place; but when it has fairly set in, and threatens to do injury to the +limb, he with caution loosens the tapes, thus permitting the blood freely +to circulate.</p> + +<p>The after-treatment of a fracture is comparatively easy. It consists +merely in keeping the bowels open, attending to the general health, and in +renewing the splints and bandages as often as may be necessary.</p> + +<p>It is well to bathe the fractured limb, splints and all, in the following +lotions:—</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>LOTION FOR THE LEG BEFORE THE SWELLING HAS COMMENCED.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tinct. arnic. mont.</td><td align='left'>One drachm.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aqua font.</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ess. limon</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>To be applied frequently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">[Pg 450]</a></span></p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>LOTION TO BE USED WHEN SWELLING IS PRESENT.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Tinct. aconit.</td><td align='left'>Half-a-scruple.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aqua font.</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ess. anis.</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>LOTION TO BE APPLIED AFTER THE SWELLING HAS SUBSIDED.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Zinchi chlor.</td><td align='left'>One grain.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Aqua font.</td><td align='left'>One ounce.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ess. anis.</td><td align='left'>A sufficiency.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>The other measures are dictated entirely by circumstances.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="OPERATIONS" id="OPERATIONS"></a>OPERATIONS.</h2> + +<p>There are very few of such offices to be performed on the dog. Among +those, however, which do occur, is the removal of the toe. When a claw has +grown completely round, and by being pressed into the flesh appears, in +the judgment of the practitioner, to have provoked such injury as +decidedly and imperatively requires the removal of the part affected, then +the amputation of one toe may be undertaken. When the dog, to allay the +itching of the extremities, gnaws or eats his own flesh from the toes, +leaving black and ragged bones protruding, amputation is necessary. The +member must in each case be amputated higher up than the injury. There is +no absolute necessity to muzzle the dog, provided the master is present, +and will undertake the charge of the head. When such has been the case, +and the master has engaged to keep the attention of the dog fixed upon +himself, I have removed a joint or two from the leg without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">[Pg 451]</a></span> the animal +uttering a single cry; although the master, unused to such sights, has +been seized with sickness so as to require spirits for his restoration. +The master being at the head, or an assistant on whom you can depend being +at that post; another placed to keep down the body; and a third to lay +hold of and extend the limb to be operated upon, which must be uppermost; +the animal should be thrown on one side. There it must be allowed to +remain until sufficient time has elapsed to calm its natural fears.</p> + +<p>The operator then takes one of Liston's sharp-pointed knives, and thrusts +it quite through the flesh, a short distance above the injury; he then +with a sawing motion cuts downward and outward till the knife is released. +He next impales the member on the other side, keeping the back of the +knife, as on the former occasion, as close to the bone as possible, and +draws it forth in the same manner. He thus will have two flaps divided by +a small notch, which coincides with the breadth of the bone. Through this +notch, on the uppermost side, he must pass his knife, cutting upwards and +inwards; thus upon both sides, till the lines made by the knife meet in a +point. He will then, supposing the business to have been properly +performed, see a bright pink living piece of bone in the centre; and to +cut off so much, or even a little more than is visible, becomes his next +object. For this purpose a saw, however fine, is tedious; because the bone +to be cut through is not of sufficient body to allow the operator to put +forth his strength, and on that account<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">[Pg 452]</a></span> also does not leave behind it a +smooth surface. The bone-nippers answer better. Without loss of time, +therefore, the veterinary surgeon seizes a pair suited to the object in +view, and with these he gently pushes back the flesh on all sides; he +then, suddenly closing the handles, cuts short the protruding bone. The +flaps that have been made are then brought together, when, if there is any +bleeding, the raw surfaces are again exposed, and a few puffs with a pair +of bellows, first having sprinkled the part with cold water, usually stop +it. If that should not succeed, a small quantity of the tincture of ergot +of rye suffices for the purpose; and all bleeding having ceased, the flaps +are finally placed together, bound up in soft lint, and a leather or gutta +percha boot placed over all, no dressing being applied or the boot removed +for three days. When the wound is inspected, if, as frequently happens, +the movements of the dog have disturbed the flaps, provided they are not +drawn too uneven, the practitioner had better not touch them. The +rectifying powers of nature in such cases are wonderful; and in those he +had better trust rather than interfere with the process of healing, which +he may remain certain has already commenced. In this fashion I have +excised a dog's claw; and three months after the operation a spectator +would have to compare one foot with another to discover that either was +deficient in the proper number of appendages.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Capped Hock and Elbow.</span>—The first of these is more rare than the last; but +as, on the point of the bone<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">[Pg 453]</a></span> in each joint, is situated a bursa or small +sac, containing an unctuous fluid intended to facilitate the movement of +the bone under the skin, they both are subject to injury; when they swell +to an enormous size, and constitute a very unsightly deformity. If seen +early, so soon as the tenderness has subsided, an ounce of lard may be +mixed with a drachm of the iodide of lead, and the part well and +frequently rubbed with the ointment. If in spite of the use of this +ointment, which more often fails than succeeds, the tumor grows larger and +larger, recourse must be had to an operation; else the disfigurement may +ultimately become sufficiently great and hard to seriously impede the +animal's movements.</p> + +<p>An operation being determined on, the animal is best left standing; +though, should it prove unruly, assistance sufficient to lift it on to a +table, and thereon to lay it on its side, must be at hand. Everything +being ready, and the dog in this case properly muzzled, the operator, with +such a knife as he can work quickest with, makes an incision the entire +length of the swelling, and even rather longer than shorter: he next +reflects back both portions of skin, that is, the skin on either side of +the swelling; and lastly, separates the enlargement from its base.</p> + +<p>This removal will leave a huge, ugly, gaping wound, with a seeming +superabundance of skin hanging from its side. Let him on no account remove +a particle of that skin, however much more than is necessary properly to +cover the wound there may immediately after the operation seem to be. +Inflammation will, with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">[Pg 454]</a></span> beginning of the healing process, set in, and +the action of this inflammation contracts the hanging skin; so that if a +portion be removed, there will remain an open wound to that extent; and as +skin is slowly reproduced, the cure may be retarded for months.</p> + +<p>The first part of the business being well concluded, the dog must remain +muzzled, and be returned to its proprietor with a bottle of healing fluid, +the sore which has been made being left uncovered. The healing fluid is to +be used frequently; and if the case be a good one, the orifice quickly +becomes small, and heals. In some animals, however, there is a disposition +to gnaw or lick the part; thus undoing everything the veterinary surgeon +has been accomplishing. To check this habit, a cradle round the neck; wide +collars which prevent the head from being turned round; and various +splints which, by keeping the limb extended, thereby hinder the animal +from touching the wound, are employed. Any or all of these, in untoward +cases, may be necessary; and in very high-bred animals the healing powers +of nature are frequently slow, consequently in such the after-consequences +of an operation are likely to prove very annoying.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 422px;"> +<img src="images/img_459_th.jpg" width="422" height="236" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">[Pg 455]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1><a name="DOG_BREAKING" id="DOG_BREAKING"></a>DOG BREAKING:</h1> + +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>THE MOST</p> + +<p class='center'>EXPEDITIOUS, EASY, AND CERTAIN</p> + +<p class='center'>METHOD,</p> +</div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'> +WHETHER GREAT EXCELLENCE OR ONLY MEDIOCRITY<br /> +BE REQUIRED.<br /> +</p> +</div> +<div class='padding'> +<p class='center'>BY</p> + +<h2>COL. W.N. HUTCHINSON,</h2> + +<p class='center'>GRENADIER GUARDS.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">[Pg 456]</a></span></p> +</div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">[Pg 457]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONTENTS_S" id="CONTENTS_S"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> + + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER I.—463.</p> + +<p class='center'>PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. QUALIFICATIONS, IN BREAKER—IN DOG.</p> + +<p> +<a href="#s1">1</a>. Dog-Breaking an Art easily acquired. + +<a href="#s2">2</a>. Most expeditious mode of imparting every Degree of Education. Time bestowed determines Grade of Education. In note, Col. Hawker's opinion. + +<a href="#s3">3</a>. Sportsmen recommended to break in their own Dogs. + +<a href="#s4">4</a>. Men of property too easily satisfied with badly-broken Dogs. Keepers have no excuse for Dogs being badly broken. + +<a href="#s5">5</a>. Great Experience in Dog-breaking, or Excellence in Shooting, not necessary. Dispositions of Dogs vary. + +<a href="#s6">6</a>. What is required in an instructor. + +<a href="#s7">7</a>. Early in a Season, any Dog will answer, a good one necessary afterwards. Hallooing, rating Dogs, and loud whistling spoils Sport. + +<a href="#s8">8</a>. What a well-broken Dog ought to do. + +<a href="#s9">9</a>. Severity reprobated. + +<a href="#s10">10</a>. Astley's Method of teaching his Horses. + +<a href="#s11">11</a>. <i>Initiatory</i> Lessons recommended—to be given when alone with Dog—given fasting. + +<a href="#s12">12</a>. Success promised if rules be followed. Advantages of an expeditious Education. Autumn shooting not sacrificed. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER II.—470.</p> + +<p class='center'>INITIATORY LESSONS WITHIN DOORS. SHOOTING PONIES.</p> + +<p> +<a href="#s13">13</a>. One Instructor better than two. + +<a href="#s14">14</a>. Age at which Education commences. In-door breaking for hours, better than Out-door breaking for weeks. + +<a href="#s15">15</a>. To obey all necessary Words of Command, and all Signals, before shown Game. + +<a href="#s16">16</a>. Unreasonableness of not always giving Initiatory Lessons—leads to Punishment—thence to Blinking. + +<a href="#s17">17</a>. Dog to be <i>your</i> constant Companion, not another's. + +<a href="#s18">18</a>, 19, 20. Instruct when alone with him. Initiatory Lessons in his Whistle—in "Dead"—"Toho"—"On." + +<a href="#s21">21</a>. All Commands and Whistling to be given in a low tone. + +<a href="#s22">22</a> to 25. Lessons in "Drop."—Head between fore-legs—Setters crouch more than Pointers. + +<a href="#s26">26</a>. Slovenly to employ right Arm both for "Drop" and "Toho." + +<a href="#s27">27</a>. Lessons in "Down-charge."—Taught at Pigeon-match—Rewards taken from Hand. + +<a href="#s27">27</a>. Cavalry Horses fed at discharge of Pistol—Same plan pursued with Dogs. + +<a href="#s28">28</a>. Dog unusually Timid to be coupled to another. + +<a href="#s29">29</a>. Lessons at Feeding Time, with Checkcords. +</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">[Pg 458]</a></span></p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER III.—480.</p> + +<p class='center'>INITIATORY LESSONS CONTINUED. SPANIELS.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s30">30</a>, 31. Initiatory Lessons in "Dead" and "Seek," continued. + +<a href="#s32">32</a>. In Signals to hunt to the "right"—"left"—"forward." + +<a href="#s33">33</a>. In the "Beckon." Woodcock Shooting in America. + +<a href="#s34">34</a>. In looking to you for instructions. + +<a href="#s35">35</a>. In "Care." + +<a href="#s36">36</a>. Always give a reward. + +<a href="#s37">37</a>. In "Up"—saves using Puzzle-peg. + +<a href="#s38">38</a>. Dog to carry Nose high. + +<a href="#s39">39</a>. Initiatory Lesson in "Footing a scent". + +<a href="#s40">40</a>. In "Heel." + +<a href="#s41">41</a>. In "Gone" or "Away." + +<a href="#s42">42</a>. In "Fence" or "Ware-fence." + +<a href="#s43">43</a>. "No" a better word than "Ware." + +<a href="#s44">44</a>. Accustomed to couples. + +<a href="#s45">45</a>. Initiatory Lesson in-doors with a Companion—when one "drops," the other to "drop." + +<a href="#s46">46</a>. Makes "Backing" quickly understood. + +<a href="#s47">47</a>. Initiatory Lessons with a Companion in the Fields. + +<a href="#s48">48</a>. Initiatory Lessons save time—make Dogs fond of Hunting. + +<a href="#s49">49</a>. Checkcord described. Wildest Dogs possess most energy. + +<a href="#s50">50</a>. Advantages of Checkcord explained. Spaniels broken in by it. + +<a href="#s51">51</a>. Lad to act as Whipper-in. + +<a href="#s52">52</a>. Retriever that acted as Whipper-in. + +<a href="#s53">53</a>. Jealousy made him act the part. Might be taught to Retrieve. + +<a href="#s54">54</a>. Instead of "down charge," coming to "heel." + +<a href="#s55">55</a>. As Puppies kept close to you, not to "self-hunt"—"broke" from hare. + +<a href="#s56">56</a>. Blacksmith straps Horse's Leg above Hock—Dog's similarly confined—Shot-belt round the necks of wildest. + +<a href="#s57">57</a>. Hunted in Gorse. + +<a href="#s58">58</a>. Age when shown Game. Example of good Spaniels advantageous. + +<a href="#s59">59</a>. Perfected in "Drop"—taught to "seek dead"—to "fetch"—entered at Hedge-rows and lightest Covers. Bells to Collars. + +<a href="#s60">60</a>. To hunt farther side of Hedge. + +<a href="#s61">61</a>. How Sportsmen may aid Keeper. + +<a href="#s62">62</a>. Experienced Spaniels slacken pace on Game. + +<a href="#s63">63</a>. Difficult to work young ones in Silence. + +<a href="#s64">64</a>. Spaniels that Pointed. + +<a href="#s65">65</a>. Game first accustomed to, most liked. + +<a href="#s66">66</a>. Principal requisites in Spaniels. + +<a href="#s67">67</a>. The signal "to point with finger." + +<a href="#s68">68</a>. Following Cockers a Young Man's work. + +<a href="#s69">69</a>. Education differs in different Teams. + +<a href="#s70">70</a>. One and a half couple of large Spaniels sufficient. One of the Team to retrieve. + +<a href="#s71">71</a>. Clumbers procuring more shots in Turnips than Pointers. + +<a href="#s72">72</a>. Lord P——n's highly-broken Team. + +<a href="#s73">73</a>. Of small Cockers three couple a Team. What constitutes Perfection. + +<a href="#s74">74</a>. Retriever with Team. Duke of Newcastle's Keepers. + +<a href="#s75">75</a>. Some Teams allowed to hunt flick. + +<a href="#s76">76</a>. Markers necessary with wild Spaniels. + +<a href="#s77">77</a>. Old Sportsmen prefer mute Spaniels. + +<a href="#s78">78</a>. Handy old Setters capital in light cover. Attention necessary when first entered. + +<a href="#s79">79</a>. C——e's Pointers as good in cover as on the stubble. + +<a href="#s80">80</a>. Pointer that ran to opposite side of Thicket to flush Game towards Gun. + +<a href="#s81">81</a>. Water Spaniels, how broken. + +<a href="#s82">82</a>. Shepherd's Forward Signal best for Water Retrievers. + +<a href="#s83">83</a>. Wild Fowl reconnoitred with Telescope. + +<a href="#s84">84</a>. Qualities required in Water Retriever. In Note, Poachers in Snow. Beast or Man of one uniform color easily detected. + +<a href="#s85">85</a>. Steady Spaniels in Rice Lakes. +</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">[Pg 459]</a></span></p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER IV.—510.</p> + +<p class='center'>LESSONS IN "FETCHING." RETRIEVERS.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s86">86</a>. Lessons in "fetching" recommended. Dog, not taught to retrieve, bringing dead Bird he had found. + +<a href="#s87">87</a>. Taught to deliver into your hand; never pick up a Bird yourself; Dog which often lost winged Birds she had lifted. + +<a href="#s88">88</a>. Retrievers taught to carry something soft; injudiciousness of employing a stone. + +<a href="#s89">89</a>. How encouraged to plunge into Water. + +<a href="#s90">90</a>. Diving, how taught. + +<a href="#s91">91</a>. "Fetching" taught with a Pincushion; with a Bunch of Keys. + +<a href="#s92">92</a>. Made to deliver instantly. + +<a href="#s93">93</a>. Practised to carry things of the size and weight of a Hare. + +<a href="#s94">94</a>. "Fetching," how taught at commencement. + +<a href="#s95">95</a>. Regular Retrievers taught to fetch Birds; to "foot" Rabbits and Winged Game. + +<a href="#s96">96</a>. Retriever observes when a Bird is struck; a quality particularly useful in a Water Retriever. + +<a href="#s97">97</a>. Pigeons and small Birds shot to Retrievers. + +<a href="#s98">98</a>. Injudiciousness of aiding a young Dog when retrieving; makes him rely on Gun rather than his own Nose. + +<a href="#s99">99</a>. Fatigue of carrying Hare tempts young Retriever to drop it; taught to deliver quickly by rewards of hard boiled liver. + +<a href="#s100">100</a>. If he taste blood, put on Wire snaffle; how made. + +<a href="#s101">101</a>. Retriever how taught to pursue faster; should commence to "road" slowly, but "follow up" rapidly. + +<a href="#s102">102</a>. Why Land Retrievers should "down charge". + +<a href="#s103">103</a>. Some Retrievers may "run on shot," but those for sale should "down charge." + +<a href="#s104">104</a>. Retrievers not to be of a heavy build, yet strong and thick-coated. + +<a href="#s105">105</a>. Cross between Newfoundland and Setter makes best Retriever; the real Newfoundland described. + +<a href="#s106">106</a>. Cross from heavy Setter best Retriever. + +<a href="#s107">107</a>. Most Dogs can be taught more or less to Retrieve. + +<a href="#s108">108</a>. Young Retriever to lift Woodcock and Landrail. + +<a href="#s109">109</a>. Retrievers never to kill Rats, lift vermin, or wounded Heron, &c. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER V.—527.</p> + +<p class='center'>INITIATORY LESSONS OUT OF DOORS. TRICKS.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s110">110</a>. Lessons in Country Walks. + +<a href="#s111">111</a>. "Instruction in quartering;" hunted where least likely to find Game; taught while young. In Note, Bitch shot over when seven months old. + +<a href="#s112">112</a>. If unreasonably long before taking to hunting, the remedy. + +<a href="#s113">113</a>. Utility of Initiatory Lessons; taught without punishing. + +<a href="#s114">114</a>. Self-confidence of timid Dogs increased. + +<a href="#s115">115</a>. The more Dogs learn, the more readily they learn. + +<a href="#s116">116</a>. Two superior Dogs better than half-a-dozen of the ordinary sort; Action of Dogs; their Feet; Loins; dash of Foxhound gives endurance; cross with Bull hunts with nose too low; Reliefs desirable; best Dog reserved for evening. + +<a href="#s117">117</a>. Memorandum, never to ride through gate with gun athwart-ship; instance of Dog's behaving admirably the first day shown Game. + +<a href="#s118">118</a>. Proves the value of Initiatory Lessons. + +<a href="#s119">119</a>. Summary of knowledge imparted by them. + +<a href="#s120">120</a>. Why to signal with <i>right</i> hand. + +<a href="#s121">121</a>. <i>One</i> word only of command; dogs attend to the general <i>Sound</i>, not to the several <i>Words</i>. + +<a href="#s122">122</a>. Names of Dogs not to end in "O;" to be easily called; to be dissimilar. + +<a href="#s123">123</a>. "Drop" better word of command than "Down;" use words of command least likely to be employed by others; when purchasing a Dog ascertain what words he is accustomed to. +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">[Pg 460]</a></span></p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER VI—537.</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN COMMENCED. RANGING.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s124">124</a>. Regular Breakers make Dogs "point" paired Birds in Spring, tends to Blinking. + +<a href="#s125">125</a>. Better not to see Game until shot over; taken out alone on a fine day in Autumn. + +<a href="#s126">126</a>. Perpetually whistling to animate Dogs, injudicious. + +<a href="#s127">127</a>. Beat largest fields, and where least likely to find Game. + +<a href="#s128">128</a>. Commence from leeward; scent bad in a calm or gale. + +<a href="#s129">129</a> to 133. Instructions in "ranging." + +<a href="#s134">134</a>. Kept from hedge; Range greater on moors than stubble. + +<a href="#s135">135</a>. Distance between Parallels dependent on tenderness of nose. + +<a href="#s136">136</a>. If the Dog is to hunt with another, the Parallels to be farther apart. + +<a href="#s137">137</a>. No interruption when winding Birds, yet not allowed to puzzle; Nose to gain Experience. + +<a href="#s138">138</a>. Birds lie well to Dog that "winds," not "foots" them. + +<a href="#s139">139</a>. Inattentive to Whistle, made to "drop," &c.; when rating or punishing, the disregarded order or signal to be often repeated; Whip to crack loudly. The attainment of a scientific Range difficult, but of surpassing value; the best ranger must in the end find most Game. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER VII.—549.</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. CAUTION.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s140">140</a>. Dog to be hunted alone. + +<a href="#s141">141</a>. Many Breakers exactly reverse this. + +<a href="#s142">142</a>. Turnips, Potatoes, &c., avoided; Range of dogs broken on moors most true. + +<a href="#s143">143</a>. In Turnips, &c., young Dogs get too close to Birds. + +<a href="#s144">144</a>. <i>Cautious</i> Dogs may with advantage be as fast as wild ones; the two contrasted. In Note, injudiciousness of teaching a Puppy to "point" Chickens. + +<a href="#s145">145</a>, 6. A Dog's nose cannot be improved, but his <i>caution</i> can, which is nearly tantamount; how effected. + +<a href="#s147">147</a>. How to make fast Dogs cautious. + +<a href="#s148">148</a>, 149. The cause why wild Dogs ultimately turn out best. + +<a href="#s150">150</a>. The day's Beat commenced from the leeward. + +<a href="#s151">151</a>. Wonderful Dogs, which find Game without hunting. + +<a href="#s152">152</a>. Reason why Dogs should be instructed separately, and allowed Time to work out a scent; young Dogs generally too much hurried. +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">[Pg 461]</a></span></p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER VIII.—556.</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. CUNNING OF AGE—RANGE OF FROM TWO TO SIX DOGS.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s153">153</a>. Your Dog not to "break fence;" how taught; Birds often sprung while you are scrambling over hedge. + +<a href="#s154">154</a>. Turning one's back upon a Dog to bring him away; stooping down, &c., to make him hunt close. + +<a href="#s155">155</a>. Dog, when fatigued, not to be hunted; leads to false points. + +<a href="#s156">156</a>. Sent home, brushed, and allowed a warm berth; not to follow all day at "heel." + +<a href="#s157">157</a> to 159. Beat of two Dogs, how regulated. + +<a href="#s160">160</a>. Whatever number hunted, all should look to the Gun for orders. + +<a href="#s161">161</a>. Mr. Herbert's opinion in his "Field Sports in United States." + +<a href="#s162">162</a>, 163. Beat of three Dogs. + +<a href="#s164">164</a>. Of four Dogs. + +<a href="#s165">165</a> to 167. Of five or six Dogs. + +<a href="#s168">168</a>. Great precision impracticable, but the necessity of a system maintained; System particularly essential where Game is scarce; Dogs to be brigaded, not to be employed as a pack. + +<a href="#s169">169</a>. When each keeper hunts a brace. + +<a href="#s170">170</a>. A brigade of fine rangers worth from fifty to sixty guineas a brace. + +<a href="#s171">171</a>. Fastest walkers do not necessarily beat most country. + +<a href="#s172">172</a>. Nor do always the fastest Dogs. + +<a href="#s173">173</a>. How slow Dogs may hunt more ground than faster. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER IX.—565</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. "POINT" NOT RELINQUISHED FOR "DOWN CHARGE."</p> +<p> +<a href="#s174">174</a>. Affection makes Dog anxious to please—when he rushes in to be dragged back. + +<a href="#s175">175</a>. Rule pressed. + +<a href="#s176">176</a>. Reasons for Rule—Experience anticipated. + +<a href="#s177">177</a>. To "stand" far off. + +<a href="#s178">178</a>. Patience enjoined—Not to part as enemies. + +<a href="#s179">179</a>. The first good point—Remain yourself stationary. + +<a href="#s180">180</a>. "Heading" Dog—Your circle to be wide. The first Bird killed. + +<a href="#s181">181</a>. Finding dead Bird, it being to leeward. + +<a href="#s182">182</a>. Pointing it—Blinking it. The cause. + +<a href="#s183">183</a>. Bird killed, the Dog to go to "heel." + +<a href="#s184">184</a>. Supposed objection. + +<a href="#s184">184</a>. Answered. + +<a href="#s185">185</a>. Temptation to run after fallen Bird greater than to run to "heel." + +<a href="#s186">186</a>. Dog pointing one Bird, and after "down charge," springing the others. The cause. + +<a href="#s187">187</a>. The preventive. Dog never to discontinue his point in order to "down charge." How taught. + +<a href="#s188">188</a>. Its advantages exemplified. + +<a href="#s189">189</a>. Decide whether Dog goes direct to Bird, or first to you. + +<a href="#s190">190</a>. Dog which performed well—Snipe shooting on banks of Richelieu. + +<a href="#s191">191</a>. Coolness recommended—Inconsistency deprecated. +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">[Pg 462]</a></span></p> +<p class='center'>CHAPTER X.—579.</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. ASSISTANT</p> +<p> +<a href="#s192">192</a>. Some Dogs will not point readily. Breeding in and in, error of. + +<a href="#s193">193</a>. Dogs more inclined to point at first than afterwards. + +<a href="#s194">194</a>. Checkcord employed—spike attached to it. + +<a href="#s195">195</a>. With wild Dog assistant useful—Signals to. + +<a href="#s196">196</a>. How particularly useful with a badly-broken Dog. + +<a href="#s197">197</a>. "Heading" Dog at his point—not practised too often—Dog to acquire a knowledge of his distance from Game. + +<a href="#s198">198</a>. Constantly "Heading" Dog may make him too immovable. + +<a href="#s199">199</a>. A fault often caused by over-punishment. + +<a href="#s200">200</a>. False points caused by over-punishment—Self-confidence and experience only cures for over-caution. + +<a href="#s201">201</a>. Dog's manner shows position of Birds. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER XI.—585.</p> + +<p class='center'>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONCLUDED. BAR. LEG STRAP. SPIKE COLLAR.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s202">202</a>. Bar cure for too high spirits. A leg strapped up. Why these remedies are better than starvation and excessive work. + +<a href="#s203">203</a>. The regular Spike Collar described. French Spike Collar. + +<a href="#s204">204</a>. One less objectionable. + +<a href="#s205">205</a> to 208. How, in extreme cases, the Spike Collar may be employed. + +<a href="#s209">209</a>. Dog springing Birds without noticing them; how to be treated. + +<a href="#s210">210</a>. The first Birds fired at to be killed outright; the search for winged Birds, Dog being to leeward. + +<a href="#s211">211</a>. Had the Dog seized. Firing at running Bird. + +<a href="#s212">212</a>. The search for winged Bird, Dog being to windward. + +<a href="#s213">213</a>. "Lifting" a Dog, when recommended. "Footing" a scent. In Note, Speed of Red-legged Partridge. + +<a href="#s214">214</a>. Evil of a young Sportsman always thinking his Birds killed outright; often calls away Dog improperly. + +<a href="#s215">215</a>. Loss of dead Bird discouraging to Dog. + +<a href="#s216">216</a>. Perseverance in seeking, how fostered. + +<a href="#s217">217</a>. "Nosing" Bird allowed. + +<a href="#s218">218</a>. Error of picking up winged Bird before loading. In Note, Ingenious argument in its favor; Bird picked up in the evening; rejoins covey. + +<a href="#s219">219</a>. If a winged Bird be a fast runner, and out of shot. + +<a href="#s220">220</a>. If Dog rushes forward, yet yields to menaces and stops. + +<a href="#s221">221</a>. If he seizes the dead Bird; if he has torn it.—How to administer Punishment. + +<a href="#s222">222</a>. Part good friends. Your own temper not to be ruffled. + +<a href="#s223">223</a>. Your own temper not to be ruffled. + +<a href="#s224">224</a>. He is no Breaker who cannot always get hold of Dog. + +<a href="#s225">225</a>. Be certain of Dog's guilt before punishing. + +<a href="#s226">226</a>. Dog's ears not to be pulled violently. + +<a href="#s227">227</a>. To "drop" whenever Bird or Hare rises. + +<a href="#s228">228</a>. Lesson in Turnips. + +<a href="#s229">229</a>. Real Lesson in "Gone" or "Flown" given after Dog has had some experience; reason why. +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">[Pg 463]</a></span></p> +<p class='center'>CHAPTER XII.—604.</p> + +<p class='center'>SHOOTING HARES. COURAGE IMPARTED. "BACKING" TAUGHT.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s230">230</a>. Shooting Hares not recommended; shooting Rabbits strongly condemned. In Note, why superior Grouse-Dog better than superior Partridge-Dog. Dog brought from strange country always hunts to disadvantage. + +<a href="#s231">231</a>. Put off killing Hares as long as possible. + +<a href="#s232">232</a>. Dogs not to quit faint scent of Birds for strong scent of Hare. + +<a href="#s233">233</a>. Dog after Hare; no racing after Dog; Puss gone down wind. + +<a href="#s234">234</a>. Checkcord employed. Drive in spike on "toho-ing" Hare. + +<a href="#s235">235</a>. Impropriety of firing at Dog. + +<a href="#s236">236</a>. Hares scarce, visit Rabbit-warren. + +<a href="#s237">237</a>. Morning, hunt where no Hares; evening, where plentiful. Mountain Hares. + +<a href="#s238">238</a>. Killing Hare in its form. + +<a href="#s239">239</a>. Shooting Bird on ground. + +<a href="#s240">240</a>. Dog taught to pursue <i>wounded</i> Hare. + +<a href="#s241">241</a>. Whip carried, saves punishment. Detention of Dog at crouching posture, saves Whip. + +<a href="#s242">242</a>. Few cuts, but severe ones. + +<a href="#s243">243</a>. Instance of timidity cured. Range imparted by giving Dog feet of Partridge. + +<a href="#s244">244</a>. Punishment, not defective Nose, causes Blinking. + +<a href="#s245">245</a>. Courage imparted to timid Dogs. + +<a href="#s246">246</a>. Dogs expect Punishment for faults; vexed when Birds are not fired at. + +<a href="#s247">247</a>. What Dog select to teach yours to "Back." + +<a href="#s248">248</a>. Example has great influence. + +<a href="#s249">249</a>. "Backing" old Dog. + +<a href="#s250">250</a>. "Finder" to "road" to a "rise;" his intrusive companion described. + +<a href="#s251">251</a>. To "back" by Eye, not Nose. + +<a href="#s252">252</a>. Encourage old Dog before rating the other. + +<a href="#s253">253</a>. "Finder" not to advance, even if <i>passed</i> by other Dog. + +<a href="#s254">254</a>. The "Backer" should "down charge." + +<a href="#s255">255</a>. Dog when pointing never to "down charge;" how taught. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER XIII.—619.</p> + +<p class='center'>HINTS TO PURCHASERS. SHEEP KILLING.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s256">256</a>. The "back" being taught, young Dog again hunted alone. + +<a href="#s257">257</a>. Breakers hunt too many together. Why injudicious. + +<a href="#s258">258</a>. One hour's instruction alone, better than a day's in company. + +<a href="#s259">259</a>. Case in point. + +<a href="#s260">260</a>. Rushing in to "dead," how cured. + +<a href="#s261">261</a>. Dogs shot over "single-handed." Jealousy decreases with intimacy. Independence and self-reliance, how imparted. + +<a href="#s262">262</a>. Best Dogs; summary of rules for making, concisely given. The best will make mistakes. + +<a href="#s263">263</a>. Dog that always ran riot when out of sight. + +<a href="#s264">264</a>. Killing sheep; cure attempted. + +<a href="#s265">265</a>. Another plan. + +<a href="#s266">266</a>, 267. Third attempt at remedy. + +<a href="#s267">267</a>. Muzzle Dog likely to worry Sheep. + +<a href="#s268">268</a>. Killing Fowls; the cure. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER XIV.—628.</p> + +<p class='center'>DISTINGUISHING WHISTLES. "BACKING" THE GUN. RETREAT FROM AND +RESUMPTION OF POINT. RANGE UNACCOMPANIED BY GUN. HEADING +RUNNING BIRDS.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s271">271</a>. A distinguishing whistle for each Dog; disadvantage of employing but one whistle for several Dogs; supposed case. + +<a href="#s272">272</a>. Another case. + +<a href="#s273">273</a>. Third case. + +<a href="#s274">274</a>. Dissimilar whistles, or distinct notes on one whistle. + +<a href="#s275">275</a>. General rule for whistling + +<a href="#s276">276</a>. Dog to back the Gun; how taught; it creates caution. + +<a href="#s277">277</a>. Advantage of Dog backing the Gun. + +<a href="#s278">278</a>. American Wood-Duck. + +<a href="#s279">279</a>. Dog to retreat from point and resume it. + +<a href="#s280">280</a>. How taught. + +<a href="#s281">281</a>. Shows Dog object for which he is hunted. + +<a href="#s282">282</a>. Not taught too early. + +<a href="#s283">283</a>. Dog's consciousness of its object. + +<a href="#s284">284</a>. Dog to hunt from leeward to windward, unaccompanied by Gun; how taught. + +<a href="#s285">285</a>. A <i>careful</i> Dog running down wind would not spring Birds. + +<a href="#s286">286</a>. The great advantages of the accomplishment. + +<a href="#s287">287</a>. Dog to head running Birds; could be taught. + +<a href="#s288">288</a>. How Dog taught to hunt "unaccompanied by Gun." + +<a href="#s289">289</a>. The accomplishment taught by "lifting;" not commenced first season. + +<a href="#s290">290</a>. Could be taught as easily as Shepherds' collies are instructed. + +<a href="#s291">291</a>. Particularly useful where the red-legged Partridge is found. +</p> + +<p class='center'>CHAPTER XV.—638.</p> + +<p class='center'>SETTER TO RETRIEVE. BLOODHOUNDS. RETRIEVERS TO "BEAT." WOUNDED +WILD FOWL RETRIEVED FIRST.</p> +<p> +<a href="#s292">292</a>. Setter to retrieve; obtain thereby in one Dog the services of two; necessity of having some Dog that retrieves. + +<a href="#s293">293</a>. Predilection for Setters confessed; Reasons given. + +<a href="#s294">294</a>. One Dog only to retrieve. + +<a href="#s295">295</a>. Let "retrieving" be done by "Finder." + +<a href="#s296">296</a>. Seeking Dead with two Dogs; Winged Bird searched for in direction of covey's flight. + +<a href="#s297">297</a>. Scent differs of wounded and unwounded Birds. + +<a href="#s298">298</a>. Three dead Snipe lifted in succession; Setter that stood fresh Birds while carrying a dead one; Pointer that pointed Partridge while carrying a Hare; Retriever refusing to relinquish chase of wounded Hare. + +<a href="#s299">299</a>. Injudiciousness of <i>retrieving</i> Setter pointing dead. + +<a href="#s300">300</a>. Argument against employing retrieving Setters holds against using regular Retrievers. + +<a href="#s301">301</a>. Regular Retrievers to beat; its advantages; one Dog does the duty of two. + +<a href="#s302">302</a>. Water Retrievers, or Water Spaniels, to retrieve crippled before picking up dead Wild Fowl; how taught. + +<a href="#s303">303</a>. None of these accomplishments so difficult to teach as a good range. + +<a href="#s304">304</a>. Might be taught by your Gamekeeper, but not to be expected of regular Breaker. +</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_470.jpg"><img src="images/img_470_th.jpg" width="500" height="299" alt="COCKERS.—Butler and Brisk." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">COCKERS.—Butler and Brisk.</span> +</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DOG-BREAKING" id="DOG-BREAKING"></a>DOG-BREAKING.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h4>PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. QUALIFICATIONS, IN BREAKER—IN DOG.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s1" id="s1">1</a>. Dog-breaking, so far from there being any mystery in it, is an art +easily acquired when it is commenced and continued on rational principles.</p> + +<p><a name="s2" id="s2">2</a>. I think you will be convinced of this if you will have the patience to +follow me, whilst I endeavor to explain what, I am satisfied, is the most +certain and rapid method of breaking in your dogs, whether you require +great proficiency in them, or are contented with an inferior education. No +quicker system has yet been devised, however humble the education may be. +The education in fact of the peasant, and that of the future double-first +collegian, begin and proceed on the same principle. You know your own +circumstances, and you must yourself determine what time you choose to +devote to them; and, as a consequence, the degree of excellence to which +you aspire. I can only assure you of my firm conviction, that no other +means will enable you to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">[Pg 464]</a></span> gain your object so quickly, and I speak with a +confidence derived from long experience in many parts of the world, on a +subject that was, for several years, my great hobby.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +<p><a name="s3" id="s3">3</a>. Every writer is presumed to take some interest in his reader; I +therefore feel privileged to address you as a friend, and will commence my +lecture by strongly recommending, that, if your occupations will allow it, +you take earnestly and heartily to educating your dogs yourself. If you +possess temper and some judgment, and will implicitly attend to my advice, +I will go bail for your success, and, much as you may now love shooting, +you will then like it infinitely more. Try the plan I recommend, and I +will guarantee that the Pointer or Setter Pup which I will, for example +sake, suppose to be now in your kennel, shall be a better dog by the end +of next season—I mean a more killing dog—than probably any you ever yet +shot over.</p> + +<p><a name="s4" id="s4">4</a>. Possibly you will urge, that you are unable to spare the time which I +consider necessary for giving him a high education—brief as that time is, +compared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">[Pg 465]</a></span> with the many, many months wasted in the tedious methods usually +employed—and that you must, perforce, content yourself with humbler +qualifications. Be it so, I can only condole with you, for in your case +this may be partly true; mind, I only say <i>partly</i> true. But how a man of +property, who keeps a regular gamekeeper, can be satisfied with the +disorderly, disobedient troop to which he often shoots, I cannot +understand. Where the gamekeeper is permitted to accompany his master in +the field, and hunt the dogs himself, there can be no valid excuse for the +deficiency in their education. The deficiency must arise either from the +incapacity, or from the idleness of the keeper.</p> + +<p><a name="s5" id="s5">5</a>. Unlike most other arts, dog-breaking does not require much experience; +but such a knowledge of dogs, as will enable you to discriminate between +their different tempers and dispositions, I had almost said +characters—and they vary greatly—is very advantageous. Some require +constant encouragement; some you must never beat; whilst, to gain the +required ascendancy over others, the whip must be occasionally employed. +Nor is it necessary that the instructor should be a very good shot; which +probably is a more fortunate circumstance for me than for you. It should +even be received as a principle that birds ought to be now and then missed +to young dogs, lest some day, if your nerves happen to be out of order, or +a cockney companion be harmlessly blazing away, your dog take it into his +head and heels to run home in disgust,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">[Pg 466]</a></span> as I have seen a bitch, called +Countess, do more than once, in Haddingtonshire.</p> + +<p><a name="s6" id="s6">6</a>. The chief requisites in a breaker are:—Firstly, command of temper, +that he may never be betrayed into giving one unnecessary blow, for with +dogs, as with horses, no work is so well done as that which is done +cheerfully; secondly, consistency, that in the exhilaration of his +spirits, or in his eagerness to secure a bird, he may not permit a fault +to pass unreproved, I do not say <i>unpunished</i>, which at a less exciting +moment he would have noticed—and that, on the other hand, he may not +correct a dog the more harshly because the shot has been missed, or the +game lost; and lastly, the exercise of a little reflection, to enable him +to judge what meaning an unreasonable animal is likely to attach to every +word and sign, nay to every look.</p> + +<p><a name="s7" id="s7">7</a>. With the coarsest tackle, and worst flies, trout can be taken in +unflogged waters, while it requires much science, and the finest gut, to +kill persecuted fish. It is the same in shooting. With almost any +sporting-dog game can be killed early in the season, when the birds lie +like stones, and the dog can get within a few yards of them; but you will +require one highly broken to obtain many shots when they are wild. Then +any incautious approach of the dog, or any noise, would flush the game, +and your own experience will tell you that nothing so soon puts birds on +the run, and makes them so ready to take flight, as the sound of the human +voice, especially now-a-days, when farmers generally<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">[Pg 467]</a></span> prefer the scythe to +the sickle, and clean husbandry, large fields, and trim narrow +hedges—affording no shelter from wet—have forced the partridge—a +<i>short-winged</i><a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> bird—unwillingly to seek protection, when arrived at +maturity, in ready flight rather than in concealment. Even the report of a +gun does not so much alarm them as the command, "Toho," or "Down charge," +usually too, as if to make matters worse, hallooed to the extent of the +breaker's lungs. There are anglers who recommend silence as conducive to +success, and there are no experienced sportsmen who do not acknowledge its +great value in shooting. Rate or beat a dog at one end of a field, and the +birds at the other will lift their heads, become uneasy, and be ready to +take wing the moment you get near them. "Penn," in his clever maxims on +Angling and Chess, observes to this effect, "if you wish to see the fish, +do not let him see you;" and with respect to shooting, we may as truly +say, "if you wish birds to hear your gun, do not let them hear your +voice." Even a loud whistle disturbs them. Mr. O——t of C——e says a +gamekeeper's motto ought to be,—"No whistling—no whipping—no noise, +when master goes out for sport."</p> + +<p><a name="s8" id="s8">8</a>. These observations lead unavoidably to the inference,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">[Pg 468]</a></span> that no dog can +be considered perfectly broken, that does not make his point when first he +feels assured of the presence of game, and remain stationary <i>where he +makes it</i>, until urged on by you to draw nearer—that does not, as a +matter of course, lie down without any word of command the moment you have +fired, and afterwards perseveringly seek for the dead bird in the +direction you may point out—and all this without your once having +occasion to speak, more than to say in a low voice, "Find," when he gets +near the dead bird, as will be hereafter explained. Moreover, it must be +obvious that he risks leaving game behind him if he does not hunt every +part of a field, and, on the other hand, that he wastes your time and his +strength, if he travels twice over the same ground, nay, over any ground +which his powers of scent have already reached. Of course I am now +speaking of a dog hunted without a companion to share his labors.</p> + +<p><a name="s9" id="s9">9</a>. You may say, "How is all this, which sounds so well in theory, to be +obtained in practice without great severity?" Believe me, with severity it +never can be attained. If flogging would make a dog perfect, few would be +found unbroken in England or Scotland, and scarcely one in Ireland.</p> + +<p><a name="s10" id="s10">10</a>. Astley's method was to give each horse his preparatory lessons alone, +and when there was no noise or anything to divert his attention from his +instructor. If the horse was interrupted during the lesson, or his +attention in any way withdrawn, he was dismissed for that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469">[Pg 469]</a></span> day. When +perfect in certain lessons by himself, he was associated with other horses +whose education was further advanced. And it was the practice of that +great master to reward his horses with slices of carrot or apple when they +performed well.</p> + +<p><a name="s11" id="s11">11</a>. Astley may give us a useful hint in our far easier task of +dog-breaking. We see that he endeavored by kindness and patience to make +the horse thoroughly comprehend the meaning of certain words and signals +before he allowed him any companion. So ought you, by what may be termed +"initiatory lessons," to make your young dog perfectly understand the +meaning of certain words and signs before you hunt him in the company of +another dog—nay, before you hunt him at all; and, in pursuance of +Astley's plan, you ought to give these lessons when you are alone with the +dog, and his attention is not likely to be withdrawn to other matters. +Give them, also, when he is fasting, as his faculties will then be +clearer, and he will be more eager to obtain any rewards of biscuit or +other food.</p> + +<p><a name="s12" id="s12">12</a>. Be assured that by a consistent adherence to the simple rules which I +will explain, you can obtain the perfection I have described, <a href="#s8">8</a>, with more +ease and expedition than you probably imagine to be practicable; and, if +you will zealously follow my advice, I promise, that, instead of having to +give up your shooting in September—for I am supposing you to be in +England—while you break in your pup, you shall then be able to take him +into the field, provided he is tolerably well bred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">[Pg 470]</a></span> and well disposed, +perfectly obedient; and, except that he will not have a well-confirmed, +judicious range, almost perfectly made; at least so far made, that he will +only commit such faults as naturally arise from want of experience. Let me +remind you also that the keep of dogs is expensive, and supplies an +argument for making them earn their bread by hunting to a <i>useful</i> purpose +so soon as they are of an age to work without injury to their +constitution. Time, moreover, is valuable to us all, or most of us fancy +it is. Surely, then, that system of education is best which imparts the +most expeditiously the required degree of knowledge.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> It may be satisfactory to others to know the opinion of so +undeniable an authority as Colonel Hawker. The Colonel, in the Tenth +Edition of his invaluable Book on Shooting, writes—page 285—"Since the +publication of the last edition, Lieut.-Col. Hutchinson's valuable work on +'Dog-breaking' has appeared. It is a perfect <i>vade mecum</i> for both +Sportsmen and Keeper, and I have great pleasure in giving a cordial +welcome to a work which so ably supplies my own deficiencies."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> The American Quail so closely resembles the English partridge +in all its habits, except that it takes to covert in large woodlands, and +occasionally <i>trees</i>, that all the rules of hunting and beating for it, +shooting it, and breaking dogs for its pursuit, are entirely +identical.—H.W.H.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h4>INITIATORY LESSONS WITHIN DOORS. SHOOTING PONIES.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s13" id="s13">13</a>. It is seldom of any advantage to a dog to have more than one +instructor. The methods of teaching may be the same; but there will be a +difference in the tone of voice and in the manner that will more or less +puzzle the learner, and retard rather than advance his education. If, +therefore, you resolve to break in your dog, do it entirely yourself; let +no one interfere with you.</p> + +<p><a name="s14" id="s14">14</a>. As a general rule, let his education begin when he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">[Pg 471]</a></span> is about six or +seven months old<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>—although I allow that some dogs are more precocious +than others, and bitches always more forward than dogs—but it ought to be +nearly completed before he is shown a bird (<a href="#s111">111</a>). A quarter of an hour's +daily in-door training—called by the Germans "house-breaking"—for three +or four weeks will effect more than a month's constant hunting without +preliminary tuition.</p> + +<p><a name="s15" id="s15">15</a>. Never take your young dog out of doors for instruction, until he has +learnt to know and obey the several words of command which you intend to +give him in the field, and is well acquainted with all the signs which you +will have occasion to make to him with your arms. These are what may be +called the initiatory lessons.</p> + +<p><a name="s16" id="s16">16</a>. Think a moment, and you will see the importance of this preliminary +instruction, though rarely imparted. Why should it be imagined that at the +precise moment when a young dog is enraptured with the first sniff of +game, he is, by some mysterious unaccountable instinct, to understand the +meaning of the word "Toho?" Why should he not conceive it to be a word of +encouragement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">[Pg 472]</a></span> to rush in upon the game, as he probably longs to do; +especially if it is a partridge fluttering before him, in the sagacious +endeavor to lure him from her brood, or a hare enticingly cantering off +from under his nose? There are breakers who would correct him for not +intuitively comprehending and obeying the "Toho," roared out with +stentorian lungs; though, it is obvious, the youngster, from having had no +previous instruction, could have no better reason for understanding its +import than the watch-dog chained up in the adjacent farm-yard. Again he +hears the word "Toho"—again followed by another licking, accompanied +perhaps by the long lecture, "Ware springing birds, will you?" The word +"Toho" then begins to assume a most awful character; he naturally connects +it with the finding of game, and not understanding a syllable of the +lecture, lest he should a third time hear it, and get a third drubbing, he +judges it most prudent, unless he is a dog of very high courage, when next +aware of the presence of birds, to come in to heel; and thus he commences +to be a blinker, thanks to the sagacity and intelligence of his tutor. I +do not speak of all professional dog-breakers,—far from it. Many are +fully sensible that comprehension of orders must necessarily precede all +but accidental obedience. I am only thinking of some whom it has been my +misfortune to see, and who have many a time made my blood boil at their +brutal usage of a fine high-couraged young dog. Men who had a strong arm +and hard heart to punish—but no temper and no head to instruct.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">[Pg 473]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s17" id="s17">17</a>. So long as you are a bachelor, you can make a companion of your dog, +without incurring the danger of his being spoilt by your wife and +children; the more, by-the-bye, he is your own companion and nobody else's +the better: and it is a fact, though you may smile at the assertion, that +all the initiatory lessons can be, and can best be inculcated in your own +breakfast-room.</p> + +<p><a name="s18" id="s18">18</a>. Follow Astley's plan. Let no one be present to distract the dog's +attention. Call him to you by the whistle you propose always using in the +field. Tie a slight cord a few yards long to his collar. Throw him a small +piece of toast or meat, saying at the time, "Dead, dead." Do this several +times, chucking it into different parts of the room, and let him eat what +he finds. Then throw a piece, always as you do so saying, "Dead," and the +moment he gets close to it, check him by jerking the cord, at the same +time saying, "Toho," and lifting up your right arm almost perpendicularly. +By pressing on the cord with your foot, you can restrain him as long as +you please. Do not let him take what you have thrown until you give him +the encouraging word, "On," accompanied by a forward movement of the right +arm and hand, somewhat similar to the swing of an under-hand bowler at +cricket.</p> + +<p><a name="s19" id="s19">19</a>. Let all your commands be given in a low voice. Consider that in the +field, where you are anxious not to alarm the birds unnecessarily, your +words must reach your dogs' ears more or less softened by distance, and, +if their influence depends on loudness, they will have the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">[Pg 474]</a></span> least effect +at the very moment when you wish them to have the most. For the same +reason, in the initiatory lessons, be careful not to whistle loudly.</p> + +<p><a name="s20" id="s20">20</a>. After a few trials with the checkcord, you will find yourself enabled, +without touching it, and merely by using the word "Toho," to prevent his +seizing the toast or meat, until you say "On," or give him the forward +signal. When he gets yet more perfect in his lesson, raising your right +arm only, without employing your voice, will be sufficient, especially if +you have gradually accustomed him to hear you speak less and less loudly. +If he draw towards the bread before he has obtained leave, jerk the cord, +and <i>drag him back to the spot from which he stirred</i>. He is not to quit +it until you order him, occupy yourself as you may. Move about, and +occasionally go from him, as far as you can, before you give the command +"On." This will make him less unwilling hereafter to continue steady at +his point while you are taking a circuit to head him, and so get wild +birds between him and your gun,—<a href="#s179">179</a>, <a href="#s196">196</a>. The signal for his advancing, +when you are facing him, is the "beckon"—see <a href="#s33">33</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s21" id="s21">21</a>. At odd times let him take the bread the moment you throw it, that his +eagerness to rush forward to seize it may be continued, only to be +instantly restrained at your command.</p> + +<p><a name="s22" id="s22">22</a>. Your <i>left</i> arm raised perpendicularly, in a similar manner, should +make the young dog lie down. Call out "Drop," when so holding up the left +hand, and press<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">[Pg 475]</a></span> him down with the other until he assumes a crouching +position. If you study beauty of attitude, his fore-legs should be +extended and his head rest between them. Make him lie well down, +occasionally walking round and round him, gradually increasing the size of +the circle—your eyes on his. Do not let him raise himself to a sitting +posture. If you do, he will have the greater inclination hereafter to move +about: <i>especially when you want to catch him in order to chide or correct +him</i>. A stop is all you require for the "Toho," and you would prefer his +standing to his point, rather than his lying down,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> as you then would +run less risk of losing sight of him in cover, heather, or high turnips, +&c. Setters, however, naturally crouch so much more than Pointers, that +you will often not be able to prevent their "falling" when they are close +to game. Indeed, I have heard some sportsmen argue in favor of a dog's +dropping, "that it rested him." An advantage, in my opinion, in no way +commensurate with the inconvenience that often attends the practice.</p> + +<p><a name="s23" id="s23">23</a>. If you are satisfied with teaching him in a slovenly manner, you can +employ your right arm both for the "Toho" and "Drop;" but that is not +quite correct, for the former is a natural stop—being the pause to +determine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">[Pg 476]</a></span> exactly where the game is lying, preparatory to rushing in to +seize it—which you prolong by art,<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> whilst the other is wholly opposed +to nature. The one affords him great delight, especially when, from +experience, he has learnt well its object: the latter is always irksome. +Nevertheless, it must be firmly established. It is the triumph of your +art. It ensures future obedience. But it cannot be effectually taught +without creating more or less awe, and it should create awe. It is +obvious, therefore, that it must be advantageous to make a distinction +between the two signals—especially with a timid dog—for he will not then +be so likely to blink on seeing you raise your right hand when he is +drawing upon game. Nevertheless, there are breakers so unreasonable as not +only to make that one signal, but the one word "Drop," or rather "Down," +answer both for the order to point, and the order to crouch! How can such +tuition serve to enlarge a dog's ideas?</p> + +<p><a name="s24" id="s24">24</a>. To perfect him in the "Down," that difficult part of his +education,—difficult, because it is unnatural,—practise it in your +walks. At very uncertain, unexpected times catch his eye, having +previously stealthily taken hold of the checkcord—a long, light one, or a +whistle to call his attention, and then hold up your left arm. If he does +not <i>instantly</i> drop, jerk the checkcord violently,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">[Pg 477]</a></span> and, as before, drag +him back to the exact spot where he should have crouched down. Admit of no +compromise. You must have <i>implicit</i>, <i>unhesitating</i>, <i>instant</i> obedience. +When you quit him, he must not be allowed to crawl <i>an inch</i> after you. If +he attempt it, drive a spike into the ground, and attach the end of the +checkcord to it, allowing the line to be slack; then leave him quickly, +and on his running after you he will be brought up with a sudden jerk. So +much the better; it will slightly alarm him. As before, take him back to +the precise place he quitted—do this invariably, though he may have +scarcely moved. There make him again "Drop"—always observing to jerk the +cord at the moment you give the command. After a few trials of this +tethering, say less than a dozen, he will be certain to lie down steadily, +until you give the proper order or a signal—<a href="#s20">20</a>—let you run away, or do +what you may to excite him to move. One great advantage of frequently +repeating this lesson, and thus teaching it <i>thoroughly</i>, is that your dog +will hereafter always feel, more or less, in subjection whenever the cord +is fastened to his collar. He must be brought to instantly obey the +signal, even at the extreme limit of his beat.</p> + +<p><a name="s25" id="s25">25</a>. Most probably he will not at first rise when he is desired. There is +no harm in that—a due sense of the inutility of non-compliance with the +order of "Drop," and a wholesome dread of the attendant penalty, will be +advantageous. Go up to him—pat him—and lead him for some paces, "making +much of him," as they say in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">[Pg 478]</a></span> the cavalry. Dogs which are over-headstrong +and resolute can only be brought under satisfactory command by this lesson +being indelibly implanted—and I think a master before he allows the +keeper to take a pup into the field to show him game, should insist upon +having ocular demonstration that he is perfect in the "Drop."</p> + +<p><a name="s26" id="s26">26</a>. When he is well confirmed in this all-important lesson, obeying +implicitly, yet cheerfully, you may, whilst he is lying down—in order to +teach him the "down charge"—go through the motions of loading, on no +account permitting him to stir until you give him the forward signal, or +say, "On." After a few times you may fire off a copper cap, and then a +little powder, but be very careful not to alarm him. Until your dog is +quite reconciled to the report of a gun, never take him up to any one who +may be firing. I have, however, known of puppies being familiarized to the +sound, by being at first kept at a considerable distance from the party +firing, and then gradually and by slow degrees brought nearer. This can +easily be managed at a rifle or pigeon match, and the companionship of a +made-dog would much expedite matters. Whenever, in the lessons, your young +dog has behaved steadily and well, give him a reward. Do not throw it to +him: let him take it from your hands. It will assist in making him +tender-mouthed, and in attaching him to you.</p> + +<p><a name="s27" id="s27">27</a>. In some cavalry regiments in India, the feeding-time is denoted by the +firing off of a pistol. This soon changes a young horse's first dread of +the report into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">[Pg 479]</a></span> eager, joyous expectation. You might, if you did not +dislike the trouble, in a similar manner, soon make your pup regard the +report of a gun as the gratifying summons to his dinner, but coupled with +the understanding that, as a preliminary step, he is to crouch the instant +he hears the sound. After a little perseverance you would so well succeed, +that you would not be obliged even to raise your hand. If habituated to +wait patiently at the "drop," however hungry he may be, before he is +permitted to taste his food, it is reasonable to think he will remain at +the "down charge," yet more patiently before he is allowed to "seek dead."</p> + +<p><a name="s28" id="s28">28</a>. If your pupil is unusually timid, and you cannot banish his alarm on +hearing the gun, couple him to another dog which has no such foolish +fears, and will steadily "down charge." The confidence of the one will +impart confidence to the other. Fear and joy are feelings yet more +contagious in animals than in man. It is the visible, joyous animation of +the old horses, that so quickly reconciles the cavalry colt to the sound +of the "feeding-pistol."</p> + +<p><a name="s29" id="s29">29</a>. A keeper who had several dogs to break, would find the advantage of +pursuing the cavalry plan just noticed. Indeed, he might extend it still +further, by having his principal in-door drill at feeding-time, and by +enforcing, but in minuter details, that kennel discipline which has +brought many a pack of hounds to marvellous obedience. He should place the +food in different parts of the yard. He should have a short checkcord on +all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">[Pg 480]</a></span> his pupils; and, after going slowly through the motions of loading +(the dogs having regularly "down-charged" on the report of the gun), he +should call each separately by name, and by signals of the hand send them +successively to different, but designated feeding-troughs.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> He might +then call a dog to him which had commenced eating, and after a short +abstinence, make him go to another trough. He might bring two to his heels +and make them change troughs, and so vary the lesson, that, in a short +time, with the aid of the checkcords, he would have them under such +complete command that they would afterwards give him comparatively but +little trouble in the field. As they became more and more submissive he +would gradually retire further and further, so as, at length, to have his +orders obeyed when at a considerable distance from his pupils. The small +portion of time these lessons would occupy compared with their valuable +results should warn him most forcibly not to neglect them.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> But from his very infancy you ought not to have allowed him +to be disobedient. You should have made him know—which he will do nearly +intuitively—that a whip can punish him, though he ought never to have +<i>suffered</i> from it. I have heard of pups only four months old being made +quite <i>au fait</i> to the preliminary drill here recommended. This early +exercise of their intelligence and observation must have benefited them. +The questionable point is the unnecessary consumption of the instructor's +time.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This is one reason for giving initiatory lessons in the +"Toho" before the "Drop." Another is that the dog may acquire the "Toho" +before he has run the chance of being cowed in learning the "Drop." If the +latter were taught first, he might confound the "Toho" with it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> I know of a young man's reading the first edition of this +book, and taking it into his head to teach his Terrier to point according +to the method just recommended. He succeeded perfectly. Some Terriers have +been made very useful for cover shooting.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> There is often such a similarity in the names of hounds, that +a person cannot but be much struck, who for the first time sees them go to +their meals, one by one as they are called.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h4>INITIATORY LESSONS CONTINUED. SPANIELS.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s30" id="s30">30</a>. When your young dog is tolerably well advanced in the lessons which +you have been advised to practise,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_481" id="Page_481">[Pg 481]</a></span> hide a piece of bread or biscuit. Say +"Dead, dead." Call him to you. (<a href="#s40">40</a>.) Let him remain by you for nearly a +minute or two. Then say "Find," or "Seek." Accompany him in his search. By +your actions and gestures make him fancy you are yourself looking about +for something, for dogs are observing, one might say, imitative, +creatures.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> Stoop and move your right hand to and fro near the ground. +Contrive that he shall come upon the bread, and reward him by permitting +him to eat it.</p> + +<p><a name="s31" id="s31">31</a>. After a little time—a few days I mean—he will show the greatest +eagerness on your saying, at any unexpected moment, "Dead." He will +connect the word with the idea that there is something very desirable +concealed near him, and he will be all impatience to be off and find it; +<i>but make him first come to you</i>—for reason, see <a href="#s182">182</a>.—Keep him half a +minute.—Then say "Find," and, without your accompanying him, he will +search for what you have previously hidden. Always let him be encouraged +to perseverance by discovering something acceptable.</p> + +<p><a name="s32" id="s32">32</a>. Unseen by him, place the rewards—one at a time—in different parts of +the room,—under the rug or carpet, and more frequently on a chair, a +table, or a low shelf.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_482" id="Page_482">[Pg 482]</a></span> He will be at a loss in what part of the room to +search. Assist him by a motion of your arm and hand. A wave of the right +arm and hand to the right, will soon show him that he is to hunt to the +right, as he will find there. The corresponding wave of the left hand and +arm to the left, will explain to him, that he is to make a cast to the +left. The underhand bowler's swing of the right hand and arm, will show +that he is to hunt in a forward direction.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> Your occasionally throwing +the delicacy—in the direction you wish him to take,—whilst waving your +hand, will aid in making him comprehend the signal. You may have noticed +how well, by watching the action of a boy's arm, his little cur judges +towards what point to run for the expected stone.</p> + +<p><a name="s33" id="s33">33</a>. When the hidden object is near you, but between you and the dog, make +him come towards you to seek for it, beckoning him with your right hand. +When he is at a distance at the "Drop," if you are accustomed to +recompense him for good behavior, you can employ this signal to make him +rise and run towards you for his reward—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_483" id="Page_483">[Pg 483]</a></span> according to my judgment he +should always join you after the "down charge,"—<a href="#s184">184</a>. By these means you +will thus familiarize him with a very useful signal; for that signal will +cause him to approach you in the field, when you have made a circuit to +head him at his point—knowing that birds will then be lying somewhere +between you and him—and want him to draw nearer to the birds and you, to +show you exactly where they are. This some may call a superfluous +refinement, but I hope <i>you</i> will consider it a very killing +accomplishment, and, being easily taught, it were a pity to neglect it. +When a Setter is employed in cock-shooting, the advantage of using this +signal is very apparent. While the dog is steadily pointing, it enables +the sportsman to look for a favorable opening, and, when he has posted +himself to his satisfaction, to sign to the Setter—or if out of sight to +tell him—to advance and flush the bird: when, should the sportsman have +selected his position with judgment, he will generally get a shot. I have +seen this method very successfully adopted in America, where the forests +are usually so dense that cocks are only found on the outskirts in the +underwood.</p> + +<p><a name="s34" id="s34">34</a>. After a little time he will regularly look to you for directions. +Encourage him to do so; it will make him hereafter, when he is in the +field, desirous of hunting under your eye, and induce him to look to you, +in a similar manner, for instructions in what direction he is to search +for game. Observe how a child watches its mother's eye; so will a dog +watch yours, when he becomes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_484" id="Page_484">[Pg 484]</a></span> interested in your movements, and finds that +you frequently notice him.</p> + +<p><a name="s35" id="s35">35</a>. Occasionally, when he approaches any of the spots where the bread lies +hidden, say "Care," and slightly raise your right hand. He will quickly +consider this word, or signal, as an intimation that he is near the object +of his search.</p> + +<p><a name="s36" id="s36">36</a>. Never deceive him in any of these words and signs, and never +disappoint him of the expected reward. Praise and caress him for good +conduct; rate him for bad. Make it a rule throughout the whole course of +his education, out of doors as fully as within, to act upon this system. +You will find that caresses and substantial rewards are far greater +incentives to exertion than any fears of punishment.</p> + +<p><a name="s37" id="s37">37</a>. Your pup having become a tolerable proficient in these lessons, you +may beneficially extend them by employing the word "Up," as a command that +he is to sniff high in the air to find the hidden bread or meat, lying, +say on a shelf, or on the back of a sofa. He will, comparatively speaking, +be some time in acquiring a knowledge of the meaning of the word, and many +would probably term it an over-refinement in canine education; but I must +own I think you will act judiciously if you teach it perfectly in the +initiatory lessons; for the word "Up," if well understood, will frequently +save your putting on the puzzle-peg. For this you might be tempted to +employ, should your dog be acquiring the execrable habit of "raking," as +it is termed, instead of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_485" id="Page_485">[Pg 485]</a></span> searching for the delicious effluvia with his +nose carried high in the air.</p> + +<p><a name="s38" id="s38">38</a>. Whenever birds can be sought for in the wind, the dog should thus hunt +the field—and the higher he carries his nose the better—for, +independently of the far greater chance of finding them, they will allow +the dog to come much nearer than when he approaches them by the foot: but +of this more anon.</p> + +<p><a name="s39" id="s39">39</a>. Setters and Pointers naturally hunt with their noses sufficiently +close to the ground—they want elevating rather than depressing. +Notwithstanding, you will do well to show your pupil a few times out of +doors how to work out a scent, by dragging a piece of bread unperceived by +him <i>down wind</i> through grass, and then letting him "foot" it out. Try him +for a few yards at first; you can gradually increase the length of the +drag. You must not, however, practise this initiatory lesson too +frequently, lest you give him the wretched custom of pottering.</p> + +<p><a name="s40" id="s40">40</a>. The word "Heel," and a backward low wave of the right hand and arm to +the rear—the reverse of the underhand cricket-bowler's swing—will, after +a few times, bring the dog close behind you. Keep him there a while and +pat him, but do not otherwise reward him. The object of the order was to +make him instantly give up hunting, and come to your heels. This signal +cannot be substituted for the "beckon." The one is an order always obeyed +with reluctance—being a command to leave off hunting—whereas the +"beckon" is merely an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_486" id="Page_486">[Pg 486]</a></span> instruction in what direction to beat, and will be +attended to with delight. The signal "heel," however, when given +immediately after loading, is an exception; for the instructions about +"Dead" in xi. of <a href="#s141">141</a>, will show that without your speaking it may be made +to impart the gratifying intelligence of your having killed. See also <a href="#s190">190</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s41" id="s41">41</a>. To teach him to attach a meaning to the word "Gone," or "Away," or +"Flown,"<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a>—select which you will, but do not ring the changes—you may +now rub a piece of meat—if you have no one but your servant to scold +you—in some place where the dog is accustomed frequently to find, and +when he is sniffing at the place say "Gone," or "Away." This he will, +after some trials, perceive to be an intimation that it is of no use to +continue hunting for it.</p> + +<p><a name="s42" id="s42">42</a>. You will greatly facilitate his acquiring the meaning of the command +"Fence," or "Ware-fence," if, from time to time, as he is quitting the +room through the open door or garden window, you restrain him by calling +out that word.</p> + +<p><a name="s43" id="s43">43</a>. Whenever, indeed, you wish him to desist from doing anything, call out +"Ware,"—pronounced "War"—as it will expedite his hereafter understanding +the terms "Ware sheep," "Ware chase," and "Ware lark." The last expression +to be used when he is wasting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_487" id="Page_487">[Pg 487]</a></span> his time upon the scent of anything but +game—a fault best cured by plenty of birds being killed to him. However, +the simple word "No," omitting "Chase" or "Fence," might be substituted +advantageously for "Ware." All you want him to do is to desist from a +wrong action. That sharp sound—and when necessary it can be clearly +thundered out—cannot be misunderstood.</p> + +<p><a name="s44" id="s44">44</a>. That your young dog may not hereafter resist the couples, yoke him +occasionally to a stronger dog, and for the sake of peace, and in the name +of all that is gallant, let it be to the one of the other sex who appears +to be the greatest favorite.</p> + +<p><a name="s45" id="s45">45</a>. When he is thus far advanced in his education, and tolerably obedient, +which he will soon become if you are consistent, and <i>patient</i>, <i>yet +strict</i>, you can, in further pursuance of Astley's plan, associate him in +his lessons with a companion. Should you be breaking in another +youngster—though one at a time you will probably find quite enough, +especially if it be your laudable wish to give him hereafter a well +confirmed scientific range—they can now be brought together for +instruction. You must expect to witness the same jealousy which they would +exhibit on the stubble. Both will be anxious to hunt for the bread, and in +restraining them alternately from so doing, you exact the obedience which +you will require hereafter in the field, when in their natural eagerness +they will endeavor, unless you properly control them, to take the point of +birds from one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_488" id="Page_488">[Pg 488]</a></span> another; or, in their rivalry, run over the taint of a +wounded bird, instead of collectedly and perseveringly working out the +scent. You can throw a bit of toast, and make them "Toho" it, and then let +the dog you name take it. In the same way you can let each alternately +search for a hidden piece, after both have come up to you, on your saying +"Dead." I would also advise you to accustom each dog to "drop," without +any command from you, the moment he sees that the other is down.</p> + +<p><a name="s46" id="s46">46</a>. Those lessons will almost ensure their hereafter instantly obeying, +and nearly instantly comprehending the object of the signal to "back" any +dog which may be pointing game.</p> + +<p><a name="s47" id="s47">47</a>. When you take out two youngsters for exercise, while they are romping +about, suddenly call one into "heel." After a time again send him off on +his gambols. Whistle to catch the eye of the other, and signal to him to +join you. By working them thus alternately, while they are fresh and full +of spirits, you will habituate them to implicit obedience. When the birds +are wild, and you are anxious to send a basket of game to a friend, it is +very satisfactory to be able merely by a sign, without uttering a word, to +bring the other dogs into "heel," leaving the ground to the careful +favorite. Teach the present lesson well, and you go far towards attaining +the desired result.</p> + +<p><a name="s48" id="s48">48</a>. I trust you will not object to the minutiæ of these initiatory +lessons, and fancy you have not time to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_489" id="Page_489">[Pg 489]</a></span> attend to them. By teaching them +well you will gain time,—much time,—and the time that is of most value +to you as a sportsman; for when your dog is regularly hunting to your gun +his every faculty ought to be solely devoted to finding birds, and his +undisturbed intellects exclusively given to aid you in bagging them, +instead of being bewildered by an endeavor to comprehend novel signals or +words of command. I put it to you as a sportsman, whether he will not have +the more delight and ardor in hunting, the more he feels that he +understands your instructions? and, further, I ask you, whether he will +not be the more sensitively alive to the faintest indication of a haunt, +and more readily follow it up to a sure find, if he be unembarrassed by +any anxiety to make out what you mean, and be in no way alarmed at the +consequences of not almost instinctively understanding your wishes?</p> + +<p><a name="s49" id="s49">49</a>. In all these lessons, and those which follow in the field, the +checkcord will wonderfully assist you. Indeed it may be regarded as the +instructor's right hand. It can be employed so mildly as not to intimidate +the most gentle, and it can, without the aid of any whip, be used with +such severity, or I should rather say perseverance, as to conquer the most +wild and headstrong, and these are sure to be dogs of the greatest travel +and endurance. The cord may be from ten to twenty-five<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> yards<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_490" id="Page_490">[Pg 490]</a></span> long, +according to the animal's disposition, and may be gradually shortened as +he gets more and more under command. Even when it is first employed you +can put on a shorter cord if you perceive that he is becoming tired. In +thick stubble, especially if cut with a sickle, the drag will be greater, +far greater than when the cord glides over heather. The cord may be of the +thickness of what some call strong lay-cord, but made of twelve threads. +Sailors would know it by the name of log-line or cod-line. To save the end +from fraying it can be whipped with thread, which is better than tying a +knot, because it is thus less likely to become entangled.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Imitative creatures! who can doubt it? If you make an old dog +perform a trick several times in the sight of a young one who is watching +the proceedings, you will be surprised to see how quickly the young one +will learn the trick, especially if he has seen that the old dog was +always rewarded for his obedience.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Obedience to all such signals will hereafter be taught out of +doors at gradually increased distances; and to confirm him in the habit of +sniffing high in the air (<a href="#s37">37</a>) for whatever you may then hide, put the +bread or meat on a stick or bush, but never in a hedge. With the view to +his some day retrieving, as instanced in <a href="#s190">190</a>, it will be your aim to get +him not to seek immediately, but to watch your signals, until by obeying +them you will have placed him close to where the object lies, at which +precise moment you will say energetically "Find," and cease making any +further signs.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> The least comprehensive and logical of the expressions, yet +one often used. A dog being no critical grammarian, understands it to +apply to fur as well as feather.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> With a resolute, reckless, dashing dog you may +advantageously employ a <i>thinner</i> cord of double that length,—whereas, +the shortest line will sometimes prevent a timid animal from ranging +freely. By-the-bye, the thinner the cord the more readily does it become +entangled—as a rule, a checkcord cannot be too firmly twisted—a soft one +quickly gets knotted and troublesome. (See note to <a href="#s177">177</a>.)</p></div> +</div> + +<p><a name="s50" id="s50">50</a>. Hunted with such a cord, the most indomitable dog, when he is +<i>perfectly obedient to the "drop,"</i> is nearly as amenable to command as if +the end of the line were in the breaker's hand. By no other means can</p> + + + + +<h2><a name="SPANIELS" id="SPANIELS"></a>SPANIELS</h2> + +<p>be <i>quickly</i> broken in. The general object of the trainer is to restrain +them from ranging at a distance likely to spring game out of gun-shot, and +to make them perfect to the "down charge." If one of these high-spirited +animals will not range close when called to by whistle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_491" id="Page_491">[Pg 491]</a></span> or name, the +breaker gets hold of the cord and jerks it; this makes the dog come in a +few paces; another jerk or two makes him approach closer, and then the +breaker, by himself retiring with his face towards the spaniel, calling +out his name—or whistling,—and occasionally jerking the cord, makes him +quite submissive, and more disposed to obey on future occasions.</p> + +<p><a name="s51" id="s51">51</a>. In training a large team it is of much advantage to the keeper to have +a lad to rate, and, when necessary, give the skirters a taste of the +lash—in short, to act as whipper-in. The keeper need not then carry a +whip, or at least often use it, which will make his spaniels all the more +willing to hunt close to him.</p> + +<p><a name="s52" id="s52">52</a>. Lord A——r's head gamekeeper was singularly aided—he possessed a +four-legged whipper-in. Three years since while Mr. D——s—M.P. for a +South Eastern County—was with a shooting party at his Lordship's, the +keeper brought into the field a brace of powerful retrievers, and a team +of spaniels, among which were two that had never been shot over. On the +first pheasant being killed all the old spaniels dropped to shot, but one +of the young ones rushed forward and mouthed the bird. The person who had +fired ran on to save the bird, but the keeper called aloud, and requested +him not to move. The man then made a signal to one of the retrievers to +go. He did so instantly, but, instead of meddling with the bird, he seized +the spaniel, lifted him up, and shook him well. The moment the pup could +escape he came howling to the "heels" of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_492" id="Page_492">[Pg 492]</a></span> the keeper, and lay down among +his companions. The keeper then confessed that a couple of the spaniels +had never been shot to—but he confidently assured the sportsmen they +would see before the day was over that the pups behaved fully as steadily +as the old dogs, and explained to the party how the retriever did all the +disagreeable work, and indeed nearly relieved him of every trouble in +breaking in the youngsters. On the next few shots this novel schoolmaster +was again deputed to show his pupils that he would not allow his special +duties as a retriever to be interfered with. Both the young dogs, having +been thus well chastised, became more careful—made only partial rushes to +the front, when a recollection of their punishment and a dread of their +four-footed tutor brought them slinking back to their older companions. As +the keeper had averred, they soon learned their lesson completely—gave up +all thought of chasing after shot, and quietly crouched down with the +other dogs.</p> + +<p><a name="s53" id="s53">53</a>. I can easily imagine that it was a feeling of jealousy which first +prompted the retriever to thrash some spaniel who was endeavoring to carry +off a bird, and that the clever keeper encouraged him in doing so, +instantly perceiving the value of such assistance. It is worth a +consideration whether it would not be advisable to train the retriever +employed with a team to give this assistance. A dog of a quarrelsome +disposition could be taught, by your urging him, to seize any spaniel who +might be mouthing a bird, in the same manner you would set on a young +terrier to fly at a rat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_493" id="Page_493">[Pg 493]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s54" id="s54">54</a>. Doubtless it is the <i>highest</i> training to teach a team to +"down-charge," but most breakers make their spaniels come into "heel," or +rather gather close around them—by the word "round"—whenever a gun is +discharged. This plan, though so injudicious in the case of pointers or +setters, is but little objectionable in the case of spaniels, for spaniels +in their small sweep inwards are not likely to spring game while the guns +are unloaded. It certainly possesses this merit, that it is readily taught +to puppies—with the aid of a whipper-in—by the trainer's giving them +some delicacy on their rejoining him. It may be urged too that the method +much removes any necessity for noise in calling to a dog—whereas, with a +team trained to the "down-charge," however highly broken, it will +occasionally happen that the keeper—or assistant—has to rate some +excited skirter for not instantly "dropping." Moreover, in thick cover, an +infraction of the irksome rule to "down charge" may sometimes escape +detection, which might lead to future acts of insubordination. Prince +Albert's team of Clumbers "down-charge," but the greatest attention is +paid to them. They are admirably broken, and I may add, are shot over by a +first-rate hand.</p> + +<p><a name="s55" id="s55">55</a>. When exercising young spaniels it is a good plan to habituate them, +even as puppies, never to stray further from you than about twenty yards. +With them, even more than with other kinds of dogs trained for the gun, +great pains should be taken to prevent their having the opportunity of +"self-hunting." If it is wished to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_494" id="Page_494">[Pg 494]</a></span> break from hare, the method to be +followed is mentioned in <a href="#s233">233</a>, &c., for with spaniels as with setters—or +pointers—it is always advisable to drag them back to the spot from which +they started in pursuit.</p> + +<p><a name="s56" id="s56">56</a>. Occasionally you may see a country blacksmith when preparing to shoe +the hind legs of a cart horse that appears disposed to make a disagreeable +use of his heels, twist the long hair at the end of his tail,—raise the +foot that is to be shod,—pass the twisted hair round the leg immediately +above the hock, and by these means press the tendon close to the bone. The +tail assists in retaining the leg in position, and thus, for the time, the +limb is rendered powerless. Acting much upon this coercive principle, but +discarding the aid of the tail, some breakers <i>slightly</i> confine a +hind-leg of their most unruly spaniels with a soft bandage, shifting it +from one leg to the other about every hour. Possibly a loop of vulcanized +india-rubber, being elastic, would best answer the purpose. Restrained in +this manner a dog is less likely to tumble about, and become injured, than +if one of his fore legs had been passed through his collar. Other +breakers, when hunting many couple together, fasten a belt with a few +pounds of shot round the necks of the wildest. But the sooner such +adjuncts to discipline can be safely discarded the better; for "brushing" +a close cover is severe work. Gorse is the most trying<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>. Its prickles +are so numerous and fine that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_495" id="Page_495">[Pg 495]</a></span> the ears and eyes of every spaniel hunted +in it ought to be separately examined on returning home, and well bathed +in warm water. Their eyes are peculiarly liable to be injured by dust and +gravel from their hunting so close to the ground.</p> + +<p><a name="s57" id="s57">57</a>. To give young spaniels sufficient courage to face the most entangled +cover, a judicious trainer will occasionally introduce them to thick +brakes, or gorse, early in the morning, or in the evening, when the noise +of his approach will have made the pheasants feeding in the neighborhood +run far into it for shelter. The effluvia of the birds will then so excite +the young dogs, especially if cheered with good companionship—which +always creates emulation—that they will utterly disregard the pricks and +scratches of the strongest furze.</p> + +<p><a name="s58" id="s58">58</a>. If the time of year will permit, they should be shown game when about +nine or ten months old. At a more advanced age they would be less amenable +to control. Happily the example of a riotous pup will not be as +detrimental to the discipline of the rest of the team as the example of an +ill-conducted companion would be to a pointer—or setter—for the +influence of thoroughly steady spaniels makes the pup curtail his range +sooner than might be expected. Finding that he is not followed by his +associates he soon rejoins them.</p> + +<p><a name="s59" id="s59">59</a>. A judicious breaker will regard perfection in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_496" id="Page_496">[Pg 496]</a></span> "drop"—<a href="#s22">22 to +25</a>—as the main-spring of his educational system. He will teach his young +spaniels to "seek dead"—<a href="#s30">30</a>, <a href="#s31">31</a>, <a href="#s39">39</a>—where directed by signs of the hand. +He will instruct them in "fetching"—<a href="#s92">92</a>, <a href="#s94">94</a>. &c.—with the view to some of +them hereafter retrieving. He will accustom them to hunt hedge-rows, and +light open copses—because always under his eye—before taking them into +closer cover. Nor until they are under some command, and well weaned from +noticing vermin and small birds, will he allow them to enter gorse or +strong thickets, and then he will never neglect—though probably he will +have used them before—to attach bells of <i>different sounds</i> to the +collars of his several pupils—one to each—so that his ear may at all +times detect any truant straying beyond bounds, and thus enable him to +rate the delinquent by name. In this manner he establishes the useful +feeling elsewhere spoken of—<a href="#s262">262</a>—that whether he be within or out of +sight he is equally aware of every impropriety that is committed.</p> + +<p><a name="s60" id="s60">60</a>. Young spaniels, when they have been steadily broken in not to hunt too +far ahead on the instructor's side of the hedge, may be permitted to beat +on the other—and this when only one person is shooting is generally their +most useful position, for they are thus more likely to drive the game +towards the gun.</p> + +<p><a name="s61" id="s61">61</a>. If a keeper is hunting the team, while you and a friend are beating +narrow belts or strips of wood, should you and he be placed, as is usual, +on the outside, a little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_497" id="Page_497">[Pg 497]</a></span> ahead of the keeper—one to his right, the other +to his left—you would much aid him in preventing the young spaniels from +ranging wildly were you to turn your face towards him whenever you saw any +of them getting too far in advance, for they will watch the guns as much +as they will him.</p> + +<p><a name="s62" id="s62">62</a>. Among spaniels the great advantage of age and experience is more +apparent than in partridge-dogs. A young spaniel cannot keep to a +pheasant's tail like an old one. He may push the bird for forty or fifty +yards if judiciously managed. After that he is almost sure from impatience +either to lose it, or rush in and flush out of shot, whereas an old +cocker, who has had much game shot over him, is frequently knowing enough +to slacken his pace, instead of increasing it, when he first touches on +birds, apparently quite sensible that he ought to give the gun time to +approach before he presses to a flush.</p> + +<p><a name="s63" id="s63">63</a>. Even good spaniels, however well bred, if they have not had great +experience, generally road too fast. Undeniably they are difficult animals +to educate, and it requires much watchfulness, perseverance, and attention +at an early age, so to break in a team of young ones that they shall keep +within gun range without your being compelled to halloo or whistle to +them. But some few are yet more highly trained.</p> + +<p><a name="s64" id="s64">64</a>. Mr. N——n, when in France, had a lively, intelligent, liver and white +cocker which would work busily all day long within gun-shot; and which +possessed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_498" id="Page_498">[Pg 498]</a></span> singular accomplishment of steadily pointing all game that +lay well, and of not rushing in until the sportsman had come close to him. +But this is a case of high breaking more curious than useful, for spaniels +are essentially <i>springers</i>, not <i>pointers</i>, and the little animal must +frequently have been lost sight of in cover. Our grandfathers used to +apply the term springers solely to large spaniels—never to the Duke of +Marlborough's small breed, which was greatly prized.</p> + +<p><a name="s65" id="s65">65</a>. A dog is generally most attached to that description of sport, and +soonest recognises the scent of that game, to which he has principally +been accustomed in youth. He will through life hunt most diligently where +he first had the delight of often finding. The utility therefore is +obvious of introducing spaniels at an early age to close covers and +hedge-rows, and setters and pointers to heather and stubble.</p> + +<p><a name="s66" id="s66">66</a>. In spaniels, feathered sterns and long ears are much admired, but +obviously the latter must suffer in thick underwood. The chief requisite +in all kinds of spaniels, is, that they be good finders, and have noses so +true that they will never overrun a scent. Should they do so when footing +an old cock<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> pheasant, the chances<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_499" id="Page_499">[Pg 499]</a></span> are that he will double back on the +exact line by which he came. They should be high-mettled,—as regardless +of the severest weather as of the most punishing cover, and ever ready to +spring into the closest thicket the moment a pointed finger gives the +command.</p> + +<p><a name="s67" id="s67">67</a>. A comprehension of the signal made by the finger—which is far neater +than the raising of the hand described in <a href="#s30">30</a>, but not so quickly +understood—might with advantage be imparted to all dogs trained for the +gun, in order to make them hunt close <i>exactly</i> where directed. It is +usually taught by pointing with the fore-finger of the right hand to +pieces of biscuit, previously concealed, near easily recognised tufts of +grass, weeds, &c. It is beautiful to see how correctly, promptly, yet +quietly, some spaniels will work in every direction thus indicated.</p> + +<p><a name="s68" id="s68">68</a>. Breasting a strong cover with cockers, is more suited to young, than +to old men. The gun must follow rapidly, and stick close when a dog is on +the road of feather. A shot will then infallibly be obtained, if a good +dog be at work; for the more closely a bird is pressed, the hotter gets +the scent. If a pheasant found in thick cover on marshy ground near +water—a locality they much like in hot weather—is not closely pushed, he +will so twist, and turn, and double upon old tracks that none but the most +experienced dogs will be able to stick to him.</p> + +<p><a name="s69" id="s69">69</a>. The preceding observations respecting spaniels apply to all +descriptions employed on land-service,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_500" id="Page_500">[Pg 500]</a></span> whether of the strong kind, the +Sussex breed and the Clumber, or the smallest cockers, Blenheims and King +Charles'. But whether they are to be trained not to hunt flick<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a>—the +most difficult part of their tuition, and in which there is generally most +failure,—and whether they shall be bred to give tongue, or run mute, will +depend much upon the nature of the country to be hunted, and yet more upon +the taste of the proprietor. No fixed rules can be given for a sport that +varies so much as cover-shooting.</p> + +<p><a name="s70" id="s70">70</a>. Of the large kind, most sportsmen will think a couple and a half a +sufficient number to hunt at a time. Certainly one of them should +retrieve: and they ought to be well broken in not to notice flick. These +dogs are most esteemed when they run mute. If they do, they must be hunted +with bells in very thick cover; but the less bells are employed the +better, for the tinkling sound, in a greater or smaller degree, annoys all +game. Such dogs, when good, are very valuable.</p> + +<p><a name="s71" id="s71">71</a>. I once shot over a team of Clumber spaniels belonging to Mr. +D——z.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> The breed—the Duke of Newcastle's, taking their name from one +of his seats—are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_501" id="Page_501">[Pg 501]</a></span> mostly white with a little lemon color, have large, +sensible heads, thick, short legs, silky coats, carry their sterns low, +and hunt perfectly mute. The team kept within twenty or twenty-five yards +of the keeper, were trained to acknowledge rabbits, as well as all kinds +of game; and in the country Mr. D——z was then shooting over afforded +capital sport. One of the spaniels was taught to retrieve. He would follow +to any distance, and seldom failed to bring. A regular retriever was, +however, generally taken out with them. Mr. D——z told me that they +required very judicious management, and encouragement rather than +severity, as undue whipping soon made them timid. They are of a delicate +constitution. He rather surprised me by saying that his spaniels from +working quietly and ranging close,—therefore, alarming the birds +less,—procured him far more shots in turnips than his pointers; and he +had three that looked of the right sort. He explained matters, however, by +telling me that it was his practice to make a circuit round the outskirts +of a turnip or a potato field before hunting the inner parts. This of +course greatly tended to prevent the birds breaking. A juvenile sportsman +would rejoice in the services of the spaniels, for many a rabbit would +they procure for him without the aid of powder and shot.</p> + +<p><a name="s72" id="s72">72</a>. When Colonel M——, who died in Syria, was stationed with his troop of +Horse Artillery at Pontefract, he was asked to shoot partridges at Lord +P——n's seat in Yorkshire. On meeting the gamekeeper, according<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_502" id="Page_502">[Pg 502]</a></span> to +appointment, he found him surrounded by a team of Clumber spaniels. +Colonel M——, in some surprise at seeing no setters or pointers, remarked +that he had expected some <i>partridge</i> shooting. "I know it," answered the +man, "and I hope to show you some sport." To the inquiry why one of the +spaniels was muzzled, the keeper said that his master had threatened to +shoot it should it again give tongue, and, as it possessed a particularly +fine nose, he—the keeper—was anxious not to lose it. They walked on, and +soon the man told M—— to be prepared, as the spaniels were feathering. A +covey rose. The Colonel, who was a good shot, killed right and left. All +the spaniels dropped instantly. When he was reloading the keeper begged +him to say which of the dogs should retrieve the game. M—— pointed to a +broad-headed dog lying in the middle, when the keeper directed by name the +spaniel so favored to be off. It quickly fetched one of the birds. The +keeper then asked M—— to choose some other dog to bring the remaining +bird—a runner. He did so, and the animal he selected to act as retriever +performed the duty very cleverly; the rest of the team remaining quite +still, until its return.</p> + +<p>The Colonel had capital sport, killing nearly twenty brace, and the dogs +behaved beautifully throughout the day. When afterwards relating the +circumstances, he observed that, although an old sportsman, he had seldom +been so gratified, as it was a novel scene to him, who had not been +accustomed to shoot over spaniels.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_503" id="Page_503">[Pg 503]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s73" id="s73">73</a>. Of small cockers, three couple appear ample to form a team. Some teams +of small springers greatly exceed this number, and many sportsmen shoot +over more than a couple and a half of the larger spaniels; but it is a +question whether, in the generality of cases, the gun would not benefit by +the number being diminished rather than increased. The smaller in number +the team, the greater is the necessity that none of them should stick too +close to "heel." The difficulty is to make them hunt far enough, and yet +not too far. At least one of the number should retrieve well. If they give +tongue, it ought to be in an intelligible manner; softly, when they first +come on the haunt of a cock, but making the cover ring again with their +joyous melody, when once the bird is flushed. A first rate cocker will +never deceive by opening upon an old haunt, nor yet find the gun +unprepared by delaying to give due warning before he flushes the bird. +When cocks are abundant, some teams are broken, not only to avoid flick, +but actually not to notice a pheasant, or anything besides woodcock. +Hardly any price would tempt a real lover of cock-shooting, in a cocking +country, to part with such a team. Hawker terms the sport, "the +fox-hunting of shooting." Some sportsmen kill water-hens to young spaniels +to practise them in forcing their way through entangled covers, and get +them well in hand and steady against the all-important cocking season.</p> + +<p><a name="s74" id="s74">74</a>. When a regular retriever can be constantly employed with spaniels, of +course it will be unnecessary to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_504" id="Page_504">[Pg 504]</a></span> make any of them fetch game—certainly +never to lift anything which falls out of bounds—though all the team +should be taught to "seek dead." This is the plan pursued by the Duke of +Newcastle's keepers, and obviously it is the soundest and easiest +practice, for it must always be more or less difficult to make a spaniel +keep within his usual hunting limits, who is occasionally encouraged to +pursue wounded game, at his best pace, to a considerable distance.</p> + +<p><a name="s75" id="s75">75</a>. Other teams are broken no more than to keep within range, being +allowed to hunt all kinds of game, and also rabbits; they, however, are +restricted from pursuing wounded flick further than fifty or sixty yards. +Where rabbits are abundant, and outlying, a team thus broken affords +lively sport—nothing escapes them.</p> + +<p><a name="s76" id="s76">76</a>. Wild spaniels, though they may show you most cock, will get you fewest +shots, unless you have well-placed markers. There are sportsmen who like +to take out one steady dog to range close to them, and a couple of wild +ones to hunt on the flanks, one on each side, expressly that the latter +may put up birds for the markers to take note of.</p> + +<p><a name="s77" id="s77">77</a>. An old sportsman knows <i>mute</i> spaniels to be most killing: a young one +may prefer those which give tongue—if true from the beginning owning +nothing but game,—because, though undeniably greater disturbers of a +cover, they are more cheerful and animating. The superiority of the former +is, however, apparent on a still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_505" id="Page_505">[Pg 505]</a></span> calm day, when the least noise will make +the game steal away long before the gun gets within shot. But it is not so +in all countries.</p> + +<p><a name="s78" id="s78">78</a>. In very thick covers it is obvious, the height of setters being +greatly against them, that spaniels are far preferable: but in light +covers, and when the leaves are off the trees, <i>handy</i> old setters—if +white, all the better—that will readily confine themselves to a +restricted range, and will flush their game when ordered—IV. and VII. of +<a href="#s119">119</a> and <a href="#s196">196</a>—afford quite as much sport, if not more. Setters do not, to +the same degree, alarm birds; and there is, also, this advantage, that +they can be employed on <i>all</i> occasions, excepting in low gorse or the +closest thickets, whereas spaniels, from their contracted "beat," are +nearly useless in the open when game is scarce. You will be prepared, when +first you hunt a setter in cover, to sacrifice much of your sport. There +must be noise; for it is essential to make him at once thoroughly +understand the very different "beat" required of him, and this can only be +effected by constantly checking and rating him, whenever he ranges beyond +the prescribed limits. He should hunt slowly and carefully to the right +and left, and never be much in advance of the guns. In a short time he +will comprehend matters, if you are so forbearing and judicious as +invariably to call him away from every point made the least out of bounds. +A less severe test of your consistency will not suffice. The few first +days will either make or mar him as a cover-dog. You must naturally expect +that hunting him much in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_506" id="Page_506">[Pg 506]</a></span> cover will injure his range in the open, and +make him too fond of hedge-rows.</p> + +<p><a name="s79" id="s79">79</a>. But there is a man in Yorkshire, who will not willingly admit +this.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> C——e, Sir George A——e's gamekeeper—and a good one he is, +for he has a particularly difficult country to protect, one intersected +with "rights of way" in every direction—makes his pointers as freely hunt +the cover as the open. You never lose them, for they are sure to make +their appearance when they think they have given you ample time to go to +them if you choose. This cover work does not the least unsteady them, but +it is right to state that C—— is an unusually good breaker, and works +his dogs with singular temper and patience. They are very attached to him, +and appear to listen anxiously to what he says when he talks to +them—which, I own, he does more than I recommend.</p> + +<p><a name="s80" id="s80">80</a>. Pointers, however, are manifestly out of place in strong cover, though +an unusually high-couraged one may occasionally be found, who will dash +forward in defiance of pricks and scratches; but it is not fair to expect +it. In a very light cover I have often shot over one belonging to a +relation of mine, which was so clever, that when I came close to her as +she was pointing, she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_507" id="Page_507">[Pg 507]</a></span> would frequently run around to the other side of +the thicket, and then rush in to drive the game towards me. This killing +plan had in no way been taught her; she adopted it solely of her own +sagacity. Having been much hunted in cover when young, she was so fond of +it (<a href="#s65">65</a>) as to be, comparatively speaking, quite unserviceable on the +stubbles.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> There is no gorse in America. It is a prickly shrub, severe +enough, but nothing to compare to catbriars, or even to the hollies of +Southern Jersey.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> The only bird which we have in America, at all analogous in +habit to the pheasant, though totally different in species and appearance, +is the Ruffed Grouse, erroneously called Pheasant in the South, and +Partridge in the Eastern States. It is, however, for cock and quail +shooting in covert, that the Spaniel would be of such inestimable service +to sportsmen in North America.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> For the benefit of those who have the good fortune, or the +bad fortune, as the case may be, of always living within the sound of Bow +bells, "Flick," be it observed, is a synonym for "Fur," thereby meaning +Hare or Rabbit.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Contrary to my usual system, I preserve these anecdotes, as +relating to the Clumber Spaniels, which are so little known, and which I +so much desire to see introduced in America.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> I leave these two anecdotes, contrary to my usual system, as +we use setters and pointers so generally in cover in America, that the +idea of their being utterly unfit for cover work seems strange. Yet such +is the opinion in England, and where they are chiefly used in the open it +<i>does</i> operate to spoil their range.—H.W.H.</p></div> +</div> + + + +<h4><a name="WATER_SPANIELS_OR_WATER_RETRIEVERS" id="WATER_SPANIELS_OR_WATER_RETRIEVERS"></a>WATER SPANIELS (OR WATER RETRIEVERS).</h4> + +<p><a name="s81" id="s81">81</a>. A young water spaniel might, with advantage, occasionally be indulged +with a duck hunt in warm weather. It would tend to make him quick in the +water, and observant. The finishing lessons might conclude with your +shooting the bird and obliging him to retrieve it. He should be made handy +to your signals—IV. to VII. and X. of <a href="#s119">119</a>—so as to hunt the fens and +marshes, and "seek dead" exactly where you may wish.</p> + +<p><a name="s82" id="s82">82</a>. This obedience to the hand is particularly required; for when the +spaniel is swimming he is on a level with the bird, and therefore is not +so likely to see it—especially if there is a ripple on the water—as you, +who probably are standing many feet above him on the shore. As you may +frequently, while he is retrieving, have occasion to direct his movements +when at a considerable distance from him, you probably would find it more +advantageous to teach him the forward signal used by shepherds, than the +one described in IV. of <a href="#s119">119</a>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_508" id="Page_508">[Pg 508]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s83" id="s83">83</a>. A water spaniel should also be taught to fetch—<a href="#s86">86</a>, <a href="#s87">87</a>, <a href="#s91">91</a> to <a href="#s94">94</a>—be +accustomed to follow quietly close to your heels,—be broken in, not to +the "down charge"—<a href="#s26">26</a>—but to the "drop"—<a href="#s22">22</a> to <a href="#s25">25</a>—the instant you signal +to him, while you are noiselessly stalking the wild-fowl previously +reconnoitred, with the aid of your Dollond, from some neighboring height; +nor should he stir a limb, however long he and you may have to await, +ensconced behind a favoring bush, the right moment for the destructive +raking discharge of your first barrel, to be followed by the less +murderous but still effective flying shot. On hearing the report, it is +his duty to dash instantly into the water, and secure the slain as rapidly +as possible.</p> + +<p><a name="s84" id="s84">84</a>. A really good water retriever is a scarce and valuable animal. He +should be neither white nor black, because the colors are too conspicuous, +especially the former—a hint by-the-bye for your own costume;<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>—he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_509" id="Page_509">[Pg 509]</a></span> +should be perfectly mute; of a patient disposition, though active in the +pursuit of birds; of so hardy a constitution as not to mind the severest +cold,—therefore no coddling while he is young near a fire,—and possess +what many are deficient in, viz. a good nose: consequently a cross that +will improve his nose, yet not decrease his steadiness, is the great +desideratum in breeding. He should swim rapidly, for wild fowl that are +only winged, will frequently escape from the quickest dog if they have +plenty of sea-room and deep water—see also <a href="#s96">96</a>, <a href="#s302">302</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s85" id="s85">85</a>. In the wild-<i>rice</i> lakes, as they are commonly called, of America, a +brace of highly-trained spaniels will sometimes, on a windy day, afford +you magnificent sport. The cover is so good that, if it is not often +beaten, the birds will frequently get up singly, or only a couple at a +time. The dogs should keep swimming about within gun shot, while you are +slowly and silently paddling, or probably poling your canoe through the +most likely spots. Relays of spaniels are requisite, for it is fatiguing +work. If, by any rare chance, you are situated where you can get much of +this delightful shooting, and <i>you are an enthusiast in training</i>, it may +be worth your while to consider whether there would not be an advantage in +making the dogs perfect in the "down charge," as they would then cease +swimming<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_510" id="Page_510">[Pg 510]</a></span> the instant you fired. But this long digression about spaniels +has led us away from your pup, which we assumed—<a href="#s3">3</a>—to be a pointer, or +setter.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> But when the moors are covered with snow, poachers, who +emerge in bands from the mines, often put a shirt over their clothes, and +manage to approach grouse at a time when a fair sportsman cannot get a +shot; but this is the only occasion on which one uniform color could be +advantageous. A mass of <i>any</i> single color always catches, and arrests the +eye. Nature tells us this; animals that browse, elephants, buffaloes, and +large deer, as well as those which can escape from their enemies by speed, +are mostly of one color. On the contrary, the tiger kind, snakes, and all +that lie in wait for, and seize their prey by stealth, wear a garment of +many colors, so do the smaller animals and most birds, which are saved +from capture by the inability of their foes to distinguish them from the +surrounding foliage or herbage. The uniform of our rifle corps is too much +of one hue.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h4>LESSONS IN "FETCHING."—RETRIEVERS.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s86" id="s86">86</a>. Though you may not wish your young pointer (or setter) to perform the +duties of a regular retriever (<a href="#s292">292</a>), still you would do well to teach him, +whilst he is a puppy, to fetch and deliver into your hand anything soft +you may occasionally throw for him, or leave behind you in some place +where he will have observed you deposit it, while he is following at your +heels. In a little time you can drop something <i>without</i> letting him see +you, and afterwards send him back for it. A dog thus made, who is your +intimate companion, becomes so conversant with every article of your +apparel, and with whatever you usually carry about you, that, should you +accidentally drop anything, the observant animal will be almost certain to +recover it. On receiving your order to "be off and find" he will +accurately retrace your footsteps for miles and miles, diligently hunting +every yard of the ground. Of course the distances to which you at first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_511" id="Page_511">[Pg 511]</a></span> +send your dog will be inconsiderable, and you should carefully avoid +persevering too long a time, lest he get sick of the lesson. Indeed, in +all his lessons—as well in-doors as out—but particularly in this, let it +be your aim to leave off at a moment when he has performed entirely to +your satisfaction; that you may part the best of friends, and that the +last impression made by the lesson may be pleasing as well as correct, +from a grateful recollection of the caresses which he has received. In +wild-duck shooting you may be in situations where you would be very glad +if the dog would bring your bird; and when it is an active runner in +cover, I fear you will be more anxious than I could wish—<a href="#s221">221</a>—that the +dog should "fetch." It is probable that he will thus assist you if he be +practised as I have just advised; and such instruction may lead, years +hence, to his occasionally bringing you some dead bird which he may come +across, and which you otherwise might have imagined you had missed, for +its scent might be too cold, and consequently too changed, for the dog to +have thought of regularly pointing it.</p> + +<p><a name="s87" id="s87">87</a>. Mark my having said "deliver into your hand," that your young dog may +not be satisfied with only dropping, within your sight, any bird he may +lift, and so, perhaps, leave it on the other side of a trout stream, as I +have seen dogs do more than once, in spite of every persuasion and +entreaty. With a young dog, who retrieves, never pick up a bird yourself, +however close it may fall to you. Invariably, make him either deliver<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_512" id="Page_512">[Pg 512]</a></span> it +into your hand or lay it at your feet. The former is by far the better +plan. If the dog has at one moment to drop the bird at your will, he is +likely to fancy himself privileged to drop it at another time for his own +convenience. In other respects, too, the former is the safest method. I +have a bitch now in my recollection, who frequently lost her master +slightly winged birds,—which she had admirably recovered—by dropping +them too soon on hearing the report of a gun, or coming on other game—for +off they ran, and fairly escaped, it being impracticable, by any +encouragement, to induce her to seek for a bird she had once lifted.</p> + +<p><a name="s88" id="s88">88</a>. I observed it was something soft which you should teach your dog to +fetch. Probably you have seen a retriever taught to seek and bring a +stone, upon which, in a delicate manner, the tutor has spit. Does it not +stand to reason that the stone must have tended to give his pupil a hard +mouth? And what may, later in life, cause him much misery, in dashing at a +bounding stone, he may split a tooth. Dogs of an advanced age suffer more +in their mouths than most of us suspect.</p> + +<p><a name="s89" id="s89">89</a>. Should your pup be unwilling to enter water, on no account push him +in, under the mistaken idea that it will reconcile him to the element—it +will but augment his fears. Rather, on a warm day, throw some biscuit for +him, when he is hungry, close to the edge of the bank, where it is so +shallow as merely to require his wading. Chuck the next piece a little +further off, and, by degrees, increase the distance until he gets beyond<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_513" id="Page_513">[Pg 513]</a></span> +his depth, and finds that nature has given him useful swimming powers. On +no occasion will the example of another dog more assist you. Your +youngster's diving can never be of service; therefore throw in only what +will float. Otherwise he might have a plunge for nothing, and so be +discouraged; and evidently it should be your constant aim to avoid doing +anything likely to shake his confidence in you.</p> + +<p><a name="s90" id="s90">90</a>. If you ever have occasion to teach a dog to dive and retrieve, first +accustom him, on land, to fetch something heavy, of a conspicuous color. +When he brings it eagerly, commence your diving lesson by throwing it into +the shallowest parts of the stream. Only by slow degrees get to deep +water, and let your lessons be very short. Never chuck in a stone. The +chances are twenty to one that there are several at the bottom not very +dissimilar, and the young dog ought not to be subjected to the temptation +of picking up one of them in lieu of that he was sent for. Should he on +any occasion do so, neither scold nor caress him; quietly take what he +brings, lay it at your feet, to show him that you want it not, and +endeavor to make him renew his search for what you threw in; do this by +signs, and by encouragement with your voice, rather than by chucking +stones in the right direction, lest he should seek for them instead of +searching for what you originally sent him.</p> + +<p><a name="s91" id="s91">91</a>. Some teachers make a young dog fetch a round pin cushion, or a cork +ball, in which needles are judiciously<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_514" id="Page_514">[Pg 514]</a></span> buried; nor is it a bad plan, and +there need be no cruelty in it, if well managed. At least it can only be +cruel once, for the dog's recollection of his sufferings will prevent his +picking up the offending object a second time. Others, after he is well +drilled into "fetching," and takes pleasure in it, will make him bring a +bunch of keys. There are few things a dog is less willing to lift. Most +probably they gave him some severe rebuffs when first heedlessly snatching +at them; and the caution thereby induced tends to give him a careful, +tender mouth. A fencing master, I knew in France, had a spaniel, +singularly enough for a Frenchman, called "Waterloo," that would take up +the smallest needle.</p> + +<p><a name="s92" id="s92">92</a>. When your dog has picked up what you desired, endeavor to make him run +to you quickly. Many who teach a dog to fetch, praise and encourage him +while he is bringing what he was sent after. Clearly this is an error. It +induces the dog to loiter and play with it. He thinks he is lauded for +having it in his mouth and carrying it about. Reserve your encomiums and +caresses until he has delivered it. If you walk away, the fear of your +leaving him will induce him to hurry after you. Let a dog retrieve ever so +carelessly, still, while on the move, he will rarely drop a bird.</p> + +<p><a name="s93" id="s93">93</a>. Dogs that retrieve should be gradually brought to lift heavy, flexible +things, and such as require a large grasp, that they may not be quite +unprepared for the weight and size of a hare; otherwise they may be +inclined<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_515" id="Page_515">[Pg 515]</a></span> to drag it along by a slight hold of the skin, instead of +balancing it across their mouths. Thus capacious jaws are obviously an +advantage in retrievers. The French gamekeepers, many of whom are capital +hands at making a retriever—excepting that they do not teach the "down +charge,"—stuff a hare or rabbit skin with straw, and when the dog has +learned to fetch it with eagerness, they progressively increase its weight +by burying larger and larger pieces of wood in the middle of the straw: +and to add to the difficulty of carrying it, they often throw it to the +other side of a hedge or thick copse. If the dog shows any tendency to a +hard mouth they mix thorns with the straw.</p> + +<p><a name="s94" id="s94">94</a>. I ought to have mentioned sooner that you should commence teaching a +puppy to "fetch" by shaking your glove—or anything soft—at him, and +encouraging him to seize and drag it from you. Then throw it a yard or two +off, gradually increasing the distance, and the moment he delivers it to +you, give him something palatable. Should you, contrary to every +reasonable expectation, from his having no inclination to romp or play +with the glove, not be able to persuade him to pick it up, put it between +his teeth—force him to grasp it by tightly pressing his jaws together, +speaking all the while impressively to him—scold him if he is obstinate +and refuses to take hold of the glove. After a little time retire a few +paces, keeping one hand under his mouth—to prevent his dropping the +glove,—while you lead or drag him with the other. When you halt, be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_516" id="Page_516">[Pg 516]</a></span> sure +not to take the glove immediately from him—oblige him to continue holding +it for at least a minute—lest he should learn to relinquish his grip too +soon,—before you make him yield at the command "give;" then bestow a +reward. Should he drop it before he is ordered to deliver it, replace it +in his mouth and again retreat some steps before ordering him to "give." +He will soon follow with it at your heels. If you have sufficient +perseverance you can thus make him earn all his daily food. Hunger will +soon perfect him in the lesson. Observe that there are four distinct +stages in this trick of carrying—the first, making the dog grasp and +retain—the second, inducing him to bring, following at your heels—the +third, teaching him not to quit his hold when you stop—the fourth, +getting him to deliver into your hands on your order. The great advantage +of a sporting dog's acquiring this trick is that it accustoms him to +deliver into your <i>hands</i>; and it often happens that you must thus teach a +dog to "carry" as a preparative to teaching him to "fetch." It certainly +will be judicious in you to do so, if the dog is a lively, riotous animal; +for the act of carrying the glove—or stick, &c.—quietly at your heels +will sober him, and make him less likely to run off with it instead of +delivering it when you are teaching him to fetch. As soon as he brings the +glove tolerably well, try him with a short stick. You will wish him not to +seize the end of it, lest he should learn to "drag" instead of "carry." +Therefore fix pegs or wires into holes drilled at right angles to each +other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_517" id="Page_517">[Pg 517]</a></span> at the extremities of the stick. He will then only grasp it near +the middle.</p> + +<p><a name="s95" id="s95">95</a>. This drill should be further extended if a</p> + + + + +<h4><a name="REGULAR_LAND_RETRIEVER" id="REGULAR_LAND_RETRIEVER"></a>REGULAR LAND RETRIEVER</h4> + + +<p>be your pupil. Throw dead birds of any kind for him to bring—of course +one at a time,—being on the alert to check him whenever he grips them too +severely. If he persists in disfiguring them, pass a few blunted knitting +needles through them at right angles to one another. When he fetches with +a tender mouth, you will be able to follow up this method of training +still further by letting him "road"—or "foot," as it is often termed—a +rabbit in high stubble, one—or both, if a strong buck—of whose hind legs +you will have previously bandaged in the manner described in <a href="#s56">56</a>. Be +careful not to let him see you turn it out, lest he watch your proceedings +and endeavor to "hunt by eye." Indeed it might be better to employ another +person to turn it out. Keep clear of woods for some time—the cross scents +would puzzle him. If by any chance you have a winged pheasant or +partridge, let him retrieve it. You will not, I presume, at the +commencement select a morning when there is a dry cold wind from the +north-east, but probably you will wish to conclude his initiatory lessons +on days which you judge to possess least scent. The more he has been +practised as described in <a href="#s39">39</a>, the better will he work; for he cannot keep +his nose too perseveringly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_518" id="Page_518">[Pg 518]</a></span> close to the ground. With reference to the +instructions in that paragraph, I will here remark, that before you let +the dog stoop to hunt, you should have placed him by signal (<a href="#s31">31</a>) near the +spot from which you had begun dragging the bread. In paragraph <a href="#s190">190</a> an +instance is given of the manner in which a dog who retrieves should be put +upon a scent; and why that mode is adopted is explained in <a href="#s184">184</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s96" id="s96">96</a>. It is quite astonishing how well an old dog that retrieves knows when +a bird is struck. He instantly detects any hesitation or uncertainty of +movement, and for a length of time will watch its flight with the utmost +eagerness, and, steadily keeping his eye on it, will as surely as yourself +mark its fall. To induce a young dog to become thus observant, always let +him perceive that <i>you</i> watch a wounded bird with great eagerness; his +imitative instinct will soon lead him to do the same. This faculty of +observation is particularly serviceable in a water retriever. It enables +him to swim direct to the crippled bird, and, besides the saving of time, +the less he is in the water in severe weather, the less likely is he to +suffer from rheumatism.</p> + +<p><a name="s97" id="s97">97</a>. As an initiatory lesson in making him observant of the flight and fall +of birds, place a few pigeons, or other birds, during his absence, each in +a hole covered with a tile. Afterwards come upon these spots apparently +unexpectedly, and, kicking away the tiles—or, what is better, dragging +them off by a previously adjusted string,—shoot the birds for him to +bring; it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_519" id="Page_519">[Pg 519]</a></span> being clearly understood that he has been previously tutored +into having no dread of the gun. As he will have been taught to search +where bidden—IV. to VIII. of <a href="#s119">119</a>,—nothing now remains but to take him +out on a regular campaign, when the fascinating scent of game will +infallibly make him search—I do not say deliver—with great eagerness. +When once he then touches upon a scent, leave him entirely to himself—not +a word, not a sign. Possibly his nose may not be able to follow the bird, +but it is certain that yours cannot. Occasionally you may be able to help +an old retriever (<a href="#s296">296</a>), but rarely, if ever, a young one. Your +interference, nay, probably your mere presence, would so excite him as to +make him overrun the scent. Remain, therefore, quietly where you are until +he rejoins you.</p> + +<p><a name="s98" id="s98">98</a>. When we see a winged pheasant racing off, most of us are too apt to +assist a young dog, forgetting that we thereby teach him, instead of +devoting his whole attention to work out the scent, to turn to us for aid +on occasions when it may be impossible to give it. When a dog is hunting +<i>for</i> birds, he should frequently look to the gun for signals, but when he +is <i>on</i> them he should trust to nothing but his own scenting faculties.</p> + +<p><a name="s99" id="s99">99</a>. If, from a judicious education, a retriever pup has had a delight in +"fetching" rapidly, it is not likely he will loiter on the way to mouth +his birds; but the fatigue of carrying a hare a considerable distance may, +perhaps, induce a young dog to drop it in order to take a moment's rest. +There is a risk that when doing so he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_520" id="Page_520">[Pg 520]</a></span> may be tempted to lick the blood, +and, finding it palatable, be led to maul the carcase. You see, therefore, +the judiciousness of employing every means in your power to ensure his +feeling anxious to deliver <i>quickly</i>, and I know not what plan will answer +better—though it sounds sadly unsentimental—than to have some pieces of +hard boiled liver<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> at hand to bestow upon him the moment he surrenders +his game, until he is thoroughly confirmed in an expeditious delivery. +Never give him a piece, however diligently he may have searched, unless he +succeeds in bringing. When you leave off these rewards do so gradually. +The invariable bestowal of such dainties during, at least, the retriever's +first season, will prevent his ever dropping a bird on hearing the report +of a gun—as many do—in order to search for the later killed game.</p> + +<p><a name="s100" id="s100">100</a>. Should a young retriever evince any wish to assist the cook by +plucking out the feathers of a bird; or from natural vice or mismanagement +before he came into your possession,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> show any predisposition to taste +blood, take about two feet (dependent upon the size of the dog's head) of +iron wire, say the one-eighth of an inch in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_521" id="Page_521">[Pg 521]</a></span> diameter, sufficiently +flexible for <i>you</i>, but not for <i>him</i> to bend. Shape this much into the +form of the letter <big>U</big>, supposing the extremities to be joined +by a straight line. Place the straight part in the dog's mouth, and +passing the other over his head and ears, retain it in position by a light +throat lash passed through a turn in the wire, as here roughly +represented. The flexibility of the wire will enable you to adjust it with +ease to the shape of his head. When in the kennel he ought to be +occasionally thus bitted, that he may not fret when he is first hunted +with it. It will not injure his teeth or much annoy him if it lie on his +grinders a little behind the tushes.</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 93px;"> +<img src="images/img_530_th.jpg" width="93" height="119" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><a name="s101" id="s101">101</a>. Sometimes a retriever, notwithstanding every encouragement, will not +pursue a winged bird with sufficient rapidity. In this case associate him +for a few days with a quicker dog, whose example will to a certainty +animate him and increase his pace. It is true that when he is striving to +hit off a scent he cannot work too patiently and perseveringly; but, on +the other hand, the moment he is satisfied he is on it, he cannot follow +too rapidly. A winged bird, when closely pressed, seems, through +nervousness, to emit an increasing stream of scent; therefore, though it +may sound paradoxical, the retriever's accelerated pace then makes him +(his nose being close to the ground) the less likely to overrun it; and +the faster he pursues the less ground must he disturb, for the shorter +will be the chase.</p> + +<p><a name="s102" id="s102">102</a>. Retrievers are generally taught to rush in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_522" id="Page_522">[Pg 522]</a></span> instant a bird falls. +This plan, like most other things, has its advocates and its opponents. I +confess to being one of the latter, for I cannot believe that in the long +run it is the best way to fill the bag. I think it certain that more game +is lost by birds being flushed while the guns are unloaded, than could be +lost from the scent cooling during the short period the dog remains at the +"down charge." Unquestionably some retrievers have so good a nose, that +the delay would not lead to their missing any wounded game however +slightly struck; and the delay has this great advantage, that it helps to +keep the retriever under proper subjection, and diminishes his anxiety to +rush to every part of the line where a gun may be fired, instead of +remaining quietly at his master's heels until signalled to take up the +scent. Moreover, a retriever by neglecting the "down charge," sets an +example to the pointers or setters who may be his companions, which it is +always more or less difficult to prevent the dogs, if young, from +following. But I once shot over a retriever which I could hardly wish not +to have "run on shot." On a bird being hit he started off with the +greatest impetuosity, kept his eye immovably fixed on its flight, and +possessed such speed that a winged bird scarcely touched the ground ere it +was pinned. He would, too, often seize a slightly injured hare before it +had acquired its best pace. The pursuit so soon terminated that possibly +less game escaped being fired at than if the retriever had not stirred +until the guns were reloaded. On a miss he was never allowed—indeed +appeared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_523" id="Page_523">[Pg 523]</a></span> little inclined—to quit "heel." Of course a trainer's trouble +is decreased by not breaking to the "down charge," which may induce some +to recommend the plan; though it is to be observed, that this class of +dogs is more easily than any other perfected in it, because the breaker +nearly always possesses the power of treading upon or seizing the +checkcord the instant a bird is sprung.</p> + +<p><a name="s103" id="s103">103</a>. The nature of your shooting will much influence you in deciding which +of the two methods to adopt; but should you select the one which the +generality of good sportsmen consider to be most according to rule, and to +possess the greatest beauty, viz., the "down charge," rather lose any +bird, however valuable, so long as your retriever remains young, than put +him on the "foot" a second before you have reloaded. Undoubtedly it ought +to be taught to every dog broken for sale, as the purchaser can always +dispense with it should he judge it unnecessary—it can soon be untaught. +It is clear that not "quitting heel" until ordered is tantamount to the +regular "down charge," but I think the last is the easiest to enforce +constantly. It is the more decided step.</p> + +<p><a name="s104" id="s104">104</a>. Large retrievers are less apt to mouth their game than small ones: +but very heavy dogs are not desirable, for they soon tire. And yet a +certain medium is necessary, for they ought to have sufficient strength to +carry a hare with ease through a thicket, when balanced in their jaws, and +be able to jump a fence with her. They should run mute. And they should be +thick coated: unless they are so,—I do not say long<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_524" id="Page_524">[Pg 524]</a></span> coated,—they cannot +be expected to dash into close cover, or plunge into water after a duck or +snipe when the thermometer is near zero.</p> + +<p><a name="s105" id="s105">105</a>. It is usually allowed that, as a general rule, the best land +retrievers are bred from a cross between the setter and the +Newfoundland—or the strong spaniel and Newfoundland. I do not mean the +heavy Labrador, whose weight and bulk is valued because it adds to his +power of draught, nor the Newfoundland, increased in size at Halifax and +St. John's to suit the taste of the English purchaser,—but the far +slighter dog reared by the settlers on the coast,—a dog that is quite as +fond of water as of land, and which in almost the severest part of a North +American winter will remain on the edge of a rock for hours together, +watching intently for anything the passing waves may carry near him. Such +a dog is highly prized. Without his aid the farmer would secure but few of +the many wild ducks he shoots at certain seasons of the year. The patience +with which he waits for a shot on the top of a high cliff—until the +numerous flock sail leisurely underneath—would be fruitless, did not his +noble dog fearlessly plunge in from the greatest height, and successfully +bring the slain to shore.</p> + +<p><a name="s106" id="s106">106</a>. Probably a cross from the heavy, large headed setter, who, though so +wanting in pace, has an exquisite nose; and the true Newfoundland, makes +the best retriever. Nose is the first desideratum. A breaker may doubt +which of his pointers or setters possesses the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_525" id="Page_525">[Pg 525]</a></span> greatest olfactory powers, +but a short trial tells him which of his retrievers has the finest nose.</p> + +<p><a name="s107" id="s107">107</a>. Making a first-rate retriever is a work of time, but his being +<i>thoroughly</i> grounded in the required initiatory lessons facilitates +matters surprisingly. Indeed after having been taught the "drop"—<a href="#s22">22</a>, <a href="#s24">24</a>, +<a href="#s25">25</a>,—to "fetch"—<a href="#s92">92</a> to <a href="#s94">94</a>—and "seek dead" in the precise direction he is +ordered—XI of <a href="#s119">119</a>,—almost any kind of dog can be made to retrieve. The +better his nose is, the better of course he will retrieve. Sagacity, good +temper, quickness of comprehension, a teachable disposition, and all +cultivated qualities are almost as visibly transmitted to offspring as +shape and action; therefore the stronger a dog's hereditary instincts lead +him to retrieve, the less will be the instructor's trouble; and the more +obedient he is made to the signals of the hand, the more readily will he +be put upon a scent. Dogs that are by nature quick rangers do not take +instinctively to retrieving. They have not naturally sufficient patience +to work out a feeble scent. They are apt to overrun it. A really good +retriever will pursue a wounded bird or hare as accurately as a bloodhound +will a deer or man; and if he is put on a false scent, I mean a scent of +uninjured flick or feather, he will not follow it beyond a few +steps—experience will have shown him the inutility of so doing. (<a href="#s297">297</a>.)</p> + +<p><a name="s108" id="s108">108</a>. Avail yourself of the first opportunity to make a young retriever +lift a woodcock, lest in after life, from novel scent, he decline touching +it, as many dogs have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_526" id="Page_526">[Pg 526]</a></span> done to the great annoyance of their masters. +Ditto, with the delicate landrail.</p> + +<p><a name="s109" id="s109">109</a>. The directions given about "fetching" led me to talk of retrievers; +and, having touched upon the subject, I thought it right not to quit it, +until I had offered the best advice in my power. I have but one more +recommendation to add before I return to your setter—or pointer—pup: +carefully guard a young retriever—indeed any dog bred for the gun—from +being ever allowed to join a rat-hunt. Rat-hunting would tend to destroy +his tenderness of mouth, nay, possibly make him mangle his game. But this +is not all. It has often gradually led good dogs to decline lifting hares +or rabbits, apparently regarding them more in the light of vermin than of +game. Some dogs, however, that are not bad retrievers, are capital +ratters, but they are exceptions to the general rule. Indeed, you should +never permit your dog to retrieve any kind of ground or winged vermin. If +the creature were only wounded it might turn upon him. He in self-defence +would give it a grip, and he might thus be led to follow the practice on +less pardonable occasions. Remember, that a winged bittern or heron might +peck out his eye.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_527" id="Page_527">[Pg 527]</a></span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> A drier and cleaner article than you may suppose, and which +can be carried not inconveniently in a Mackintosh, or oil-skin bag—a +toilet sponge bag.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> If a retriever has the opportunity, while prowling about, of +gnawing hare or rabbit-skins thrown aside by a slovenly cook, it will not +be unnatural in him, when he is hungry, to wish to appropriate to himself +the hide, if not the interior, of the animals he is lifting.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h4>INITIATORY LESSONS OUT OF DOORS.—TRICKS.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s110" id="s110">110</a>. As I before observed, you can practise most of the initiatory lessons +in your country walks. Always put something alluring in your pocket to +reward your pupil for prompt obedience. Do not take him out unnecessarily +in bad weather. On no account let him amuse himself by scraping +acquaintance with every idle cur he meets on the way; nor permit him to +gambol about the lanes. Let him understand by your manner that there is +business at hand. Never let him enter a field before you. <i>Always keep him +at your heels, until you give him the order to be off.</i> You will find him +disposed to presume and encroach. According to the old adage, "Give him an +inch, and he will take an ell." He will be endeavoring to lead rather than +to follow, and, if he fancies himself unobserved, he will most +perseveringly steal inch upon inch in advance. Be ever on the watch, ready +to check the <i>beginning</i> of every act of disobedience. Implicit obedience +in trifles will insure it in things of more importance.</p> + +<p><a name="s111" id="s111">111</a>. For some time, but the period is uncertain—say from his being eight +months old until double that age<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a>—he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_528" id="Page_528">[Pg 528]</a></span> will merely gallop and frisk +about, and probably will take diligently to persecuting butterflies. Let +him choose what he likes. Don't think he will prize small beer, when he +can get champagne. He will leave off noticing inferior articles as he +becomes conversant with the taste of game. It is now your main object to +get him to hunt; no matter what, so that he is not perpetually running to +"heel." And the more timid he is the more you must let him chase, and +amuse himself as his fancy dictates. When you see that he is really +occupying himself with more serious hunting, <i>eagerly</i> searching for small +birds, especially larks, you must begin instructing him how to quarter his +ground to the greatest advantage, <i>under your constant direction</i>. Should +any one join you, or anything occur likely to prevent your giving him your +strictest attention, on no account permit him to range—keep him to "heel" +until you are quite prepared to watch and control all his movements. Hunt +him where he is least likely to find game, for he will take to quartering +his ground far more regularly, under your guidance, where his attention is +least distracted by any scent. The taint of partridge would be almost sure +to make him deviate from the true line on which you are anxious he should +work. Labor now diligently, if possible daily, though not for many hours<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_529" id="Page_529">[Pg 529]</a></span> +a day; for be assured a good method of ranging can only be implanted when +he is young.</p> + +<p><a name="s112" id="s112">112</a>. Should your pup be so long before taking to hunting that your +patience becomes exhausted, let an older dog accompany you a few times. +When <i>he</i> finds birds, gradually bring the young one upon them from +leeward, and let him spring them. Encourage him to sniff the ground they +have quitted, and allow him to run riot on the haunt. After that +enjoyment, the example of the old dog will most likely soon make him +range, and employ his nose in seeking a repetition of what has afforded +him such unexpected delight. If it does not, and the old dog is steady and +good-humored enough to bear the annoyance cheerfully, couple the young one +to him. Before this he should have learned to work kindly in couples—<a href="#s44">44</a>. +But I am getting on too fast, and swerving from the track I had marked for +myself. By-and-by I will tell you how I think you should instruct your +youngster to quarter his ground to the best advantage—<a href="#s127">127</a>, &c.</p> + +<p><a name="s113" id="s113">113</a>. Common sense shows that you ought not to correct your dog for +disobedience, unless you are certain that he knows his fault. Now you will +see that the initiatory lessons I recommend must give him that knowledge, +for they explain to him the meaning of almost all the signs and words of +command you will have to employ when shooting. That knowledge, too, is +imparted by a system of rewards, not punishments. Your object is not to +break his spirit, but his self-will. With his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_530" id="Page_530">[Pg 530]</a></span> obedience you gain his +affection. The greatest hardship admissible, in this early stage of his +education, is a strong jerk of the checkcord, and a sound rating, given, +<i>when necessary</i>, in the loudest tone and sternest manner; and it is +singular how soon he will discriminate between the reproving term +"bad"—to which he will sensitively attach a feeling of shame—and the +encouraging word "good"—expressions that will hereafter have a powerful +influence over him, especially if he be of a gentle, timid disposition.</p> + +<p><a name="s114" id="s114">114</a>. In educating such a dog—and there are many of the kind, likely to +turn out well, if they are judiciously managed, often possessing noses so +exquisite—perhaps I ought to say cautious—as nearly to make up for their +general want of constitution and powers of endurance—it is satisfactory +to think that all these lessons can be inculcated without in the slightest +degree depressing his spirit. On the contrary, increasing observation and +intelligence will gradually banish his shyness and distrust of his own +powers; for he will be sensible that he is becoming more and more capable +of comprehending your wishes, and therefore less likely to err and be +punished (<a href="#s245">245</a>).</p> + +<p><a name="s115" id="s115">115</a>. I fear you may imagine that I am attributing too much reasoning power +to him. You would not think so if you had broken in two or three dogs. +What makes dog-teaching, if not very attractive, at least not laborious, +is the fact that the more you impart to a dog, the more readily will he +gain further knowledge. After teaching a poodle or a terrier a few tricks, +you will be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_531" id="Page_531">[Pg 531]</a></span> surprised to see with what increasing facility he will +acquire each successive accomplishment. It is this circumstance which, I +think, should induce you not to regard as chimerical the perfection of +which I purpose to speak by-and-by, under the head of "refinements in +breaking." Indeed I only adopt this distinction in deference to what I +cannot but consider popular prejudice; for I well know many will regard +such accomplishments as altogether superfluous. It is sad to think that an +art which might easily be made much more perfect, is allowed, almost by +universal suffrance, to stop short just at the point where excellence is +within grasp.</p> + +<p><a name="s116" id="s116">116</a>. Far more dogs would be <i>well-broken</i>, if men would but keep half the +number they usually possess. <i>The owner of many dogs cannot shoot often +enough over them, to give them great experience.</i></p> + +<p><a name="s117" id="s117">117</a>. I am, however, wandering from our immediate subject. Let us return to +the lecture, and consider how much knowledge your pupil will have acquired +by these preliminary instructions. We shall find that, with the exception +of a systematically confirmed range, really little remains to be learned, +save what his almost unaided instinct will tell him.</p> + +<p><a name="s118" id="s118">118</a>. For it is wonderful how much you can effect by initiatory +instruction: indeed, afterwards, you will have little else to do than +teach and confirm your dog in a judicious range—his own sagacity and +increasing experience will be his principal guides—for consider how much +you will have taught him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_532" id="Page_532">[Pg 532]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s119" id="s119">119</a>. He will know—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>I. That he is to pay attention to his whistle—the whistle that +you design always to use to him. I mean that, when he hears +<i>one</i> low blast on his whistle he is to look to you for orders, +but not necessarily run towards you, unless he is out of sight, +or you continue whistling (<a href="#s18">18</a>).</p> + +<p>II. That "Toho," or the right arm raised nearly perpendicularly, +means that he is to stand still (<a href="#s19">19</a> to <a href="#s21">21</a>).</p> + +<p>III. That "Drop," or the left arm raised nearly perpendicularly, +or the report of a gun, means that he is to crouch down with his +head close to the ground, between his feet, however far off he +may be ranging. Greater relaxation in the position may be +permitted after he has been a little time shot over (<a href="#s22">22 to 26</a>).</p> + +<p>IV. That "On,"—the shortest word for "hie-on,"—or the forward +underhand swing of the right hand, signifies that he is to +advance in a forward direction—the direction in which you are +waving. This signal is very useful. It implies that you want the +dog to hunt ahead of you. Yon employ it also when you are +alongside of him at his point, and are desirous of urging him to +follow up the running bird or birds, and press to a rise. If he +push on too eagerly, you restrain him by slightly raising the +right hand—XII. of this paragraph (<a href="#s18">18 to 21</a>).<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_533" id="Page_533">[Pg 533]</a></span></p> + +<p>V. That a wave of the right arm and hand—the arm being fully +extended and well to the right—from left to right, means that +he is to hunt to the right. Some men wave the left hand across +the body from left to right, as a direction to the dog to hunt +to the right; but that signal is not so apparent at a distance +as the one I have described (<a href="#s32">32</a>).</p> + +<p>VI. That a wave of the left arm from right to left—the arm +being fully extended and well to the left—means that he is to +hunt to the left (<a href="#s33">33</a>).</p> + +<p>VII. That the "Beckon," the wave of the right hand towards you, +indicates that he is to hunt towards you (<a href="#s33">33</a>. See also <a href="#s67">67</a>).</p> + +<p>VIII. That the word "Heel," or a wave of the right hand to the +rear—the reverse of the underhand, cricket-bowler's +swing,—implies that he is to give up hunting, and go directly +close to your heels (<a href="#s40">40</a>).</p> + +<p>IX. That "Fence" means that he is not to leave the place where +you are. After being so checked a few times when he is +endeavoring to quit the field, he will understand the word to be +an order not to "break fence" (<a href="#s42">42</a>, <a href="#s43">43</a>).</p> + +<p>X. That "Find" or "Seek" means that he is to search for +something which he will have great gratification in discovering. +When he is in the field he will quickly understand this to be +game (<a href="#s30">30</a>, <a href="#s31">31</a>).</p> + +<p>XI. That "Dead"—which it would be well to accompany<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_534" id="Page_534">[Pg 534]</a></span> with the +signal to "Heel," means that there is something not far off, +which he would have great satisfaction in finding. On hearing +it, he will come to you, and await your signals instructing him +in what direction he is to hunt for it. When, by signals, you +have put him as near as you can upon the spot where you think +the bird has fallen, you will say "Find;" for, until you say +that word, he ought to be more occupied in attending to your +signals than in searching for the bird. When you have shot a +good many birds to him, if he is within sight, in order to work +more silently, omit saying "Dead," only signal to him to go to +"Heel" (<a href="#s18">18</a>, <a href="#s30">30</a>, <a href="#s31">31</a>, <a href="#s40">40</a>).</p> + +<p>XII. That "Care" means that he is near that for which he is +hunting. This word, used with the right hand slightly +raised—the signal for the "Toho," only not exhibited nearly so +energetically—will soon make him comprehend that game is near +him, and that he is therefore to hunt cautiously. You will use +it when your young dog is racing too fast among turnips or +potatoes (<a href="#s35">35</a>).</p> + +<p>XIII. That "Up" means that he is to sniff with his nose high in +the air for that of which he is in search (<a href="#s37">37</a>).</p> + +<p>XIV. That "Away"—or "Gone," or "Flown"—is an indication that +the thing for which he was hunting and of which he smells the +taint, is no longer there. This word is not to be used in the +field<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_535" id="Page_535">[Pg 535]</a></span> until your young dog has gained some experience (<a href="#s41">41</a>).</p> + +<p>XV. That "Ware"—pronounced "War"—is a general order to desist +from whatever he may be doing. "No" is perhaps a better word; it +can be pronounced more distinctly and energetically. If the +command is occasionally accompanied with the cracking of your +whip, its meaning will soon be understood (<a href="#s43">43</a>).</p> + +<p>XVI. He will also know the distinction between the chiding term +"Bad" and the encouraging word "Good"; and, moreover, be +sensible, from your look and manner, whether you are pleased or +angry with him. Dogs, like children, are physiognomists (<a href="#s36">36</a>, end +of <a href="#s104">104</a>).</p></div> + +<p><a name="s120" id="s120">120</a>. You will perceive that you are advised to use the right hand more +than the left. This is only because the left hand is so generally employed +in carrying the gun.</p> + +<p><a name="s121" id="s121">121</a>. You will also observe, that when the voice is employed—and this +should be done only when the dog will not obey your signals—I have +recommended you to make use of but <i>one</i> word. Why should you say "Come to +heel," "Ware breaking fence," "Have a care?" If you speak in sentences, +you may at times unconsciously vary the words of the sentence, or the +emphasis on any word; and as it is only by the sound that you should +expect a dog to be guided, the more defined and distinct in sound the +several commands are the better.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_536" id="Page_536">[Pg 536]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s122" id="s122">122</a>. This consideration leads to the remark that, as, by nearly universal +consent, "Toho" is the word employed to tell a dog to point, the old rule +is clearly a judicious one, never to call him "Ponto," "Sancho," or by any +name ending in "o." Always, too, choose one that can be hallooed in a +sharp, loud, high key. You will find the advantage of this whenever you +lose your dog, and happen not to have a whistle. Observe, also, if you +have several dogs, to let their names be dissimilar in sound.</p> + +<p><a name="s123" id="s123">123</a>. I have suggested your employing the word "Drop" instead of the usual +word "Down," because it is less likely to be uttered by any one on whom +the dog might jump or fawn; for, on principle, I strongly object to any +order being given which is not strictly enforced. It begets in a dog, as +much as in the nobler animal who walks on two legs, habits of inattention +to words of command, and ultimately makes greater severity necessary. If I +felt certain I should never wish to part with a dog I was instructing, I +should carry this principle so far as to frame a novel vocabulary, and +never use any word I thought he would be likely to hear from others. By +the bye, whenever you purchase a dog, it would be advisable to ascertain +what words of command and what signals he has been accustomed to.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_537" id="Page_537">[Pg 537]</a></span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> I once had a pointer pup whose dam was broken in (after a +fashion) and regularly shot to when seven months old. Without injury to +her constitution, she could not have been hunted for more than an hour or +two at a time. She ought not to have been taken to the field for <i>regular</i> +use until fully a year old.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN COMMENCED. RANGING.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s124" id="s124">124</a>. A keeper nearly always breaks in his young dogs to "set," if their +ages permit it, on favorable days in Spring, when the partridges have +paired.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> He gets plenty of points, and the birds lie well. But I cannot +believe it is the best way to attain great excellence, though the plan has +many followers: it does not cultivate the intelligence of his pupils, nor +enlarge their ideas by making them sensible of the object for which such +pains are taken in hunting them. Moreover, their natural ardor—a feeling +that it should be his aim rather to increase than weaken—is more or less +damped by having often to stand at game before they can be rewarded for +their exertions by having it killed to them,—it prevents, rather than +imparts, the zeal and perseverance for which Irish dogs are so remarkable. +Particularly ought a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_538" id="Page_538">[Pg 538]</a></span> breaker, whose pupil is of nervous temperament, or +of too gentle a disposition, to consider well that the want of all +recompense for finding paired birds must make a timid dog far more likely +to become a "blinker," when he is checked for not pointing them, than when +he is checked for not pointing birds which his own impetuosity alone +deprives him of every chance of rapturously "touseling." The very fact +that "the birds lie well" frequently leads to mischief; for, if the +instructor be not very watchful, there is a fear that his youngsters may +succeed in getting too close to their game before he forces them to come +to a staunch point. A keeper, however, has but little choice—and it is +not a bad time to teach the back—if his master insists upon shooting over +the animals the first day of the season, and expects to find them what +some call "perfectly broken in." But I trust some of my readers have +nobler ends in view; therefore,</p> + +<p><a name="s125" id="s125">125</a>. I will suppose your youngster to have been well grounded in his +initiatory lessons, and that you take him out when the crops are nearly +off the ground—by which time there will be few squeakers—on a fine cool +day in September,—alas! that it cannot be an August day on the moors,—to +show him birds for the first time. As he is assumed to be highly bred, you +may start in the confident expectation of killing partridges over him, +especially if he is a pointer. Have his nose moist and healthy. Take him +out when the birds are on the feed, and of an afternoon in preference to +the morning,—unless<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_539" id="Page_539">[Pg 539]</a></span> from an unusually dry season there be but little +scent,—that he may not be attracted by the taint of hares or rabbits. +Take him out alone, if he evince any disposition to hunt, which, at the +age we will presume him to have attained next season, we must assume that +he will do, and with great zeal. Be much guided by his temper and +character. Should he possess great courage and dash, you cannot begin too +soon to make him point. You should always check a wild dog in racing after +pigeons and small birds on their rising; whereas you should encourage a +timid dog—one who clings to "heel"—in such a fruitless but exciting +chase. The measures to be pursued with such an animal are fully detailed +in <a href="#s111">111</a>, <a href="#s112">112</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s126" id="s126">126</a>. I may as well caution you against adopting the foolish practice of +attempting to cheer on your dog with a constant low whistle, under the +mistaken idea that it will animate him to increased zeal in hunting. From +perpetually hearing the monotonous sound, it would prove as little of an +incentive to exertion as a continued chirrup to a horse; and yet if +habituated to it, your dog would greatly miss it whenever hunted by a +stranger. Not unregarded, however, would it be by the birds, to whom on a +calm day it would act as a very useful warning.</p> + +<p><a name="s127" id="s127">127</a>. Though you have not moors, fortunately we can suppose your fields to +be of a good size. Avoid all which have recently been manured. Select +those that are large, and in which you are the least likely to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_540" id="Page_540">[Pg 540]</a></span> find +birds, until his spirits are somewhat sobered, and he begins partly to +comprehend your instructions respecting his range. There is no reason why +he should not have been taken out a few days before this, <i>not to show him +birds</i>, but to have commenced teaching him how to traverse his ground. +Indeed, if we had supposed him of a sufficient age—<a href="#s111">111</a>—he might by this +time be somewhat advanced towards a systematic beat. It is seeing birds +early that is to be deprecated, not his being taught how to range.</p> + +<p><a name="s128" id="s128">128</a>. <i>Be careful to enter every field at the leeward</i><a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> side—about the +middle,—that he may have the wind to work against. Choose a day when +there is a breeze, but not a boisterous one. In a calm the scent is +stationary, and can hardly be found unless accidentally. In a gale it is +scattered to the four quarters.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_541" id="Page_541">[Pg 541]</a></span> want not an undirected ramble, +but a judicious traversing beat under your own guidance, which shall leave +no ground unexplored, and yet have none twice explored.</p> + +<p><a name="s129" id="s129">129</a>. Suppose the form of the field, as is usually the case, to approach a +parallelogram or square, and that the wind blows in any direction but +diagonally across it. On entering at the leeward side send the dog from +you by a wave of your hand or the word "On." You wish him, while you are +advancing up the middle of it, to cross you at right angles, say from +right to left,—then to run up-wind for a little, parallel to your own +direction, and afterwards to recross in front of you from left to right, +and so on until the whole field is regularly hunted. To effect this, +notwithstanding your previous preparatory lessons, you will have to show +him the way,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_542" id="Page_542">[Pg 542]</a></span> as it were—setting him an example in your own person,—by +running a few steps in the direction you wish him to go—say to the +right,—cheering him on to take the lead. As he gets near the extremity of +his beat, when he does not observe you, he can steal a small advance in +the true direction of your own beat, which is directly up the middle of +the field meeting the wind. If perceiving your advance he turn towards +you, face him—wave your right hand to him, and, while he sees you, run on +a few paces in his direction—that is, <i>parallel</i> to his true direction. +As he approaches the hedge—the one on your right hand, but be careful +that he does not get close to it, lest, from often finding game there, he +ultimately become a potterer and regular hedge hunter—face towards him, +and on catching his eye, wave your left arm. If you cannot succeed in +catching his eye, you must give one low whistle—the less you habituate +yourself to use the whistle, the less you will alarm the birds—study to +do all, as far as is practicable, by signals. You wish your wave of the +left arm to make the dog turn to the left—his head to the wind,—and that +he should run parallel to the side of the hedge for some yards—say from +thirty to forty—before he makes his second turn to the left to cross the +field; but you must expect him to turn too directly towards you on your +first signal to turn. Should he by any rare chance have made the turn—the +first one—correctly, and thus be hunting up-wind, on no account interrupt +him by making any signals until he has run up the distance you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_543" id="Page_543">[Pg 543]</a></span> wish—the +aforesaid thirty or forty yards,—then again catch his eye, and, as +before—not now, however, faced towards him and the hedge, but faced +towards your true direction,—by a wave of the left arm endeavor to make +him turn to the left—across the wind. If, contrary to what you have a +right to suppose, he will not turn towards you on your giving a whistle +and wave of your hand, stand still, and continue whistling—eventually he +will obey. But you must not indulge in the faintest hope that all I have +described will be done correctly; be satisfied at first with an approach +towards accuracy; you will daily find an improvement, if you persevere +steadily. When you see that there is but little chance of his turning the +way you want, at once use the signal more consonant to his views, for it +should be your constant endeavor to make him fancy that he is always +ranging according to the directions of your hands. Be particular in +attending to this hint.</p> + +<p><a name="s130" id="s130">130</a>. His past tuition—<a href="#s34">34</a>—most probably will have accustomed him to watch +your eye for directions, therefore it is not likely, even should he have +made a wrong turn near the hedge—a turn down-wind instead of up-wind, +which would wholly have prevented the required advance parallel to the +hedge,—that he will cross in rear of you. Should he, however, do so, +retreat a few steps,—or face about, if he is far in the rear,—in order +to impress him with the feeling that all his work must be performed under +your eye. Animate him with an encouraging word as he passes. When he gets +near the edge to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_544" id="Page_544">[Pg 544]</a></span> left, endeavor, by signals—agreeably to the method +just explained—<a href="#s129">129</a>—to make him turn to the—his—right, his head to the +wind, and run up alongside of it for thirty to forty yards, if you can +manage it, before he begins to recross the field, by making a second turn +to the right. If you could get him to do this, he would cross well in +advance of you.</p> + +<p><a name="s131" id="s131">131</a>. Though most likely his turn—the first—the turn up-wind—will be too +abrupt—too much of an acute angle instead of the required right +angle,—and that consequently, in order to get ahead of you, he will have +to traverse the field diagonally, yet after a few trials it is probable he +will do so rather than not get in front of you. This would be better than +the former attempt—not obliging you to face about—express your approval, +and the next turn near the hedge may be made with a bolder sweep. Remember +your aim is, that no part be unhunted, and that none once commanded by his +nose should be again hunted. He ought to cross, say thirty yards in front +of you, but <i>much</i> will depend upon his nose.</p> + +<p><a name="s132" id="s132">132</a>. Nearly on every occasion of catching his eye, except when he is +running up-wind parallel to the hedge, give him some kind of signal. This +will more and more confirm him in the habit of looking to you, from time +to time, for orders, and thus aid in insuring his constant obedience. +After a while, judging by the way in which your face is turned, he will +know in what direction you propose advancing, and will guide his own +movements<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_545" id="Page_545">[Pg 545]</a></span> accordingly. Should he, as most probably he will for some time, +turn too sharply towards you when getting near the hedge, I mean at too +acute an angle, incline or rather face towards him. This, coupled with the +natural wish to range unrestrained, will make him hunt longer parallel to +the hedge, before he makes his second turn towards you.</p> + +<p><a name="s133" id="s133">133</a>. You may at first strive to correct your dog's turning too abruptly +inwards—the first turn—by pushing on in your own person further ahead on +your own beat; but when he has acquired if merely the slightest idea of a +correct range, be most careful not to get in advance of the ground he is +to hunt; your doing so might habituate him to cross the field +diagonally—thereby leaving much of the sides of the fields unhunted,—in +order to get ahead of you; and, moreover, <i>you</i> might spring birds you are +anxious <i>he</i> should find. Should he, on the other hand, be inclined to +work too far upward before making his turn to cross the field, hang back +in your own person.</p> + +<p><a name="s134" id="s134">134</a>. Though you may be in an unenclosed country, let him range at first to +no more than from seventy to eighty yards on each side of you. You can +gradually extend these lateral beats as he becomes conversant with his +business—indeed at the commencement rather diminish than increase the +distances just named, both for the length of the parallels and the space +between them. Do not allow the alluring title "a fine wide ranger" to +tempt you to let him out of leading strings. If he be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_546" id="Page_546">[Pg 546]</a></span> once permitted to +imagine that he has a discretionary power respecting the best places to +hunt, and the direction and length of his beats, you will find it +extremely difficult to get him again well in hand. On the moors his range +must be far greater than on the stubbles, but still the rudiments must be +taught on this contracted scale or you will never get him to look to you +for orders. Do <i>you</i> keep entire control over his beats; let <i>him</i> have +almost the sole management of his drawing upon birds, provided he does not +puzzle, or run riot too long over an old haunt. Give him time, and after a +little experience his nose will tell him more surely than your judgment +can, whether he is working on the "toe" or "heel" of birds, and whether he +diverges from or approaches the strongest and most recent haunt—do not +flurry or hurry him, and he will soon acquire that knowledge.</p> + +<p><a name="s135" id="s135">135</a>. As the powers of scent vary greatly in different dogs, the depth of +their turns—or parallels—ought to vary also, and it will be hereafter +for you to judge what distance between the parallels it is most +advantageous for your youngster ultimately to adopt in his general +hunting. The deeper its turns are, of course, the more ground you will +beat within a specified time. What you have to guard against is the +possibility of their being so wide that birds may be passed by unnoticed. +I should not like to name the distance within which good <i>cautious</i> dogs +that carry their heads high will wind game on a favorable day.</p> + +<p><a name="s136" id="s136">136</a>. If you design your pupil, when broken in, to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_547" id="Page_547">[Pg 547]</a></span> hunt with a companion, +and wish both the dogs, as is usual, to cross you, you will, of course, +habituate him to make his sweeps—the space between the parallels—wider +than if you had intended him to hunt without any one to share his labors.</p> + +<p><a name="s137" id="s137">137</a>. I need hardly warn you to be careful not to interrupt him whenever he +appears to be winding birds. However good his nose may be by nature, it +will not gain experience and discrimination unless you give him a certain +time to determine for himself whether he has really touched upon a faint +scent of birds, and whether they are in his front or rear, or gone away +altogether. Like every other faculty, his sense of smell will improve the +more it is exercised. But on the other hand, as I observed before, do not +let him continue puzzling with his nose close to the ground,—urge him +on,—make him increase his pace,—force him to search elsewhere, and he +will gradually elevate his head, and, catching the scent of other +particles, will follow up these with a nose borne aloft, unless he is a +brute not worth a twentieth part of the pains which you think of bestowing +upon him; for,</p> + +<p><a name="s138" id="s138">138</a>. Besides the greatly decreased chance of finding them, birds that to a +certainty would become uneasy, and make off if pursued by a dog tracking +them, will often lie well to one who finds them by the wind. They are then +not aware that they are discovered, and the dog, from the information his +nose gives him, can approach them either boldly or with great wariness, +according as he perceives them to be more or less shy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_548" id="Page_548">[Pg 548]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s139" id="s139">139</a>. If, being unable to catch the dog's eye, you are forced to use the +whistle frequently, and he continues inattentive to it, notwithstanding +his previous tuition, stand still—make him lie down—by the word "drop," +if he will not obey your raised left arm—go up to him—take hold of his +collar, and rate him, saying, "Bad, bad," cracking your whip over him—let +the whip be one that will crack loudly, not for present purposes, but +that, when occasion requires, he may hear it at a distance—and whistling +softly. This will show him—should you beat him, you would confuse his +ideas—that he is chidden for not paying attention to the whistle. Indeed, +whenever you have occasion to scold or punish him, make it a constant +rule, while you rate him, to repeat many times the word of command, or the +signal which he has neglected to obey. There is no other way by which you +will make him understand you <i>quickly</i>. You must expect that your young +dog will for some time make sad mistakes in his range;—but be not +discouraged. Doubtless there is no one thing,—I was going to say, that +there are no dozen things,—in the whole art of dog-breaking, which are so +difficult to attain, or which exact so much labor, as a high, +well-confirmed, systematic range. Nature will not assist you—you must do +it all yourself; but in recompense there is nothing so advantageous when +it is at length acquired. It will abundantly repay months of persevering +exertion. It constitutes the grand criterion of true excellence. Its +attainment makes a dog of inferior nose and action far<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_549" id="Page_549">[Pg 549]</a></span> superior to one of +much greater natural qualifications, who may be tomfooling about, +galloping backwards and forwards, sometimes over identically the same +ground, quite uselessly exerting his travelling powers; now and then, +indeed, arrested by the suspicion of a haunt, which he is not experienced +enough, or sufficiently taught, to turn to good account,—and occasionally +brought to a stiff point on birds accidentally found right under his nose. +It is undeniable, <i>cœteris paribus</i>, that the dog who hunts his ground +most according to rule must in the end find most game.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> In ordinary seasons immediately after St. Valentine's +Day—before the birds have made their nests. The first of September is the +commencement of partridge shooting in England, as the 26th of Oct. and the +1st of Nov. are generally in America for quail. +</p><p> +All the breaking for partridge in this work, is applicable and must be +referred to quail in America. Grouse shooting on the moors in England is +applicable to our prairie shooting, and pheasant shooting to our ruffed +grouse shooting, when that may be had. The reader must, therefore, +transfer the months and seasons accordingly.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> "Leeward"—a nautical phrase—here meaning the side towards +which the wind blows <i>from</i> the field. If you entered elsewhere, the dog +while ranging would be tempted, from the natural bearing of his nose +towards the wind, to come back upon you, making his first turn inwards +instead of outwards.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> But, independently of these obvious reasons, scent is +affected by causes into the nature of which none of us can penetrate. +There is a contrariety in it that ever has puzzled, and apparently ever +will puzzle, the most observant sportsman—whether a lover of the chase or +gun,—and therefore, in ignorance of the doubtless immutable, though to us +inexplicable, laws by which it is regulated, we are contented to call it +"capricious." Immediately before heavy rain there frequently is none. It +is undeniable that moisture will at one time destroy it—at another time +bring it. That on certain days—in slight frost, for instance,—setters +will recognise it better than pointers, and, on the other hand, that the +nose of the latter will prove far superior after a long continuance of dry +weather, and this even when the setter has been furnished with abundance +of water—which circumstance pleads in favor of hunting pointers and +setters together. The argument against it, is the usual inequality of +their pace, and, to the eye of some sportsmen, the want of harmony in +their appearance. Should not this uncertainty respecting the recognition +of scent teach us not to continue hunting a good dog who is frequently +making mistakes, but rather to keep him at "heel" for an hour or two? He +will consider it a kind of punishment, and be doubly careful when next +enlarged. Moreover, he may be slightly feverish from overwork, or he may +have come in contact with some impurity,—in either of which cases his +nose would be temporarily out of order.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. CAUTION.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s140" id="s140">140</a>. If it is your fixed determination to confirm your dog in the +truly-killing range described in last Chapter, do not associate him for +months in the field with another dog, however highly broken. It would be +far better to devote but two hours per diem to your pupil exclusively, +than to hunt him the whole day with a companion.</p> + +<p><a name="s141" id="s141">141</a>. Many breakers do exactly the reverse of this. They take out an old +steady ranger, with the intention that he shall lead the young dog, and +that the latter,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_550" id="Page_550">[Pg 550]</a></span> from imitation and habit, shall learn how to quarter his +ground. But what he gains by imitation will so little improve his +intellects, that, when thrown upon his own resources, he will prove a +miserable finder. On a hot, dry day he will not be able to make out a +feather, nor on any day to "foot" a delicate scent. I grant that the plan +expedites matters, and attains the end which <i>most</i> professional trainers +seek; but it will not give a dog self confidence and independence, it will +not impart to him an inquiring nose, and make him rely on its +sensitiveness to discover game, rather than to his quickness of eye to +detect when his friend touches upon a haunt; nor will it instruct him to +look from time to time towards the gun for directions. It may teach him a +range, but not to hunt where he is ordered; nor will it habituate him to +vary the breadth of the parallels on which he works, according as his +master may judge it to be a good or bad scenting day.</p> + +<p><a name="s142" id="s142">142</a>. To establish the rare, noble beat I am recommending,—one not +hereafter to be deranged by the temptation, of a furrow in turnips or +potatoes,—you must have the philosophy not to hunt your dog in them until +he is accustomed in his range to be guided entirely by the wind and your +signals, and is in no way influenced by the nature of the ground. Even +then it would be better not to beat narrow strips across which it would be +impossible for him to make his regular casts. Avoid, too, for some time, +if you can, all small fields—which will only contract his range,—and all +fields with trenches<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_551" id="Page_551">[Pg 551]</a></span> or furrows, for he will but too naturally follow +them instead of paying attention to his true beat. Have you never, in low +lands, seen a young dog running down a potato or turnip trench, out of +which his master, after much labor, had no sooner extracted him than he +dropped into the adjacent one? It is the absence of artificial tracks +which makes the range of nearly all dogs <i>well</i> broken on the moors, so +much truer than that of dogs hunted on cultivated lands.</p> + +<p><a name="s143" id="s143">143</a>. Moreover, in turnips, potatoes, clover, and the like thick shelter, +birds will generally permit a dog to approach so closely, that if he is +much accustomed to hunt such places, he will be sure to acquire the evil +habit of pressing too near his game when finding on the stubbles—instead +of being startled as it were into an instantaneous stop the moment he +first winds game,—and thus raise many a bird out of gun-shot that a +cautious dog—one who slackens his pace the instant he judges that he is +beating a likely spot—would not have alarmed.</p> + +<p><a name="s144" id="s144">144</a>. "A <i>cautious</i> dog!" Can there well be a more flattering epithet?<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> +Such a dog can hardly travel too fast<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> in a tolerably open country, +where there is not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_552" id="Page_552">[Pg 552]</a></span> a superabundance of game, <i>if</i> he really hunt with an +inquiring nose;—but to his master what an all-important "if" is this! It +marks the difference between the sagacious, wary, patient, yet diligent +animal, whose every sense and every faculty is absorbed in his endeavor to +make out birds, not for himself but the gun, and the wild harum-scarum who +blunders up three-fourths of the birds he finds. No! not <i>finds</i>, but +frightens,—for he is not aware of their presence until they are on the +wing, and seldom points unless he gets some heedless bird right under his +nose, when an ignoramus, in admiration of the beauty of the dog's sudden +attitude, will often forget the mischief which he has done.</p> + +<p><a name="s145" id="s145">145</a>. Though you cannot improve a dog's nose, you can do what is nearly +tantamount to it—you can increase his caution. By watching for the +slightest token of his feathering, and then calling out "Toho," or making +the signal, you will gradually teach him to look out for the faintest +indication of a scent, and <i>point the instant he winds it</i>, instead of +heedlessly hunting on until he meets a more exciting effluvia. See <a href="#s174">174 to +176</a>, and <a href="#s228">228</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s146" id="s146">146</a>. If from a want of animation in his manner you are not able to judge +of the moment when he first winds game, and you thus are not able to call +out "Toho" until he gets close to birds, quietly pull him back from his +point "dead to leeward" for some paces, and there make him resume his +point. Perseverance in this plan will ultimately effect your wishes, +unless his nose is radically wrong. A dog's pointing too near his game +more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_553" id="Page_553">[Pg 553]</a></span> frequently arises from want of caution—in other words, from want of +good instruction—than from a defective nose.</p> + +<p><a name="s147" id="s147">147</a>. Slow dogs readily acquire this caution; but fast dogs cannot be +taught it without great labor. You have to show them the necessity of +diminishing their pace, that their noses may have fair play. If you have +such a pupil to instruct, when you get near birds you have marked down, +signal to him to come to "heel" <i>Whisper</i> to him "Care," and let him see +by your light, slow tread, your anxiety not to alarm the birds. If he has +never shown any symptoms of blinking, you may, a few times, thus spring +the birds yourself while you keep him close to you. On the next occasion +of marking down birds, or coming to a very likely spot, bring him into +"heel," and after an impressive injunction to take "care," give him two or +three very limited casts to the right or left, and let <i>him</i> find the +birds while you instruct him as described in <a href="#s228">228</a>. As there will be no fear +of such a dog making false points, take him often to the fields where he +has most frequently met birds. The expectation of again coming on them, +and the recollection of the lectures he there received, will be likely to +make him cautious on entering it. I remember a particular spot in a +certain field that early in the season constantly held birds. A young dog +I then possessed never approached it afterwards without drawing upon it +most carefully, though he had not found there for months. At first I had +some difficulty in preventing the "draw" from becoming a "point."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_554" id="Page_554">[Pg 554]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s148" id="s148">148</a>. I have elsewhere observed that fast dogs, which give most trouble in +breaking, usually turn out best: now if you think for a moment you will +see the reason plainly. A young dog does not ultimately become first-rate +because he is wild and headstrong, and regardless of orders, but because +his speed and disobedience arise from his great energies,—from his +fondness for the sport, from his longing to inhale the exhilarating scent +and pursue the flying game. It is the possession of these qualities that +makes him, in his anxious state of excitement, blind to your signals and +deaf to your calls. These obviously are qualities that, <i>under good +management</i>,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> lead to great excellence and superiority,—that make one +dog do the work of two. But they are not qualities sought for by an idle +or incompetent breaker.</p> + +<p><a name="s149" id="s149">149</a>. These valuable qualities in the fast dog, must, however, be +accompanied with a searching nose. It is not enough that a dog be always +apparently hunting, that is to say, always on the gallop—his nose should +always be hunting. When this is the case, and you may be pretty certain it +is if, as he crosses the breeze, his nose has intuitively a bearing to +windward, you need not fear that he will travel too fast, or not repay you +ultimately for the great extra trouble caused by his high spirits and +ardor for the sport.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_555" id="Page_555">[Pg 555]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s150" id="s150">150</a>. You have been recommended invariably to enter every field by the +leeward side. This you can generally accomplish with ease, if you commence +your day's beat to leeward. Should circumstances oblige you to enter a +field on the windward side, make it a rule, as long as your dog continues +a youngster, to call him to "heel," and walk down the field with him until +you get to the opposite side—the leeward—then hunt him regularly up to +windward.</p> + +<p><a name="s151" id="s151">151</a>. I have read wondrous accounts of dogs, who, without giving themselves +the trouble of quartering their ground, would walk straight up to the +birds if there were any in the field. It has never been my luck, I do not +say to have possessed such marvellous animals, but even to have been +favored with a sight of them. I therefore am inclined to think, let your +means be what they may, that you would find it better not to advertise for +creatures undoubtedly most rare, but to act upon the common belief that, +as the scent of birds, more or less, impregnates the air, no dog, let his +nose be ever so fine, can, except accidentally, wind game unless he seeks +for the taint in the air—and that the dog who regularly crosses the wind +must have a better chance of finding it than he who only works up +wind—and that down wind he can have little other chance than by +"roading."</p> + +<p><a name="s152" id="s152">152</a>. It is heedlessness—the exact opposite of this extreme caution—that +makes young dogs so often disregard and overrun a slight scent; and since +they are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_556" id="Page_556">[Pg 556]</a></span> more inclined to commit this error from the rivalry of +companionship, an additional argument is presented in favor of breaking +them separately, and giving them their own time, leisurely and +methodically, to work out a scent, <i>provided the nose be carried high</i>. I +am satisfied most of us hurry young dogs too much.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Provided always he be not perpetually pointing, as +occasionally will happen—and is the more likely to happen if he has been +injudiciously taught as a puppy to set chickens, and has thereby acquired +the evil habit of "standing by eye;" which, however, may have made him a +first-rate hand at pointing crows.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> With the understanding that the pace does not make him "shut +up" before the day is over.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The more resolute a dog is, the more pains should be taken, +before he is shown game, to perfect him in the instant "drop"—<a href="#s25">25</a>—however +far off he may be ranging.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. CUNNING OF AGE. RANGE OF FROM TWO TO SIX +DOGS.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s153" id="s153">153</a>. Of course you will not let your pupil "break fence," or get out of +your sight. Be on the watch to whistle or call out "Fence," the instant +you perceive that he is thinking of quitting the field. Do not wait until +he is out of sight; check him by anticipating his intentions. Should he, +unperceived, or in defiance of your orders, get into a field before you, +call him back—by the same opening, if practicable, through which he +passed, the more clearly to show him his folly;—and do not proceed +further until he has obeyed you. A steady adherence to this rule will soon +convince him of the inutility of not exercising more patience, or at least +forbearance; then signal to him "away"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_557" id="Page_557">[Pg 557]</a></span> in the direction <i>you</i> choose, not +in the direction <i>he</i> chooses. It is essential that you should be the +first over every fence. In the scramble, birds, at which you ought to have +a shot, are frequently sprung. If he is not obedient to your orders make +him "drop," and rate him as described in <a href="#s139">139</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s154" id="s154">154</a>. A dog from his own observation so much feels,—and in a greater or +less degree, according to his education,—the necessity of watching in +what direction you are walking, that if he is habituated to work under +your eye,—I mean, is never allowed to hunt behind you,—by turning your +back upon him when he is paying no attention to your signals, you will +often be able to bring him away from a spot where he is ranging—perhaps +down wind—against your wishes, at a time when you are afraid to whistle, +lest you should alarm the birds. Waving your hand backwards and forwards +near the ground, and stooping low while walking slowly about, as if in +search of something, will often attract the attention of an ill-taught, +self-willed dog; and his anxiety to participate in the find, and share the +sport which he imagines you expect, will frequently induce him to run up, +and hunt alongside of you for any close lying bird.</p> + +<p><a name="s155" id="s155">155</a>. Never be induced to hunt your young dog,—nor indeed any dog,—when +he is tired. If you do, you will give him a slovenly carriage and habits, +and lessen his zeal for the sport. In order to come in for a sniff, at a +time when he is too fatigued to search for it himself, he will crawl after +his companion, watching for any indication<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_558" id="Page_558">[Pg 558]</a></span> of his finding. As they become +wearied you will have a difficulty in keeping even old well-broken dogs +separate—much more young ones, however independently they may have ranged +when fresh. You may also, to a certainty, expect false points; but what is +of far more consequence, by frequently overtasking your dog, you will as +effectually waste his constitution as you would your horse's by premature +work.</p> + +<p><a name="s156" id="s156">156</a>. If he is very young when first entered, two or three hours' work at a +time will be sufficient. When he is tired, or rather before he is tired, +send him home with the man who brings you a relief. Do not fancy your dog +will be getting a rest if he is allowed to follow at your heels for the +remainder of the day, coupled to a companion. His fretting at not being +allowed to share in the sport he sees, will take nearly as much out of him +as if you permitted him to hunt. If you can persuade John always to rub +him down, and brush and dry him—nay even to let him enjoy an hour's +basking in front of the fire—before he shuts him up in the kennel, you +will add years to his existence; and remember that one old experienced +dog, whose constitution is uninjured, is worth two young ones.</p> + +<p><a name="s157" id="s157">157</a>. When you hunt a brace of dogs, to speak theoretically, they should +traverse a field in opposite directions, but along parallel lines, and the +distance between the lines should be regulated by you according as it is a +good or a bad scenting day, and according to the excellence of the dogs' +noses. Mathematical<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_559" id="Page_559">[Pg 559]</a></span> accuracy is, of course, never to be attained, but the +closer you approach the better.</p> + +<p><a name="s158" id="s158">158</a>. You should attempt it—on entering the field to <i>leeward</i>, as before +directed—by making one dog go straight ahead of you to the distance which +you wish the parallel lines to be apart from each other, before you cast +him off—say—to the right; then cast off his companion to the left. If +the dogs are nearly equal in pace, the one ahead, so long as he does not +fancy he winds game, should continue to work on a parallel more advanced +than the other.</p> + +<p><a name="s159" id="s159">159</a>. Should you not like to relinquish, for the sake of this formal +precision, the chance of a find in the neglected right-hand corner of the +field, cast off one dog to the right and the other to the left, on +entering it, and make the one that soonest approaches his hedge take the +widest sweep—turn—and so be placed in the <i>advanced</i>, parallel.</p> + +<p><a name="s160" id="s160">160</a>. With regard to hunting more than a brace—when your difficulties +wonderfully multiply—your own judgment must determine in what manner to +direct their travelling powers to the greatest advantage. Much will depend +upon the different speed of the dogs; the number you choose from whim, or +otherwise, to hunt; the kind of country you beat; and the quantity and +sort of game you expect to find. It is, however, certain you must wish +that each dog be observant of the direction in which your face is turned, +in order that he may guide his own movements by yours;—that he from time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_560" id="Page_560">[Pg 560]</a></span> +to time look towards you to see if you have any commands; and that he be +ever anxious to obey them.</p> + +<p><a name="s161" id="s161">161</a>. Herbert writes as follows, in his work on shooting in the United +States:<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> his words ought to have influence, for manifestly he is a good +sportsman; but I own I cannot quite agree with him as to the <i>facility</i> +with which a range can be taught: "It is wonderful how easily dogs which +are always shot over by the same man—he being one who knows his +business—will learn to cross and re-quarter their ground, turning to the +slightest whistle, and following the least gesture of the hand. I have +seen old dogs turn their heads to catch their master's eye, if they +thought the whistle too long deferred; and I lately lost an old Irish +setter, which had been stone deaf for his last two seasons, but which I +found no more difficulty in turning than any other dog, so accurately did +he know when to look for the signal."</p> + +<p><a name="s162" id="s162">162</a>. To beat your ground <i>systematically</i> with three dogs, you should +strive to make them cross and recross you each on a different parallel, as +just described for two dogs; but each dog must make a proportionally +bolder sweep—turn—or,</p> + +<p><a name="s163" id="s163">163</a>. If you have plenty of space, you can make one dog take a distinct +beat to the right, another a separate beat to the left, and direct the +third—which ought to be the dog least confirmed in his range—to traverse +the central part,—and so be the only one that shall cross and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_561" id="Page_561">[Pg 561]</a></span> recross +you. If one of your dogs is a slow potterer, and you prefer this method to +the one named in <a href="#s162">162</a>, give him the middle beat, and let his faster +companions take the flanks. In our small English fields you have not space +enough, but on our moors, and in many parts of the Continent, it cannot be +want of room that will prevent your accomplishing it. To do this well, +however, and not interfere with each other's ground, how magnificently +must your dogs be broken! In directing their movements, the assistance +that would be given you by each dog's acknowledging his own particular +whistle, and no other—<a href="#s275">275</a>—is very apparent.</p> + +<p><a name="s164" id="s164">164</a>. It is difficult enough to make three dogs traverse across you on +tolerably distinct parallels; and at a judicious distance between the +parallels you will find it hopeless to attempt it with more than three; +and one can hardly imagine a case in which it would be advantageous to +uncouple a greater number of good rangers. If, however, the scarcity of +game, and the extensiveness of your beat, or any peculiar fancy, induce +you habitually to use four dogs, hunt one brace to the right, the other to +the left; and, so far as you can, let those which <i>form a brace be of +equal speed</i>.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> Your task will be facilitated by your always keeping the +same brace to one flank—I mean, by making one brace constantly hunt to +your right hand; the other brace to your left. The same reasoning holds +with regard to assigning to each<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_562" id="Page_562">[Pg 562]</a></span> dog a particular side when hunting +three, according to the mode described in last paragraph. It should, +however, be borne in mind, that constantly hunting a dog in this manner on +one and the same flank, tends to make him range very disagreeably whenever +employed single-handed.</p> + +<p><a name="s165" id="s165">165</a>. If you hunt five dogs, four of them ought to work by braces to the +right and left, and the fifth—the dog whose rate of speed most varies +from the others—should have a narrow beat assigned him directly in +advance of you.</p> + +<p><a name="s166" id="s166">166</a>. If three brace are to be used, let the third brace hunt the central +ground, as recommended for the fifth dog—or they could be worked in +leashes, one on the right of the gun, the other on the left.</p> + +<p><a name="s167" id="s167">167</a>. These are the correct <i>theoretical</i> rules, and the more closely you +observe them, the more truly and killingly will your ground be hunted.</p> + +<p><a name="s168" id="s168">168</a>. Probably you will think that such niceties are utterly impracticable. +They must be impracticable if you look for mathematical precision; but if +you hope to shoot over more than mere rabble, you should work upon +<i>system</i>. If you do not, what can you expect but an unorganized mob?—an +undrilled set, perpetually running over each other's ground,—now grouped +in this part, now crowded in that,—a few likely spots being hunted by all +(especially if they are old dogs), the rest of the field by none of them; +and to control whose unprofitable wanderings, why not employ a regular +huntsman and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_563" id="Page_563">[Pg 563]</a></span> a well-mounted whip? Doubtless it would be absurd to hope +for perfect accuracy in so difficult a matter as a systematic range in a +brigade of dogs; but that you may approach correctness, take a true +standard of excellence. If you do not keep perfection in view, you will +never attain to more than mediocrity. I earnestly hope, however, that it +cannot be your wish to take out a host of dogs—but should you have such a +singular hobby, pray let them be regularly brigaded, and not employed as a +pack. In my opinion, under no circumstances can more than relays of +leashes be desirable; but I should be sorry in such matters to dispute any +man's right to please himself; I only wish him, whatever he does, to +strive to do it correctly.</p> + +<p><a name="s169" id="s169">169</a>. Some men who shoot on a grand scale make their keepers hunt each a +distinct brace of dogs,—the gun going up to whatever dog points. It is +the most killing plan to adopt; but that is not the matter we were +considering. The question was, what method a man ought to pursue who had a +fancy to himself hunt many dogs at a time.</p> + +<p><a name="s170" id="s170">170</a>. If a professional breaker could show you a brigade of dogs well +trained to quarter their ground systematically, and should ask from fifty +to sixty guineas<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> a brace for them, you ought not to be surprised. +What<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_564" id="Page_564">[Pg 564]</a></span> an extent of country they could sweep over in an hour and not leave +a bird behind! And consider what time and labor must have been spent in +inculcating so noble a range. He would have been far better paid if he had +received less than half the money as soon as they "pointed steadily," both +at the living and the dead; "down charged;" "backed:" and were broken from +"chasing hare," or noticing rabbits.</p> + +<p><a name="s171" id="s171">171</a>. Some men fancy that the faster they walk, the more country they hunt. +This is far from being always the case. Dogs travel at one rate, whether +you walk fast or slow, and the distance between the parallels on which +they work—being determined by the fineness of their noses, and the +goodness of the scent—ought not to be affected by your pace. Suppose, +therefore, that you shoot in an unenclosed country, whether you walk +quickly, or merely crawl along, the only difference in the beat of your +dogs <i>ought</i> to be that, in the latter case, they range further to the +right and the left. You thus make up in your <i>breadth</i> what you lose in +your <i>length</i> of beat.</p> + +<p><a name="s172" id="s172">172</a>. Nor do the fastest dogs, however well they may be broken, always +truly hunt the most ground. The slower dogs have frequently finer +olfactory nerves than their fleeter rivals,—therefore the parallels on +which the former work may correctly be much wider apart than the parallels +of the latter. The finer nose in this manner commands so much more ground +that it beats the quicker heels out and out.</p> + +<p><a name="s173" id="s173">173</a>. You will see, then, how judicious it is to show<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_565" id="Page_565">[Pg 565]</a></span> forbearance and give +encouragement to the timid, but high-bred class<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> of dogs described in +<a href="#s114">114</a>; for it is obvious that, though they may travel slower, yet they may +really hunt <i>properly</i>, within a specified time, many more acres of ground +than their hardier and faster competitors; and it is certain that they +will not so much alarm the birds. Dogs that are most active with their +heels are generally least busy with their noses.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Entitled, "Field Sports in the United States and British +Provinces, by Frank Forester."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> A rule to be followed whenever you employ relays of braces.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> 250 to 300 dollars. This would be by no means an +extraordinary price here, however extraordinary it might be to see dogs so +qualified.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> It is admitted, however, that they are often difficult +animals to manage; for the <i>least</i> hastiness on the part of the instructor +may create a distrust that he will find it very hard to remove.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. "POINT" NOT RELINQUISHED FOR "DOWN +CHARGE."</h4> + + +<p><a name="s174" id="s174">174</a>. To proceed, however, with our imaginary September day's work. I will +suppose that your young dog has got upon birds, and that from his boldness +and keenness in hunting you need not let him run riot on a haunt, as you +were recommended (in <a href="#s111">111</a>) when you wished to give courage and animation to +a timid dog. You must expect that his eagerness and delight will make him +run in and flush them, even though you should have called out "Toho" when +first you perceived his stern begin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_566" id="Page_566">[Pg 566]</a></span> feathering, and thence judged that +his olfactory nerves were rejoicing in the luxurious taint of game. Hollo +out "Drop" most energetically. If he does not immediately lie down, crack +your whip loudly to command greater attention. When you have succeeded in +making him lie down, approach him quietly: be not angry with him, but yet +be stern in manner. Grasping the skin of his neck, or, what is better, +putting your hand within his collar—for he ought to wear a light +one—quietly drag him to the precise spot where you think he was <i>first</i> +aware of the scent of the birds. There make him stand—if stand he will, +instead of timidly crouching—with his head directed towards the place +from which the birds took wing, and by frequently repeating the word +"Toho," endeavor to make him understand that he ought to have pointed at +that identical spot. Do not confuse him by even threatening to beat him. +The chances are twenty to one that he is anxious to please you, but does +not yet know what you wish. I assume also that he is attached to you, and +his affection, from constantly inducing him to exert himself to give +satisfaction, will greatly develope his observation and intelligence.</p> + +<p><a name="s175" id="s175">175</a>. Consider it a golden rule never to be departed from—for I must again +impress upon you a matter of such importance—invariably to drag a dog who +has put up birds incautiously, or wilfully drawn too near them, and so +sprung them—or, what is quite as bad,—though young sportsmen will not +sufficiently think of it,—<i>endangered</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_567" id="Page_567">[Pg 567]</a></span> their rising out of shot—to the +exact spot at which you judge he ought to have pointed at first, and +awaited your instructions.</p> + +<p><a name="s176" id="s176">176</a>. Think for one moment what could be the use of chiding—or beating, as +I have seen some ***** do—the poor animal at the spot where he flushed +the birds. You are not displeased with him (or ought not to be) because +the birds took wing,—for if they had remained stationary until he was +within a yard of them, his fault would have been the same: nor are you +angry with him because he did not catch them—which interpretation he +might, as naturally as any other, put upon your rating him at the spot +where he flushed them—you are displeased with him for <i>not having +pointed</i> at them steadily the moment he became sensible of their presence. +This is what you wish him to understand, and this you can only teach him +by dragging him, as has been so often said, to the spot at which he ought +to have "toho-ed" them. Your object is to give the young dog, by +instruction, the caution that most old dogs have acquired by experience. +Doubtless experience would in time convince him of the necessity of this +caution; but you wish to save time,—to anticipate that experience; and by +a judicious education impart to him knowledge which it would take him +years to acquire otherwise. What a dog gains by experience is not what you +teach him, but what he teaches himself.</p> + +<p><a name="s177" id="s177">177</a>. Many carelessly-taught dogs will, on first recognising a scent, make +a momentary point, and then slowly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_568" id="Page_568">[Pg 568]</a></span> crawl on until they get within a few +yards of the game—if it be sufficiently complaisant to allow of such a +near approach—and there "set" as steady as a rock by the hour together. +Supposing, however, that the birds are in an unfriendly, distant mood, and +not willing to remain on these neighborly terms, "your game is up," both +literally and metaphorically,—you have no chance of getting a shot. This +is a common fault among dogs hastily broken in the spring.</p> + +<p><a name="s178" id="s178">178</a>. But to resume our supposed lesson. You must not be in a hurry—keep +your dog for some time—for a long time, where he should have pointed. You +may even sit down alongside him. Be patient; you have not come out so much +to shoot, as to break in your dog. When at length you give him the wave of +the hand to hie him on to hunt, you must not part as enemies, though I do +not say he is to be caressed. He has committed a fault, and he is to be +made sensible of it by your altered manner.</p> + +<p>Suppose that, after two or three such errors, all treated in the way +described, he makes a satisfactory point. Hold up your right hand, and the +moment you catch his eye, remain quite stationary, still keeping your arm +up. Dogs, as has been already observed, are very imitative; and your +standing stock still will, more than anything else, induce him to be +patient and immovable at his point. After a time—say five minutes, if, +from the hour of the day and the dog's manner, you are convinced that the +birds are not stirring—endeavor to get up to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_569" id="Page_569">[Pg 569]</a></span> him so quietly as not to +excite him to move. Whenever you observe him inclined to advance,—of +which his lifting a foot or even raising a shoulder, or the agitation of +his stern will be an indication,—stop for some seconds, and when by your +raised hand you have awed him into steadiness, again creep on. Make your +approaches within his sight, so that he may be intimidated by your eye and +hand. If you succeed in getting near him without unsettling him, actually +stay by him, as firm as a statue, for a quarter of an hour by one of +Barwise's best chronometers. Let your manner, which he will observe, show +great earnestness. Never mind the loss of time. You are giving the dog a +famous lesson, and the birds are kindly aiding you by lying beautifully +and not shifting their ground.</p> + +<p><a name="s179" id="s179">179</a>. Now attempt a grand <i>coup</i>, in which if you are successful, you may +almost consider your dog made staunch for ever. Keeping your eye on him, +and your hand up—of course the right one—make a circuit, so that the +birds shall be between him and you. Be certain that your circle is +sufficiently wide—if it is not, the birds may get up behind you, and so +perplex him that at his next find he will feel doubtful how to act. Fire +at no skirter, or chance shot. Reserve yourself for the bird or birds at +which he points; a caution more necessary on the moors than on the +stubbles, as grouse spread while feeding. When you have well headed him, +walk towards him and spring the birds. Use straight shooting-powder. Take +a cool aim well forward, and knock<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_570" id="Page_570">[Pg 570]</a></span> down one. Do not flurry the dog by +firing more than a single barrel, or confuse him by killing more than +<i>one</i> bird. If you have been able to accomplish all this without his +stirring—though, to effect it, you may have been obliged to use your +voice—you have every right to hope, from his previous education, that he +will readily "down-charge" on hearing the report of your gun. Do not hurry +your loading:—indeed, be unnecessarily long, with the view of making him +at all such times patient and steady. If, in spite of all your calls and +signals, he ever gives chase to the sprung birds, make him +"drop,"—instantly if possible—and proceed much as described in <a href="#s174">174</a>, +dragging him back to the place where he should have "down-charged."</p> + +<p><a name="s180" id="s180">180</a>. When you have loaded, say "Dead,"<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> in a low voice, and signalling +to "heel" make him come up to you, yourself keeping still. By signs—XI. +of <a href="#s119">119</a>—place him as near as you can, <i>but to leeward</i> of the dead bird. +Then, and not till then, say, "Find;" give him no other assistance. Let +him have plenty of time to make out the bird. It is not to be find and +<i>grip</i>, but find and <i>point</i>,<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> therefore the moment you perceive he is +aware<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_571" id="Page_571">[Pg 571]</a></span> that it is before him, make him—by word of command—"toho:"—go up +to him, stay for a while alongside him, then make a small circuit to head +him, and have the bird between you and him; approach him. If he attempt to +dash in, thunder out "No," and greet him with at least the sound of the +whip: slowly pick up the dead bird; call the dog to you; show him the +bird; but on no account throw it to him, lest he snatch at it; lay it on +the ground, encourage him to sniff it; let him—for reason why see +<a href="#s216">216</a>—turn it over with his nose—teeth closed—say to him, "Dead, dead;" +caress him; sit down; smoothe the feathers of the bird; let him perceive +that you attach much value to it; and after a while loop it on the game +bag, allowing him all the time to see what you are doing. After that, make +much of him for full five minutes: indeed with some dogs it would be +advisable to give a palatable reward, but be not invariably very prodigal +of these allurements; you may have a pupil whose attention they might +engross more than they ought. Then walk about a little time with him at +your heels. All this delay and caressing will serve to show him that the +first tragedy is concluded, and has been satisfactorily performed. You may +now hie him on to hunt for more birds.</p> + +<p><a name="s181" id="s181">181</a>. Pray mind what is said about making your youngster point the dead +bird staunchly, the moment you perceive that he first scents it. Should he +be allowed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_572" id="Page_572">[Pg 572]</a></span> approach so near as to be able to touch it—instead of +being made to point the instant he finds,—the chances are, that if +hard-mouthed he will give it a crunch, if tender-mouthed a fumbling of the +feathers; and either proceeding satisfying him, that he will quit it, and +not further aid you in a search. As "pointing" is only a natural +pause—prolonged by art—to determine exactly where the game is lying, +preparatory to rushing forward to seize, it would be unreasonable to +expect him willingly to make a second point at game he has not only found +but mouthed—the evil, however, does not rest here. There is such a +disagreeable thing as blinking a dead bird, no less than blinking a sound +one. For mouthing the bird you may possibly beat the dog, or for nosing it +and not pointing you may rate him harshly, either of which, if he be not +of a bold disposition, may lead, on the next occasion, to his slinking off +after merely obtaining a sniff. You ought, in fact, to watch as carefully +for your pupil's first "feathering" upon the dead bird, as you +did—<a href="#s174">174</a>—upon his first coming upon the covey. You see, then, that your +teaching him to "point dead" is absolutely indispensable; unless, indeed, +you constantly shoot with a retriever. Pointing at a live bird or at a +dead one should only differ in this, that in the latter case the dog makes +a nearer point. <i>Begin</i> correctly, and you will not have any difficulty; +but you may expect the greatest if you let your dog go up to one or two +birds and mouthe them, before you commence making him point them. The +following season, should you then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_573" id="Page_573">[Pg 573]</a></span> permit him to lift his game, it will be +time enough to dispense with his "pointing dead." I dwell upon this +subject because many excellent dogs, from not having been properly taught +to "point dead," often fail in securing the produce of a successful shot, +while, on the contrary, with judiciously educated dogs it rarely happens +that any of the slain or wounded are left on the field. Moreover, the +protracted search and failure—as an instance see <a href="#s217">217</a>—occasions a +lamentable loss of time. Were a sportsman who shoots over dogs not well +broken to "point dead"—or retrieve—to calculate accurately, watch in +hand, he would, I think, be surprised to find how many of his best +shooting hours are wasted in unprofitable searching for birds of the +certainty of whose untimely fate his dogs had probably long before fully +convinced themselves.</p> + +<p><a name="s182" id="s182">182</a>. As to the word "Dead," whether you choose to continue using it +immediately after loading, or, as I have recommended—XI. of <a href="#s119">119</a>—<i>after a +time</i> omit it, and merely let the signal to "heel" intimate that you have +killed, always make your dog go to you before you allow him to seek for +the fallen bird.</p> + +<p><a name="s183" id="s183">183</a>. Some may say, "As a dog generally sees a bird fall, what is the use +of calling him to you before you let him seek?—and even if he does not +see the bird, why should any time be lost? Why should not you and he go as +direct to it as you can?"</p> + +<p><a name="s184" id="s184">184</a>. Provided you have no wish that the "finder"—see <a href="#s295">295</a>—rather than any +of his companions, should be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_574" id="Page_574">[Pg 574]</a></span> allowed the privilege of "seeking dead," I +must admit that in the cultivated lands of England, when a dog "sees a +bird fall," he might in nine cases out of ten go direct to it without +inconvenience. Even here, however, there are occasions when intervening +obstacles may prevent you observing what the dog is about; and in cover, +so far from being able to give him any assistance by signalling, you may +be ignorant whether or not he has seen the bird knocked over, or is even +aware of the general direction in which he ought to seek. But in the +oft-occurring cases in which "he does not see the bird fall," it is +obvious—particularly when he happens to be at the extremity of his +beat,—that you will far more quickly place him where you wish, if you +make him, at first, run up to you, and then advance from you, straight to +the bird, by your forward signal—<a href="#s190">190</a>. These good results at least will +follow, if you remain stationary, and make him join you. You do not lose +sight of the spot where you marked that the bird or birds fell. The foil +is not interfered with by your walking over the ground—a matter of much +importance, especially on bad-scenting days. The dog, if habituated to +"seek" without your companionship, will readily hunt morasses and ravines, +where you might find it difficult to accompany him. He will feel the less +free to follow his own vagaries; and this consciousness of subjection will +dispose him to pay more watchful attention to your signals. He will the +more patiently wait at the "down charge;" and when you are reloaded will +not be so tempted to dash recklessly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_575" id="Page_575">[Pg 575]</a></span> after the bird, regardless whether +or not he raises others on the way. If he is dragging a cord, you can the +more easily take hold of its end, in order to check him, and make him +point when he first winds the dead bird—and, should you be shooting over +several dogs, by none of them being permitted to run direct to the fallen +bird they will the less unwillingly allow you to select the one who is to +approach close to you before "seeking dead."</p> + +<p><a name="s185" id="s185">185</a>. The opponents of this method argue, that the practice may give the +dog the bad habit of running immediately after the "down charge" to the +gun, instead of recommencing to hunt; particularly if he is shot over by a +first-rate performer. Granted; but is not the temptation to bolt off in +search of a dead bird still stronger? To check the former evil, endeavor +to make the coming to "heel" an act of obedience rather than a voluntary +act, by never failing, as soon as you are re-loaded, to give the customary +signal—VIII. of <a href="#s119">119</a>—when you have killed, or the signal to "hie on" +should you have missed.</p> + +<p><a name="s186" id="s186">186</a>. Moreover, you will sometimes meet with a dog who, when a bird has +been fired at, though it be the first and only one sprung of a large +covey, commences "seeking dead" immediately after the "down charge," +apparently considering that his first duty. This sad, sad fault—for it +frequently leads to his raising the other birds out of shot—is generally +attributable to the dog's having been allowed to rush at the fallen bird, +instead of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_576" id="Page_576">[Pg 576]</a></span> being accustomed to the restraint of having first to run up to +the gun.</p> + +<p><a name="s187" id="s187">187</a>. To prevent your pupil ever behaving so badly, often adopt the plan of +not "seeking dead" immediately after loading, especially if the birds are +lying well. Mark accurately the spot where your victim lies, and closely +hunt for others, endeavoring to instil great caution into the dog, much in +the manner—being guided by his disposition and character—described in +<a href="#s144">144</a>, <a href="#s145">145</a>, and <a href="#s228">228</a>. As long as any of the covey remain unsprung, you ought +not to pick up one dead bird, though you should have a dozen on the +ground. Your dog ought not even to "down charge" after you have fired, if +he is fully aware that more birds are before him. To impart to him the +knowledge that, <i>however important is the "down charge," his continuing at +his point is still more so</i>, you may, when the birds are lying well and he +is at a fixed point, make your attendant discharge a gun at a little +distance while you remain near the dog, encouraging him to maintain his +"toho." If you have no attendant, and the birds lie like stones, fire off +a barrel yourself while the dog is steadily pointing. He will fancy you +see birds which he has not noticed, and, unless properly tutored and +praised by you, will be desirous to quit those he has found, to search for +the bird he conceives you have shot.</p> + +<p><a name="s188" id="s188">188</a>. It is a fine display of intelligence in the dog, and of judicious +training in the breaker—may it be your desert and reward ere long to +witness it in your pupil,—when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_577" id="Page_577">[Pg 577]</a></span> a pointer—or setter—in goodly turnips +or strong potatoes draws upon birds which obligingly rise one after the +other, while by continuing his eloquent attitude he assures you that some +still remain unsprung, to which he is prepared to lead you if you will but +attend to them and him, and, instead of pot-hunting after those you have +killed, wait until his discriminating nose informs him that, having no +more strangers to introduce, he is at liberty to assist you in your +search.</p> + +<p><a name="s189" id="s189">189</a>. To revert, however, to the point particularly under discussion, viz., +whether you prefer that your dog go direct to the fallen bird, or—as I +strongly recommend—that he first join you, pray be consistent, exact +which you will, but always exact the same, if you are anxious to obtain +cheerful unhesitating obedience.</p> + +<p><a name="s190" id="s190">190</a>. I have seen the advantage of the latter method very strikingly +exemplified in America, in parts of which there is capital +snipe-shooting.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> In the high grass and rushes on the banks of the +Richelieu, many a bird have I seen flushed and shot at, of which the liver +and white pointer, ranging at a little distance, has known nothing. As he +was well broken in, on hearing the report of the gun, he, of course, +dropped instantly. His master, when he had reloaded, if the bird had +fallen, used invariably to say "Dead,"<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> in a low tone of voice, on +which the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_578" id="Page_578">[Pg 578]</a></span> dog would <i>go up to him</i>; and then his master, without stirring +from the spot where he had fired, directed him by signals to the place +where the bird had tumbled, and in proceeding thither, the dog often had +to swim the stream. His master then said "Find." At that word, and not +before it, his intelligent four-footed companion commenced the search for +the bird, nor did he ever fail to find and bring; and so delicate was his +mouth that I have often seen him deliver up a bird perfectly alive, +without having deranged a feather, though, very probably, he had swam with +it across one of the many creeks which intersect that part of the country. +If the shot was a miss, his master's silence after reloading, and a wave +of his arm to continue hunting—or the command to "Hie on," if the dog was +hidden by the rushes—perhaps a low whistle would have been better,—fully +informed his companion of the disappointment. He was quite as good on the +large quail, and small wood-cock found in Canada, which latter makes a +ringing noise on rising, not unlike the sound of a distant soft bell; but +reminiscences of that capital old dog are leading me away from your young +one.</p> + +<p><a name="s191" id="s191">191</a>. For some days you cannot shoot to your pupil too steadily and +quietly—I had well nigh said too slowly. By being cool, calm, and +collected yourself, you will make him so. I am most unwilling to think +that you will be too severe, but I confess I have my misgivings lest you +should occasionally overlook some slight faults in the elation of a +successful right and left. Filling the game-bag must be quite secondary to +education. Never hesitate to give up any bird if its acquisition interfere +with a lesson. Let all that you secure be done according to rule, and in a +sportsmanlike manner.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<a href="images/img_589.jpg"><img src="images/img_589_th.jpg" width="500" height="288" alt="SETTERS.—Bob." title="" /></a> +<span class="caption">SETTERS.—Bob.</span> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> As he acquires experience he will wish to rise the moment he +observes that your loading is completed. Do not allow him to move, however +correctly he may have judged the time. Let his rising be always in +obedience to signal or word. You may make a mistake in charging, or your +friend may not load as expeditiously as yourself.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Never being allowed to grip conduces so much to making him +tender-mouthed, that, should he hereafter be permitted to lift his game, +it is probable he will deliver it up perfectly uninjured.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> I reserve this anecdote on account of its interest and +applicability to American readers.—H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> In order to work in silence, I advised—XI. of <a href="#s119">119</a>—that the +signal to "heel" whenever the dog could observe it, should supersede the +word "dead." It might be necessary to sing out with a boat-swain's voice +should the dog be far off.</p></div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_579" id="Page_579">[Pg 579]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. ASSISTANT.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s192" id="s192">192</a>. It is proper you should be warned that you must not always expect a +dog will "toho" the first day as readily as I have described, though most +will, and some—especially pointers—even more quickly, if they have been +previously well-drilled, and have been bred for several generations from +parents of pure blood.</p> + +<p>I do not say bred in and in. Breeding in and in, to a certainty, would +enfeeble their intellects as surely as their constitutions. In this way +has many a kennel been deprived of the energy and endurance so essential +in a sportsman's dog.</p> + +<p><a name="s193" id="s193">193</a>. As in the present instance, it often occurs that a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_580" id="Page_580">[Pg 580]</a></span> dog is less +inclined to dash in at first than when he is more acquainted with birds. +He is suddenly arrested by the novelty of the scent, and it is not until +he is fully assured from what it proceeds that he longs to rush forward +and give chase. In autumnal breaking the dog gets his bird—it is killed +for him—he is satisfied—and therefore he has not the same temptation to +rush in as when he is shown birds in the spring.</p> + +<p><a name="s194" id="s194">194</a>. If you find your dog, from excess of delight and exuberance of +spirits, less under general command than from his initiatory education you +had expected, and that he will not "toho" steadily at the exact spot at +which you order him, at once attach a checkcord to his collar. It will +diminish his pace, and make him more cautious and obedient. The moment you +next see him begin to feather, get up quickly, <i>but without running</i>, to +the end of the cord, and check him with a sudden jerk, if you are +satisfied that game is before him and that he ought to be pointing. If +from his attitude and manner you are <i>positive</i> that there is game, drive +a spike—or peg—into the ground, and tie the cord to it. I only hope the +birds will remain stationary. If they do, you can give him a capital +lesson by remaining patiently alongside of him and then heading him and +the birds in the manner before described—<a href="#s178">178</a>, <a href="#s179">179</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s195" id="s195">195</a>. As a general rule, an attendant or any companion cannot be +recommended, because he would be likely to distract a young dog's +attention; but an intelligent fellow who would readily obey your signals, +and not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_581" id="Page_581">[Pg 581]</a></span> presume to speak, would doubtless, with a very wild dog, be an +advantageous substitute for the spike. You could then employ a longer and +slighter cord than usual, and, on the man's getting hold of the end of it, +be at once free to head and awe the dog. Whenever you had occasion to +stand still, the man would, of course, be as immovable as yourself.</p> + +<p>Your signals to him might be:—</p> + +<p> +The gun held up,—"Get near the dog."<br /> +Your fist clenched,—"Seize the rope."<br /> +Your fist shaken,—"Jerk the cord."<br /> +Your hand spread open,—"Let go the cord."<br /> +</p> + +<p>Or any signs you pleased, so that you understood each other without the +necessity of speaking.</p> + +<p><a name="s196" id="s196">196</a>. Should it ever be your misfortune to have to correct in a dog evil +habits caused by past mismanagement, such an attendant, if an active, +observant fellow, could give you valuable assistance, for he sometimes +would be able to seize the cord immediately the dog began "feathering," +and generally would have hold of it before you could have occasion to +fire. But the fault most difficult to cure in an old dog is a bad habit of +ranging. If, as a youngster, he has been permitted to beat as his fancy +dictated, and <i>has not been instructed in looking to the gun for orders</i>, +you will have great, very great difficulty in reclaiming him. Probably he +will have adopted a habit of running for a considerable distance up wind, +his experience having shown him that it is one way of finding birds, but +not having taught him that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_582" id="Page_582">[Pg 582]</a></span> to seek for them by crossing the wind would be +a better method.</p> + +<p>The great advantage of teaching a dog to point the instant he is sensible +of the presence of birds—<a href="#s175">175</a>—and of not creeping a foot further until he +is directed by you, is particularly apparent when birds are wild. While he +remains steady, the direction of his nose will lead you to give a +tolerable guess as to their "whereabouts," and you and your companion can +keep quite wide of the dog—one on each side,—and so approach the birds +from both flanks. They, meanwhile, finding themselves thus intercepted in +three directions, will probably lie so close as to afford a fair shot to +at least one gun, for they will not fail to see the dog and be awed by his +presence. Raise your feet well off the ground to avoid making a noise. +Walk quickly, but with no unnecessary flourish, of arms or gun.</p> + +<p><a name="s197" id="s197">197</a>. You must not, however, too often try to work round and head your +pupil when he is pointing. Judgment is required to know when to do it with +advantage. If the birds were running, you would completely throw him out, +and greatly puzzle and discourage him, for they probably would then rise +out of shot, behind you if they were feeding up wind,—behind him if they +were feeding down wind. Far more frequently make him work out the scent by +his own sagacity and nose, and lead you up to the birds, every moment +bristling more and more, at a pace entirely controlled and regulated by +your signals. These being given with your right hand will be more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_583" id="Page_583">[Pg 583]</a></span> +apparent to him if you place yourself on his left side. It is in this +manner that you give him a lesson which will <i>hereafter</i> greatly aid him +in recovering slightly winged birds,—in pressing to a rise the +slow-winged, but nimble-heeled rail,—or in minutely following the devious +mazes through which an old cock pheasant, or yet more, an old cock grouse, +may endeavor to mislead him. And yet this lesson should not be given +before he is tolerably confirmed at his point, lest he should push too +fast on the scent; and make a rush more like the dash of a cocker than the +sober, convenient "road" of a setter. As his experience increases he will +thus acquire the valuable knowledge of the position of his game—he will +lead you to the centre of a covey, or what is of greater consequence—as +grouse spread—to the centre of a pack,—instead of allowing himself to be +attracted to a flank by some truant from the main body,—and thus get you +a good double shot, and enable you effectually to separate the birds—he +will, moreover, become watchful, and sensible of his distance from game—a +knowledge all important, and which, be it remarked, he never could gain in +turnips, or potatoes, or any thick cover.</p> + +<p><a name="s198" id="s198">198</a>. There is another and yet stronger reason why you should not consider +it a rule always to head your young dog at his point. You may—although at +first it seems an odd caution to give—make him too stanch. This, to be +sure, signifies less with partridges than with most birds; but if you have +ever seen your dog come to a fixed point, and there, in spite of all your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_584" id="Page_584">[Pg 584]</a></span> +efforts, remain provokingly immovable—plainly telling you of the vicinity +of birds, but that you must find them out for yourself—your admiration of +his steadiness has, I think, by no means reconciled you to the +embarrassing position in which it has placed you. I have often witnessed +this vexatious display of stanchness, although the owner cheered on the +dog in a tone loud enough to alarm birds two fields off.</p> + +<p><a name="s199" id="s199">199</a>. A keeper will sometimes praise his dog for such stanchness; but it is +a great fault, induced probably by over-severity for former rashness,—and +the more difficult to be cured, if the animal is a setter, from the +crouching position he often naturally assumes when pointing.</p> + +<p><a name="s200" id="s200">200</a>. I here desire to warn you against the too common error of fancying +that a young dog is making false points if birds do not get up directly. +They may have taken leg-bail, and thus have puzzled him in his +inexperience. Dogs not cowed by punishment will, after a little hunting, +seldom make false points, while they are unfatigued. To a certainty they +will not draw upon a false point for any distance: therefore, never punish +what is solely occasioned by over-caution. Your doing so would but +increase the evil. Self-confidence and experience are the only cures for a +fault that would be a virtue if not carried to excess. Even a good dog +will occasionally make a point at larks from over-caution when birds are +wild; but see the first note to <a href="#s144">144</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s201" id="s201">201</a>. After you have shot over a dog a short time, his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_585" id="Page_585">[Pg 585]</a></span> manner and attitude +will enable you to guess pretty accurately whether birds are really before +him; whether they are far off or near; and whether or not they are on the +move. Generally speaking, the higher he carries his head, and the less he +stiffens his stern, the further off are the birds. If he begins to look +nervous, and become fidgety, you will seldom be wrong in fancying they are +on the run. But various, and at times most curious, are the methods that +dogs will adopt, <i>apparently</i> with the wish to show you where the birds +are, and <i>certainly</i> with the desire to get you a shot.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h4>FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONCLUDED. BAR. LEG STRAP. SPIKE COLLAR.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s202" id="s202">202</a>. After a few trials you will, I hope, be able to dispense with the peg +recommended in <a href="#s194">194</a>, and soon after with the checkcord also. But if your +dog possesses unusually high spirits, or if he travels over the ground at +a pace which obviously precludes his making a proper use of his nose, it +may be advisable to fasten to his collar a bar, something like a +diminutive splinter-bar, that it may, by occasional knocking against his +shins,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_586" id="Page_586">[Pg 586]</a></span> feelingly admonish him to lessen his stride. If he gets it between +his legs and thus finds it no annoyance, attach it to both sides of his +collar from points near the extremities. One of his forelegs might +occasionally be passed through the collar; but this plan is not so good as +the other; nor as the strap on the hind leg—<a href="#s56">56</a>. These means—to be +discarded, however, as soon as obedience is established—are far better +than the <i>temporary</i> ascendancy which some breakers establish by low diet +and excessive work, which would only weaken his spirits and his bodily +powers, without eradicating his self will, or improving his intellect. You +want to force him, when he is in the highest health and vigor, to learn by +experience the advantage of letting his nose dwell longer on a feeble +scent.</p> + +<p><a name="s203" id="s203">203</a>. I have made no mention of the spiked collar, because it is a brutal +instrument, which none but the most ignorant or unthinking would employ. +It is a leather collar, into which nails, much longer than the thickness +of the collar, have been driven, with their points projecting inwards. The +French spike-collar is nearly as severe. It is formed of a series of +wooden balls,—larger than marbles,—linked—about two and a half inches +apart—into a chain by stiff wires bent into the form of hooks. These +sharp pointed hooks punish cruelly when the checkcord is jerked.</p> + +<p><a name="s204" id="s204">204</a>. We have, however, a more modern description of collar, which is far +less inhuman than either of those I have mentioned, but still I cannot +recommend its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_587" id="Page_587">[Pg 587]</a></span> adoption, unless in extreme cases; for though not so +severely, it, likewise, punishes the unfortunate dog, more or less, by the +strain of the checkcord he drags along the ground: and it ought to be the +great object of a good breaker as little as is possible to fret or worry +his pupil, that all his ideas may be engaged in an anxious wish to wind +birds. On a leather strap, which has a ring at one end, four wooden +balls—of about two inches in diameter—are threaded like beads, at +intervals from each other and the ring, say, of two inches—the exact +distance being dependent on the size of the dog's throat. Into each of the +balls sundry short pieces of thickish wire are driven, leaving about +one-sixth of an inch beyond the surface. The other end of the strap—to +which the checkcord is attached—is passed through the ring. This ring +being of somewhat less diameter than the balls, it is clear, however +severely the breaker may pull, he cannot compress the dog's throat beyond +a certain point. The effect of the short spikes is rather to crumple than +penetrate the skin.</p> + +<p><a name="s205" id="s205">205</a>. I have long been sensible of the aid a spiked collar would afford in +reclaiming headstrong, badly educated dogs, if it could be used at the +moment—and only at the precise moment when punishment was required,—but +not until lately did it strike me how the collar could be carried so that +the attached cord should not constantly bear upon it, and thereby worry, +if not pain the dog. And had I again to deal with an old offender, who +incorrigibly crept in after pointing, or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_588" id="Page_588">[Pg 588]</a></span> obstinately "rushed into dead," +I should feel much disposed to employ a slightly spiked collar in the +following manner.</p> + +<p><a name="s206" id="s206">206</a>. That the mere carrying the collar might not annoy the dog, I would +extract or flatten the nails fixed on the top of the collar, on the part, +I mean, that would lie on the animal's neck. This collar I would place on +his neck, in front of his common light collar. I would then firmly fasten +the checkcord, in the usual way, to the spiked collar; but, to prevent any +annoyance from dragging the checkcord, at about five or six inches from +the fastening just made I would attach it to the common collar, with very +slight twine—twine so slight that, although it would not give way to the +usual drag of the checkcord, however long, yet it would readily break on +my having to pull strongly against the wilful rush of an obstinate dog, +when, of course, the spikes would punish him, as the strain would then be +borne by the spiked collar alone.</p> + +<p><a name="s207" id="s207">207</a>. Guided by circumstances, I would afterwards either remove the spiked +collar, or, if I conceived another bout necessary, refasten the checkcord +to the common collar with some of the thin twine, leaving, as before, five +or six inches of the checkcord loose between the two collars.</p> + +<p><a name="s208" id="s208">208</a>. If you should ever consider yourself forced to employ a spiked +collar, do not thoughtlessly imagine that the same collar will suit all +dogs. The spikes for a thin coated pointer ought to be shorter than for a +coarse<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_589" id="Page_589">[Pg 589]</a></span> haired setter! You can easily construct one to punish with any +degree of severity you please. Take a common leather collar; lay its inner +surface flat on a soft deal board: through the leather drive with a hammer +any number of tacks or flat-headed nails: then get a cobbler to sew on +another strap of leather at the back of the nails, so as to retain them +firmly in position.</p> + +<p><a name="s209" id="s209">209</a>. I have supposed that your dog has <i>scented</i> the birds before they +rose, but if he springs them without having previously noticed them—as in +some rare cases happens even to well-bred dogs—you <i>must</i> bring him back +to the spot at which you feel assured that he ought to have been sensible +of their presence, and <i>there</i> make him "Toho." Afterwards endeavor to +make him aware of the haunt by encouraging him to sniff at the ground that +the birds have just left. The next time watch very carefully for the +<i>slightest</i> indication of his feathering, and then instantly call out +"Toho." After a few times he will, to a certainty, understand you.</p> + +<p><a name="s210" id="s210">210</a>. You should kill outright the few first birds at which you fire. I +would infinitely prefer that you should miss altogether than that one of +the two or three first birds should be a runner. Afterwards you have full +leave to merely wing a bird; but still I should wish it not to be too +nimble. This is a good trial of <i>your</i> judgment as well as the dog's. I +hope he is to leeward of the bird, and that it will not catch his eye. See +he touches on the haunt. Do not let him work with his nose to the ground. +"Up, up," must be your encouraging words,—or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_590" id="Page_590">[Pg 590]</a></span> "On, on," according to +circumstances,—whilst with your right hand—<span class="smcap">iv.</span> of <a href="#s119">119</a>—you are +alternately urging and restraining him, so as to make him advance at a +suitable pace. From his previous education, not being flurried by any +undue dread of the whip, he will be enabled to give his undisturbed +attention, and devote all his faculties to follow unerringly the +retreating bird. But from inexperience he may wander from the haunt. On +perceiving this, bring him, by signals, back to the spot where he was +apparently last aware of the scent. He will again hit it off. If you view +the bird ever so far ahead, on no account run. I hope you will at length +observe it lie down. Head it, if possible, and strike it with your whip, +if you think you will be unable to seize it with your hand. Endeavor to +prevent its fluttering away;—it is too soon to subject the youngster to +such a severe trial of his nerves and steadiness. Then,—having put the +poor creature out of its misery, by piercing its skull, or rapping its +head against your gun, as before—<a href="#s180">180</a>—show your dog the gratifying prize +which your combined exertions have gained.</p> + +<p><a name="s211" id="s211">211</a>. Should he unluckily have caught sight of the running bird, and, in +spite of all your calls, have rushed forward and seized it, you ought to +have proceeded as described in <a href="#s221">221</a>. Clearly, however, you would not have +dragged the dog back to the place where he "down charged," but merely to +the spot from which he had made his unlawful rush. If the bird had been +very active, it would have been far better to have fired at it a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_591" id="Page_591">[Pg 591]</a></span> second +time—while it was running—than to have incurred the risk of making your +dog unsteady by a wild pursuit. Suppose that it was not winged, but rose +again on your approaching it, and fluttered off,—a hard trial for the +young dog,—you must, however, have made him bear it, and obey your loud +command to "drop,"—you would—or should—have taken another shot, and +have proceeded in exactly the same manner as if this had been your first +find—<a href="#s179">179</a>, <a href="#s180">180</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s212" id="s212">212</a>. As the wounded bird was to windward of the dog, the course to follow +was obvious,—it was plain sailing; but the case would have varied greatly +if the dog had been to windward. Had you pursued the usual plan, he must +have roaded the bird by the "foot;" and the danger is, that in allowing +him to do so, you may create in him the evil habit of hunting with his +nose close to the ground, which is, above all things, to be deprecated. +You have another mode—you can "lift" the dog—I suppose you know the +meaning of that hunting term,—and make him take a large circuit, and so +head the bird, and then proceed as if it had fallen to windward.</p> + +<p><a name="s213" id="s213">213</a>. The latter plan would avoid all risk of your making him a potterer, +and it is, I think, to be recommended, if you find him naturally inclined +to hunt low. But the former method, as a lesson in "footing," must be +often resorted to, that he may learn unhesitatingly to distinguish the +"heel" from the "toe," and how to push an old cock-grouse, or to flush a +pheasant running through cover, or the red-legged, I was nearly saying,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_592" id="Page_592">[Pg 592]</a></span> +the everlasting-legged partridge;<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> and, indeed, generally, how to draw +upon his birds, and with confidence lead you to a shot, when they are upon +the move and running down wind.—See end of <a href="#s98">98</a>; and for further +directions, and for "seeking dead" with two dogs, look at <a href="#s296">296</a>. The heavy +Spanish pointer, from his plodding perseverance and great olfactory +powers, was an excellent hand at retrieving a slightly injured bird on a +broiling, bad scenting day.</p> + +<p><a name="s214" id="s214">214</a>. When I advised you—<a href="#s180">180</a>—to let the dog "have plenty of time to make +out the bird," I spoke from personal experience, and from a vivid +recollection of errors committed in my novitiate. A young hand is too apt +to imagine that every bird which falls to his gun is killed outright, and +lying dead on the spot where it fell. He will, therefore, often +impatiently, and most injudiciously, call away the dog who, at a little +distance, may have hit-off the trail of the winged bird, and be "footing" +it beautifully.</p> + +<p><a name="s215" id="s215">215</a>. If in these lessons you should lose one or two wounded birds, though +it might not be a matter of any moment to yourself personally, it would be +extremely vexatious on the dog's account, because, in this early stage of +his education, it would tend to discourage him. The feeling which you must +anxiously foster in him is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_593" id="Page_593">[Pg 593]</a></span> this, that after the word "find"<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> the +search must never be relinquished, even though he be constrained to hunt +from morning till night. And it is clear that to make an abiding, valuable +impression, this lesson must be inculcated on the several first occasions +with unremitting, untiring diligence.</p> + +<p><a name="s216" id="s216">216</a>. Persevere, therefore, for an hour, rather than give up a wounded +bird. Join in the search yourself. Even if you see where it lies, do not +pick it up hastily. On the contrary, leave it, but mark well the spot. +Keep on the move. Hold your gun as if in expectation of a rise. Pretend to +seek for the bird in every direction, even for a good half hour, if you +can encourage your dog to hunt so long. If, indeed, you see him flag, and +get wearied and dispirited, gradually bring him close, but to leeward of +the spot where the bird lies, in order to make him "point dead" and be +rewarded for all his diligence by finding it himself. Let him, also, have +a good sniff at it and nose it—but let there be no biting or +mouthing—before you put it into the bag. Otherwise, what return has he +for the pains he has taken?</p> + +<p><a name="s217" id="s217">217</a>. It is no conclusive argument against the practice of allowing him to +"nose," that many first-rate dogs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_594" id="Page_594">[Pg 594]</a></span> have never been so indulged. It is +certain that they would not have been worse if they had; and many a dog, +that would otherwise have been extremely slack, has been incited to hunt +with eagerness from having been so rewarded. There are dogs who, from +having been constantly denied all "touseling," will not even give +themselves the trouble of searching for any bird which they have seen +knocked over, much less think of pointing it. They seem satisfied with +this ocular evidence of its death; for, odd to say, these very dogs will +often zealously obey the order to hunt for any bird whose fall they have +not noticed; but on winding it they will indulge in no more than a passing +sniff,—which sniff, unless you are watchful, you may not observe, and so +lose your bird. Never fail, therefore, to let your pupil ruffle the +feathers a little, while you bestow on him a caress or kind word of +approbation. You then incite to perseverance, by, even with dogs, a very +abiding motive,—"self-interest;" but mind the important rule, that his +"nosing" be only <i>when</i> the bird is in your possession, not <i>before</i> it is +in your possession. If you wish to establish for ever a confirmed +perseverance in "seeking dead," you must sacrifice <i>hours</i>—I say it +seriously—rather than give up any of the first wounded birds. Be +persuaded that every half hour spent in an unremitting search for <i>one</i> +bird, if ultimately successful, will more benefit the young dog than your +killing a <i>dozen</i> to him, should you bag them the moment you are reloaded. +Of course you would not, when you are giving such a lesson in +perseverance,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_595" id="Page_595">[Pg 595]</a></span> fire at another bird, even if it sprang at your feet,—for +your doing so, whether you missed or killed, would unsettle the young dog, +and make him relinquish his search. Be stimulated to present exertion by +the conviction, that if he be not <i>now</i> well instructed, you must expect +him to lose, season after season, nearly every bird only slightly disabled +by a merely tipped wing.</p> + +<p><a name="s218" id="s218">218</a>. I hope you will not say, as would most of our neighbors<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> on the +other side of the Channel: "But if, instead of waiting to load, I had gone +after the winged bird just as it fell, when first I saw it start off +running, the evil you have now spoken of—<a href="#s215">215</a>—could not have occurred, +for there would have been but little risk of losing it." Probably not, but +you would almost have ruined your dog; and to secure this one bird, in all +likelihood you would subsequently lose a hundred.<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> How could you with +justice blame him if, when next<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_596" id="Page_596">[Pg 596]</a></span> you killed, he rushed headlong after the +bird—instead of dropping patiently to the "down charge"—and so sprung a +dozen birds while you were unloaded?</p> + +<p><a name="s219" id="s219">219</a>. Perhaps you will say, "You tell me to fire at a running bird, but +when a winged cock-pheasant or red-legged partridge is racing off <i>out of +shot</i>, how am I to get it if I proceed in the slow, methodical manner you +advise? May it not lead me an unsuccessful dance for an hour, if I do not +allow the dog to shoot ahead and seize?" It may—but I hope months will +pass before you witness such agility—and this shows that those who do not +employ a retriever, and yet are sticklers for a setter's—or +pointer's—never being permitted to touch a feather, must on such +occasions get into a dilemma; and, unless they are willing to lose the +bird, must plead guilty to the inconsistency of being pleased—however +loudly they may roar out "Toho," "ware dead,"—when they see their dog, in +defiance of all such calls, disable it by a sudden grip. This plan, though +frequently followed, cannot be correct. They blame the dog for doing what +they really wish! and if he be too tender-mouthed to injure the bird, he +keeps them at top speed, while he is alternately picking up the +unfortunate creature—acting on his natural impulses—and letting it fall, +on being rated. I therefore repeat, that even if you do not wish your dog +constantly to retrieve—<a href="#s292">292</a>—you would still act judiciously in teaching +him as a puppy to fetch—<a href="#s86">86</a>—for then he will give chase to the winged +bird, and bring it to you <i>on getting the order</i>, instead of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_597" id="Page_597">[Pg 597]</a></span> permitting +it to escape for a fresh <i>burst</i>, or carrying it off, as I have seen done. +You thus maintain discipline. The dog will do what you wish, in obedience +to orders,—not in opposition to orders. The sticklers for dogs never +being allowed to nose a feather ought, unless they are quite willing to +give up slightly-winged birds, not to shrink from the difficult task of +teaching their pupils to stop and retain with their paws.</p> + +<p><a name="s220" id="s220">220</a>. We have only spoken of instances <a href="#s180">180</a>, <a href="#s210">210</a>, <a href="#s212">212</a>, in which all has gone +on smoothly, the dog most obediently dropping to shot and permitting <i>you</i> +to take up the bird notwithstanding the poor creature's death-struggles. +Suppose, however, and this may probably happen, that he does not restrain +himself at the "down charge," but, in spite of all your calls and signals, +rushes forward, yet yields to your menaces and halts in mid-career. It is +well—your course is clear; you have to lug him back and threaten and +lecture him. But should he not check himself until he sniffs the game, his +stop then becomes a "point;" and if he is of a timid disposition, or has +ever evinced any disposition to blink, you dare not force him to retrace +his steps lest he should mistake your motives, and fancy himself +encouraged to abandon his point. If you merely make him "down charge," you +violate the axiom named in <a href="#s255">255</a>. In short you are in a difficulty. It is a +nice case, in which your own judgment of the dog's character can alone +decide you.</p> + +<p><a name="s221" id="s221">221</a>. But, if from inadequate initiatory instruction—for I will maintain +that such marked rebellion can arise from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_598" id="Page_598">[Pg 598]</a></span> no other cause—in the +excitement of the moment he actually rushes in and seizes the bird, he +must be punished, I am sorry to say it; but however much we may deplore +it, <i>he must</i>; for he has been guilty of great disobedience, and he well +knows that he has been disobedient. But the temptation was strong, perhaps +too strong, for canine nature—that is to say, for canine nature not early +taught obedience. The wounded bird was fluttering within sight and +hearing—it was, too, the first he had ever seen,—and this is almost his +first glaring act of disobedience; be therefore merciful, though firm. +Make him "drop." Get up to him at once. Probably he will relinquish his +grip of the bird; if not, make him give it up to you, but do not pull it +from him: that would only increase the temptation to tear it. Lay it on +the ground. Then drag him back to the spot from which he rushed; there +make him lie down. Rate him. Call out "Toho."<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> Crack the whip over +him—and, I am pained to add, make use of it—but moderately, not +severely. Three or four cuts will be enough, provided he has not torn the +bird; if he has, his chastisement must be greater. Let him now have one +nibble without punishment, and soon a whole carcase will not suffice for +his morning's meal. Do not strike him across the body, but lengthwise.</p> + +<p><a name="s222" id="s222">222</a>. An ill-tempered dog might attempt to bite you. Prevent the +possibility of his succeeding, by grasping<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_599" id="Page_599">[Pg 599]</a></span> and twisting his collar with +your left hand, still keeping him at the "down." Consider coolly whether +you are flagellating a thick-coated dog, or one with a skin not much +coarser than your own. Pause between each cut; and, that he may comprehend +why he is punished, call out several times, but not loudly, +"Toho—bad—toho," and crack your whip. Let your last strokes be milder +and milder, until they fall in the gentlest manner—a manner more +calculated to awaken reflection than give pain. When the chastisement is +over stand close in front of him, the better to awe him, and prevent his +thinking of bolting. Put the whip quietly in your pocket, but still remain +where you are, occasionally rating and scolding him while you are loading; +gradually, however, becoming milder in manner that he may be sensible that +though your dissatisfaction at his conduct continues, his punishment is +over—<a href="#s241">241</a> to <a href="#s242">242</a>. Indeed, if you have any fear of his becoming too timid, +you may at length fondle him a little, provided that while you so +re-encourage him, you continue to say "Toho—toho," most +impressively—then, giving him the wind, go up together to the bird and +make him "point dead" close to it. Take it up, and let him fumble the +feathers before you loop it on the bag.</p> + +<p><a name="s223" id="s223">223</a>. Never let a dog whom you have been forced to chastise bolt or creep +away until you order him. If he is ever allowed to move off at <i>his</i> wish, +he will improve upon the idea, and on the next occasion will far too soon +anticipate <i>yours</i>. And do not send him off until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_600" id="Page_600">[Pg 600]</a></span> he has given some +evidence of having forgiven you, and of his desire to be reconciled, by +crawling towards you, for instance, or wagging his tail. On no +occasion—under circumstances of ever such great provocation—be so weak +or irritable—but I hope you do not need the warning—as to give him a +kick or a blow when he is going off. He ought to have stood with reassured +confidence alongside of you, for perhaps a minute or so, before you +sanctioned his departure; and the severer his punishment the longer should +have been the detention. You are always to part tolerable friends, while +he feels perfectly convinced that his chastisement is over. If you do not, +you may find it rather difficult to catch him when he commits another +fault. It will be owing to your own injudiciousness if he ever becomes +afraid of approaching you after making a blunder. Should he be so, sit +down. He will gradually draw near you; then quietly put your hand on his +collar.</p> + +<p><a name="s224" id="s224">224</a>. If a man cannot readily get hold of any dog under his tuition whom he +desires to rate or punish, you may be certain that he fails either in +temper or judgment; perhaps in both. He may be an excellent man; but he +cannot be a good dog-breaker. There are men who get quite enraged at a +dog's not coming instantly to "heel," on being called. When at length the +poor brute does come within reach, he gets a blow, perhaps a licking—a +blow or licking, he has the sense to see he should have longer avoided had +he stayed longer away. Thus the punishment increases instead of remedying +the evil.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_601" id="Page_601">[Pg 601]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s225" id="s225">225</a>. Never correct or even rate a dog, in the mere <i>belief</i> that he is in +error; be first <i>convinced</i> of his guilt. If you have good reason to +suspect that unseen by you he has wilfully sprung birds, still rather give +him an earnest caution than any severer rebuke. It is not easy to repair +the mischief occasioned by unjust punishment. When from his sheepish look, +or any other cause, you imagine that he has raised game, either through +heedlessness or from their being unusually wild, be sure to give him a +short lecture, and accompany him to the haunt. A lingering bird may +occasionally reward you. If his manner has led you to form an incorrect +opinion, your warning can have no other effect than to increase his +caution—rarely an undesirable result;—and if you are right the +admonition is obviously most judicious.</p> + +<p><a name="s226" id="s226">226</a>. Let me caution you against the too common error of punishing a dog by +pulling his ears. It has often occasioned bad canker. Some men are of +opinion that it is frequently the cause of premature deafness. When you +rate him you may lay hold of an ear and shake it, but not with violence.</p> + +<p><a name="s227" id="s227">227</a>. I would strongly recommend you always to make your young dog "drop" +for half-a-minute or so, when he, sees a hare; or when he hears a bird +rise.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> To effect this, stand still yourself. After a few seconds you +can either hie him on, or, which is yet better, get close to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_602" id="Page_602">[Pg 602]</a></span> him if you +expect other birds to spring. You will thus, especially in potatoes or +turnips, often obtain shots at birds which would have made off, had he +continued to hunt, and early in the season be frequently enabled to bag +the tail-bird of a covey. This plan will also tend to make him cautious, +and prevent his getting a habit of blundering-up birds, and cunningly +pretending not to have noticed their escape. It will also make him less +inclined to chase hares and rabbits, or rush at a fallen bird.</p> + +<p><a name="s228" id="s228">228</a>. On approaching a piece of turnips, you may have heard, "Let us couple +up all the dogs excepting Old Don:" the veteran's experience having shown +him, that the only effect of his thundering through them would be to scare +every bird and make it rise out of shot. <i>You</i>, on the contrary, when your +pupil is well confirmed in his range, and has some knowledge of his +distance from game, ought to wish the other dogs kept to +"Heel"—especially when the seed has been broadcast,—that by the word +"Care" and the right hand slightly raised you may instil into him the +necessary caution and so, by judicious tuition, give him the benefit of +your own experience. Most probably you would be obliged to employ the +checkcord,<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> which I presume to be always at hand ready for occasional +use. Or you might strap your shot-belt round his throat, for it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_603" id="Page_603">[Pg 603]</a></span> +essential that he traverse such ground slowly, and greatly contract his +range—see <a href="#s145">145</a>. The several cross scents he will encounter should afford +him a valuable lesson in detecting the most recent, and in discriminating +between the "heel and toe" of a run. Be patient,—give him time to work, +and consider what he is about. It is probable that he will frequently +overrun the birds on their doubling back, and imagine that they are gone. +Should he do so, bring him again on the spot where he appeared to lose the +scent. He now rushes up the adjacent drill. "Slower, slower," signals your +right arm; "go no faster than I can walk comfortably." On the other hand, +the birds may lie like stones. Not until you have remained nearly a minute +alongside of him let him urge them to rise; and make him effect this, not +by a sudden dash, but by steadily pressing on the scent. Bear in mind, as +before warned—<a href="#s143">143</a>—that the confidence with which he can here creep on to +a near find may lead, if he is now mismanaged, to his springing on future +occasions, from want of care, many a bird at which he ought to get you a +shot.</p> + +<p><a name="s229" id="s229">229</a>. If you can contrive it, let your pupil have some little experience in +the field before you give him a real lesson in "Gone"—or "Flown." Instead +of being perplexed, he will then comprehend you. Should you, therefore, +during the first few days of hunting him, see birds make off in lieu of +taking him to the haunt—as many breakers erroneously do,—carefully keep +him from the spot. You cannot let him run riot over the reeking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_604" id="Page_604">[Pg 604]</a></span> scent +without expecting him to do the same when next he finds; and if, in +compliance with your orders, he points, you are making a fool of +him—there is nothing before him; and if he does not fancy you as +bewildered as himself, he will imagine that the exhilarating effluvia he +rejoices in is the sum total you both seek. This advice, at first sight, +may appear to contradict that given in <a href="#s111">111</a> and <a href="#s209">209</a>; but look again, and +you will find that those paragraphs referred to peculiar cases. Should +your young dog be loitering and sniffing at a haunt which he has <i>seen</i> +birds quit, he cannot well mistake the meaning of your calling out, "Gone, +gone."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> The speed with which one of these extremely beautiful, but +in every other respect far, far inferior partridges will run, when only +slightly wounded, is quite marvellous.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The force of the word "Dead"—preceding the command +"Find"—that joyous, exciting note of triumph—ought never to be lessened +by being employed, as I have heard it, to stimulate a dog to hunt when no +bird is down; or, like the shepherd-boy's cry of "Wolf! wolf!" it will +have little influence at the moment when it should most animate to +unremitting exertions.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> In favor of such unsportsman-like haste they ingeniously +argue that a continued noise after firing makes birds lie, from attracting +their attention. They say that a sudden change to quiet—and a great +change it must be, for a <i>chasseur</i> is always talking—alarms the birds. +As an evidence of this, they adduce the well-known fact of its frequently +happening that a partridge gets up the moment the guns have left the spot, +though no previous noise had induced it to stir.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Had you lost the bird from there being but little scent, it +is probable you might have found it by renewing your search on your return +homewards in the evening. If a runner, it would most likely have rejoined +the covey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> "Toho," rather than "Drop,"—your object now being to make +him stand at, and prevent his mouthing game; for you are satisfied that he +would have "down charged" had the bird been missed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Of course, with the proviso that he is not pointing at +another bird—<a href="#s187">187</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Lest the cord should cut the turnip-tops, it might be better +to employ the elastic band spoken of in <a href="#s56">56</a>.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h4>SHOOTING HARES. COURAGE IMPARTED.—"BACKING" TAUGHT.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s230" id="s230">230</a>. Probably you may be in a part of the country where you may wish to +kill hares to your dog's point. I will, therefore, speak about them, +though I confess I cannot do it with much enthusiasm. Ah! my English +friend, what far happier autumns we should spend could we but pass them in +the Highlands! Then we should think little about those villanous hares. We +should direct<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_605" id="Page_605">[Pg 605]</a></span> the whole <i>undivided</i> faculties of our dogs, to work out +the haunt of the noble grouse.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> As for rabbits, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_606" id="Page_606">[Pg 606]</a></span> beg we may have no +further acquaintance, if you ever even in imagination, shoot them to your +young dog. Should you be betrayed into so vile a practice, you must resign +all hope of establishing in him a confirmed systematic range. He will +degenerate into a low potterer,—a regular hedge-hunter. In turnips he +will always be thinking more of rabbits than birds. It will be soon enough +to shoot the little wretches to him when he is a venerable grandfather. +The youngster's noticing them—which he would be sure to do if you had +ever killed one to him—might frequently lead to your mis-instructing him, +by earnestly enforcing "Care" at a moment when you ought to rate him +loudly with the command "Ware"—or "No." But to our immediate subject.</p> + +<p><a name="s231" id="s231">231</a>. Defer as long as possible the evil day of shooting a hare over him, +that he may not get too fond—<a href="#s65">65</a>—of such vermin—I beg pardon, I mean +game—and when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_607" id="Page_607">[Pg 607]</a></span> you do kill one, so manage that he may not see it put into +the bag. On no account let him mouthe it. You want him to love the pursuit +of feather more than of fur, that he may never be taken off the faintest +scent of birds by coming across the taint of a hare. I therefore entreat +you, during his first season, if you will shoot hares, to fire only at +those which you are likely to kill outright; for the taint of a wounded +hare is so strong that it would probably diminish his zeal, and the +sensitiveness of his nose, in searching for a winged bird.</p> + +<p><a name="s232" id="s232">232</a>. The temptation is always great to quit for a strong scent of +hare—which any coarse-nosed dog can follow—a feeble one of birds; +therefore it is a very satisfactory test of good breaking to see a dog, +when he is drawing upon birds, in no way interrupted by a hare having just +crossed before him. If you aim at such excellence, and it is frequently +attained in the Highlands, it is certain you must not shoot hares over +your youngster.</p> + +<p><a name="s233" id="s233">233</a>. I hope that he will not see a hare before you have shot a few birds +over him. The first that springs up near him will test the perfection to +which he has attained in his initiatory lessons. Lose not a moment. It is +most essential to restrain instantaneously the naturally strong impulse of +the dog to run after four-footed game. Halloo out "Drop" to the extent of +your voice,—raise your hand,—crack your whip,—do all you can to prevent +his pursuing. Of course you will not move an inch. Should he commence +running, thunder out "No," "no."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_608" id="Page_608">[Pg 608]</a></span> If, in spite of everything, he bolts +after the hare, you have nothing for it but patience. It's no use to give +yourself a fit of asthma by following him. You have only half as many legs +as he has—a deficiency you would do well to keep secret from him as long +as possible. Wait quietly where you are—for an hour if necessary. You +have one consolation,—puss, according to her usual custom, has run down +wind,—your dog has lost sight of her, and is, I see, with his nose to the +ground, giving himself an admirable lesson in reading out a haunt. After a +time he will come back looking rather ashamed of himself, conscious that +he did wrong in disobeying, and vexed with himself from having more than a +suspicion forced upon him, that he cannot run so fast as the hare. When he +has nearly reached you, make him "drop." Scold him severely, saying, "Ware +chase"—a command that applies to the chase of birds as well as of +hares.—Pull him to the place where he was when first he got a view of the +hare,—make him lie down—rate him well,—call out "No," or "Hare," or +"Ware chase," or any word you choose, provided you uniformly employ the +same. Smack the whip and punish him with it, but not so severely as you +did when we assumed that he tore the bird—end of <a href="#s221">221</a>. You then flogged +him for two offences: first, because he rushed in and seized the bird; +secondly, because he tore it and <i>tasted</i> blood. If you had not then +punished him severely, you could never have expected him to be +tender-mouthed. On the next occasion he might have swallowed the bird, +feathers and all.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_609" id="Page_609">[Pg 609]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s234" id="s234">234</a>. Should he persist in running after hares, you must employ the +checkcord. If you see the hare, at which he is pointing, in its form, +drive a peg firmly into the ground, and attach the cord to it, giving him +a few slack yards, so that after starting off he may be arrested with a +tremendous jerk. Fasten the line to the part of the spike close to the +ground, or he may pull it out.</p> + +<p><a name="s235" id="s235">235</a>. I have known a dog to be arrested in a headlong chase by a shot fired +at him—an act which you will think yet more reprehensible than the +previous mismanagement for which his owner apparently knew no other remedy +than this hazardous severity.</p> + +<p><a name="s236" id="s236">236</a>. When you are teaching your dog to refrain from chasing hares, take +him, if you can, where they are plentiful. If they are scarce, and you are +in the neighborhood of a rabbit-warren, visit it occasionally of an +evening. He will there get so accustomed to see the little animals running +about unpursued by either of you, that his natural anxiety to chase fur, +whether it grow on the back of hare or rabbit, will be gradually +diminished.</p> + +<p><a name="s237" id="s237">237</a>. In Scotland there are tracts of heather where one may hunt for weeks +together and not find a hare; indeed, it is commonly observed, that hares +are always scarce on those hills where grouse most abound. In other parts +they are extremely numerous. Some sports men in the Highlands avail +themselves of this contrasted ground in order to break a young dog from +"chasing." They hunt him, as long as he continues fresh, where there are +no hares; and when he becomes tired, they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_610" id="Page_610">[Pg 610]</a></span> take him to the Lowlands, where +they are plentiful. By then killing a good many over him, and severely +punishing him whenever he attempts to follow, a cure is often effected in +two or three days. In the yet higher ranges, the mountain-hares, from +possessing a peculiarly strong scent, and not running to a distance, are a +severe trial to the steadiest dog.</p> + +<p><a name="s238" id="s238">238</a>. Killing a sitting hare to your dog's point will wonderfully steady +him from chasing; but do not fire until he has remained stanch for a +considerable time. This will show him that puss is far more likely to be +bagged by <i>your</i> firing than by <i>his</i> pursuing.</p> + +<p><a name="s239" id="s239">239</a>. For the same object,—I mean to make your young dog stanch,—I would +recommend your killing a few birds on the ground to his point were it not +that you rarely have the opportunity.</p> + +<p><a name="s240" id="s240">240</a>. When you have made your dog perfectly steady from chasing you +may—supposing you have no retriever at hand,—naturally enough, inquire +how you are to teach him to follow any hare you may be so unlucky as +merely to wound. I acknowledge that the task is difficult. I would say, at +once resolve to give up every wounded hare during his first season.<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> +The following year, provided you find that he remains quite steady, on +your wounding an unfortunate wretch, encourage your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_611" id="Page_611">[Pg 611]</a></span> dog to pursue it by +running yourself after it. When he gets hold of it, check him if he mauls +it, and take it from him as quickly as possible. As I cannot suppose that +you are anxious to slaughter every hare you see, let the next two or three +go off without a shot. This forbearance will re-steady him, and after a +while his own sagacity and nose—<a href="#s297">297</a>—will show him that the established +usage was departed from solely because puss was severely struck.</p> + +<p><a name="s241" id="s241">241</a>. As you wish to flog your dog as little as possible, never go out +without your whip, paradoxical as this may appear. The dog's salutary awe +of the implement which he sees in your possession, like a horse's +consciousness of your heel being armed with a spur, will tend to keep him +in order. If your dog is a keen ranger, you may much spare the whip by +making him crouch at your feet for several minutes after he has committed +a fault. The detention will be felt by him, when he is all anxiety to be +off hunting, as a severe punishment. If he is a mettlesome, high-couraged +animal, he will regard as a yet severer punishment his being compelled to +follow at your heels for half-an-hour, while the other dogs are allowed +the enjoyment of hunting.</p> + +<p><a name="s242" id="s242">242</a>. Excess of punishment has made many a dog of good promise a confirmed +blinker; and of far more has it quenched that keen ardor for the sport, +without which no dog can be first-rate. For this reason, if not from more +humane motives, make it a rule to give but few cuts; let them, however, be +tolerably severe. Your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_612" id="Page_612">[Pg 612]</a></span> pupil's recollection of them, when he hears the +crack of the whip, will prevent the necessity of their frequent +repetition.</p> + +<p><a name="s243" id="s243">243</a>. I knew of a young fellow's purchasing a pointer of an excellent breed +from a gamekeeper for a <i>few shillings</i> merely, as the animal had become +so timid from over-chastisement, that she not only blinked her game, but +seldom quitted the man's heels. The lad had the good sense to treat the +bitch, at all times, with the greatest kindness: and in order to induce +her to hunt, he used to break off the feet of every bird he killed, and +give them to her to eat along with the sinews. The plan succeeded so well +that she eventually became an unusually keen and fast ranger. This would +be a hazardous step to take with a dog wanted to retrieve. There are few, +if any dogs who may not be tempted by hunger to eat game. A gentleman told +me, that, to his great astonishment, he one day saw an old tender-mouthed +retriever, that he had possessed for years, deliberately swallow a +partridge. Before he could get up to the dog even the tail-feathers had +disappeared. On inquiry it turned out that, through some neglect, the +animal had not been fed.</p> + +<p><a name="s244" id="s244">244</a>. Some argue that blinking arises from a defective nose, not from +punishment; but surely it is the injudicious chastisement following the +blunders caused by a bad nose that makes a dog, through fear, go to "heel" +when he winds birds. A bad nose may lead to a dog's running up birds from +not noticing them, but it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_613" id="Page_613">[Pg 613]</a></span> cannot <i>naturally</i> induce him to run away from +them. Possibly he may be worthless from a deficiency in his olfactory +powers; but it is hard to conceive how these powers can be improved by a +dread of doing mischief when he finds himself near game. Some dogs that +have been unduly chastised do not even betray themselves by running to +"heel," but cunningly slink away from their birds without giving you the +slightest intimation of their vicinity. I have seen such instances. When a +young dog, who has betrayed symptoms of blinking, draws upon birds, <i>head</i> +him, if you can, before you give him the order to "toho:" he will then +have such a large circuit to make, that he will feel the less tempted to +run to your heels.</p> + +<p><a name="s245" id="s245">245</a>. Obedience and intelligence are, as I have already remarked, best +secured by judicious ratings and encouragements—scoldings for bad +conduct,—praise, caresses, and rewards for good. Never forget, therefore, +to have some delicacy in your pocket to give the youngster whenever he may +deserve it. All dogs, however, even the most fearful, ought to be made +able to bear a little punishment. If, <i>unfortunately</i>, your dog is +constitutionally timid—I cannot help saying <i>unfortunately</i>, though so +many of the sort have fine noses—the whip must be employed with the +greatest gentleness, the lash being rather laid on the back than used, +until such forbearance, and many caresses before his dismissal, have +gradually banished the animal's alarm, and ultimately enabled you to give +him a very slight beating, on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_614" id="Page_614">[Pg 614]</a></span> misconducting himself, without any +danger of making him blink. By such means, odd as it may sound, you +<i>create</i> courage, and with it give him self-confidence and range.</p> + +<p><a name="s246" id="s246">246</a>. A judiciously-educated dog will know as well as you do whether or not +he has earned a chastisement, and many a one is of so noble a nature that +he will not wish to avoid it if he is conscious that he deserves it. He +will become as anxious for good sport as you are, and feel that he ought +to be punished, if from his own misconduct he mars it. Indeed, he will not +have much opinion of your sagacity if you do not then give him a sound +rating, or let him have a taste of the lash, though it matters not how +slight. Clearly this feeling, which it will be right to foster, must have +arisen from his belief that you are always conscious of his +actions—<a href="#s262">262</a>—therefore never check him for coming towards you on his +committing any unseen error. Moreover, when he has been but a little shot +to, you will find that if you abstain from firing at a bird which through +his fault he has improperly flushed, although in its flight it affords you +an excellent shot, you will greatly vex him; and this will tend to make +him-more careful for the future.</p> + +<p><a name="s247" id="s247">247</a>. When, after a few weeks, you perceive that the youngster has +confidence in himself, and is likely to hunt independently, not +deferentially following the footsteps of an older companion, take out a +well-broken dog with him, that you may have the opportunity of teaching +him to "back." Be careful to choose one not given<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_615" id="Page_615">[Pg 615]</a></span> to make false points; +for if he commits such mistakes, your pupil will soon utterly disregard +his pointing. Select also one who draws upon his birds in a fine, +determined attitude; not one to whose manner even <i>you</i> must be habituated +to feel certain he is on game. Be watchful to prevent your dog ever +hunting in the wake of the other, which, in the humility of canine youth, +he probably will, unless you are on the alert to wave him in a different +direction, the moment you observe him inclined to seek the company of his +more experienced associate. By selecting a slow old dog you will probably +diminish the wish of the young one to follow him; for it is likely that +the youngster's eagerness will make him push on faster, and so take the +lead.</p> + +<p><a name="s248" id="s248">248</a>. The example for a <i>few</i> days—but only for a few days—of a good +stanch dog who is not a hedge-hunter,—has no bad habits, and does not +require being called to—will be advantageous to your inexperienced +animal.</p> + +<p><a name="s249" id="s249">249</a>. On the old dog's pointing, catch the eye of the young one. If you +cannot readily do so, and are not afraid of too much alarming the birds, +call to the old fellow by name, and desire him to "toho." The order will +make the young one look round, and awaken him to a suspicion of what is +going forward. Hold up your right arm—stand still for a minute—and then, +carrying your gun as if you were prepared momentarily to fire, retreat, or +move sideways in crab-like fashion towards the old dog, continuing your +signal to the other to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_616" id="Page_616">[Pg 616]</a></span> remain steady, and turning your face to him, so +that he may be restrained by the feeling that your eye is constantly fixed +upon him. He will soon remark the attitude of the old dog, and almost +intuitively guess its meaning. Should the old one draw upon his game, +still the other dog must remain stationary. If he advance but an inch, +rate him. Should he rush up—which is hardly to be expected—at him at +once;—having made him drop, catch hold of him, and drag him to the place +at which he should have backed—there—if you judge such strong measures +necessary—peg him down until after you have had your shot and are +reloaded. If by heading the birds you can drive them towards the young +dog, do so; and aim at the one most likely to fall near him. Endeavor to +make him comprehend that any sign or word to urge on or retard the leading +dog in no way applies to him. This he will soon understand, if he has been +properly instructed with an associate in the initiatory lesson described +in <a href="#s45">45</a>. After you have picked up the bird let him sniff at it.</p> + +<p><a name="s250" id="s250">250</a>. It is most important that the dog which first winds birds should be +allowed to "road" them to a spring without being flurried, or in any way +interfered with by another dog. Few things are more trying to your temper +as a sportsman, than to see a self-sufficient cub, especially when birds +are wild, creep up to the old dog whom he observes pointing at a distance, +or cautiously drawing upon a covey. The young whipper-snapper pays no +attention to your most energetic signals: you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_617" id="Page_617">[Pg 617]</a></span> are afraid to speak lest +you should alarm the birds, and before you can catch hold of the +presumptuous jackanapes, he not only steals close to the good old dog, but +actually ventures to head him; nay, possibly dares to crawl on yet nearer +to the birds in the hope of enjoying a more intoxicating sniff.</p> + +<p><a name="s251" id="s251">251</a>. All dogs but the "finder" should stand wholly by sight,—just the +reverse of pointing. Your dog's nose ought to have nothing to do with +backing. If you permit it, he will get the abominable habit of creeping up +to his companions in the manner just described—<a href="#s250">250</a>—when he observes them +to be winding birds; and though he may not presume to take the lead, nay, +even keep at so respectful a distance as in no way to annoy the "finder," +yet a longing to inhale the "grateful steam"—as that good poet and +capital sportsman, Somerville, terms it—will make him constantly watch +the other dogs, instead of bestowing his undivided attention and faculties +upon finding game for himself. It is quite enough if he backs whenever you +order him, or he accidentally catches sight of another dog either +"pointing" or "roading;" and the less he is looking after his companions, +the more zealously will he attend to his own duties.</p> + +<p><a name="s252" id="s252">252</a>. If you have any fears that the old dog when he is on birds will not +act steadily, should you have occasion to chide the young one, be careful +to give the old dog a word expressive of your approval, before you +commence to rate the other.</p> + +<p><a name="s253" id="s253">253</a>. When your youngster is hereafter hunted in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_618" id="Page_618">[Pg 618]</a></span> company, should he make a +point, and any intrusive companion, instead of properly backing him, be +impertinently pressing on, the youngster should not be induced—however +great may be the trial upon his patience and forbearance—to draw one foot +nearer to the game than his own knowledge of distance tells him is +correct; not even if his friend, or rather, jealous rival, boldly assumes +the front rank. Your pupil will have a right to look to you for +protection, and to expect that the rash intruder, however young, be <i>at +the least</i> well rated.</p> + +<p><a name="s254" id="s254">254</a>. It is a matter of little moment whether the "backer" attends to the +"down charge," or continues to back as long as the other dog remains at +his point. It appears, however, best that he should "drop," unless he is +so near that he winds the game, when he would be rather pointing than +backing—and should, consequently, behave as explained in <a href="#s187">187</a>;—for the +fewer exceptions there are to general rules the more readily are the rules +observed.</p> + +<p><a name="s255" id="s255">255</a>. Should both dogs make separate points at the same moment, it is clear +that neither can back the other. They must act independently—each for +himself. Moreover, your firing over one should not induce the other to +"down charge," or in any way divert his attention from his own birds. He +ought to remain as immovable as a statue. Some dogs, whose high courage +has not been damped by over-correction, will do this from their own +sagacity; but to enable you to <i>teach</i> them to behave thus steadily, game +should be plentiful. When you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_619" id="Page_619">[Pg 619]</a></span> lucky enough to observe both dogs +pointing at the same time, let your fellow-sportsman—or your +attendant—flush and fire at the birds found by the older dog, while you +remain stationary near the young one, quietly but earnestly cautioning him +to continue firm. When your companion has reloaded and picked up his +game—and made the other dog "back,"—let him join you and knock over the +bird at which your pupil is pointing. It will not be long before he—your +young dog—understands what is required of him, if he has been +practised—as recommended in <a href="#s187">187</a>—not to "down charge" when pointing +unsprung birds. In short, it may be received as an axiom, that <i>nothing +ought to make a dog voluntarily relinquish a point so long as he winds +birds; and nothing but the wish to continue his point should make him +neglect the "down charge" the instant he hears the near report of a gun</i>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> A superior dog on grouse more easily becomes good on +partridge than a superior partridge-dog becomes good on grouse. Grouse run +so much, both when they are pairing, and after the first flight of the +young pack, that a dog broken on them has necessarily great practice in +"roading,"—"roading," too, with the nose carried high to avoid strong +heather—a valuable instructor,—whereas the dog broken on partridge often +becomes impatient, and breaks away when he first finds grouse. The former +dog, moreover, will learn not to "break fence," and the necessity of +moderating his pace when hunting stubbles and turnips, sooner than the +latter will acquire the extensive fast beat so desirable on heather, where +he can work for hours uninterrupted by hedge, ditch, or furrow; making +casts to the right and left a quarter of a mile in length. First +impressions are as strong in puppyhood as in childhood; therefore the +advantage of having such ground to commence on must be obvious. There are, +however, favored spots in Perthshire, &c., where game so abounds that +close rangers are as necessary as when hunting in England. Alas! even the +grouse-dog will take far too quickly to hedge hunting; and pottering when +on the stubbles. It is, of course, presumed that he is broken from +"chasing hare"—a task his trainer must have found difficult—though none +are ever shot to him—from the few that, <i>comparatively</i> speaking, his +pupil could have seen. Independently, however, of want of pace and +practice in roading, it never would be fair to take a dog direct from the +Lowlands to contend on the Highlands with one habituated to the +latter,—and <i>vice versâ</i>, for the stranger would always be placed to +great disadvantage. A <i>faint</i> scent of game which the other would +instantly recognise, he would not acknowledge from being wholly +unaccustomed to it. Sometimes, however, a grouse dog of a ticklish temper +will not bear being constantly called to on "breaking fence." A fine, +free-ranging pointer, belonging to one of the brothers Hy, when brought to +an enclosed country, became quite subdued and dispirited. He could not +stand the rating he received for bounding over the hedges, and he +evidently derived no enjoyment from the sport, though there were plenty of +birds. On returning to the Highlands, he quite recovered his animation and +perseverance. He added another to the many evidences that dogs are most +attached to, and <i>at home</i> on, the kind of country they first hunted. +</p><p> +This note is applicable to the pointer, used to the pinnated grouse on the +Prairies, when brought into close shooting on quail, &c. H.W.H.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> This appears extremely cruel; remember, however, that I +entreated you to abstain entirely from shooting hares; but if you would +not make this sacrifice, at least "only to fire at those which you were +likely to kill outright"—<a href="#s231">231</a>.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h4>HINTS TO PURCHASERS. SHEEP KILLING.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s256" id="s256">256</a>. When your dog has been properly taught the "back," fail not to +recommence hunting him alone, if it is your object to establish a perfect +range.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_620" id="Page_620">[Pg 620]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s257" id="s257">257</a>. Professional dog-breakers, I have remarked, almost invariably hunt +too many dogs together. This arises, I suppose, from the number which they +have to train; but the consequence is, that the younger dogs are +spectators rather than actors, and, instead of ranging independently in +search of game, are watching the manœuvres of their older associates.</p> + +<p><a name="s258" id="s258">258</a>. A glimmering of knowledge may be picked up in this way; but no one +will argue that it is likely to create great excellence. Doubtless the +young ones will be good backers; and to the inexperienced a troop of +perhaps a dozen dogs, all in chiselled form, stanchly backing an old +leader, is a most imposing sight—but if the observer were to accompany +the whole party for a few hours, he would remark, I will bet any money, +that the same veterans would over and over again find the birds, and that +the <i>"perfectly"</i> broken young ones in the rear would do nothing but +"back" and "down charge." What can they know of judicious quartering? Of +obeying the signals of the hand? Of gradually drawing upon the faintest +token of a scent—only perceptible to a nose carried high in the +air—until they arrive at a confident point? Of perseveringly working out +the foil of a slightly-winged bird, on a hot still day, to a sure "find?" +Nothing, or next to nothing,—nearly all is to be taught; and yet the +breaker will show off those raw recruits as perfectly drilled soldiers. +Would they not have had a much better chance of really being so, if he had +given a small portion of his time each day to each?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_621" id="Page_621">[Pg 621]</a></span> He well knows they +would; but the theatrical display would not be half so magnificent. If he +had truly wished to give his pupils a good systematic range, without a +doubt he would have devoted one hour in the field exclusively to each dog, +rather than many hours to several at once—and not have associated any +together in the field until he had gained full command over each +separately. And this he would have done—<i>because it would have tended to +his interest</i>,—had he supposed that his dog's qualifications would be +investigated by judges—by those who would insist on seeing a dog hunted +singly—in order to observe his method of ranging,—or with but one +companion, before they thought of definitively purchasing.</p> + +<p><a name="s259" id="s259">259</a>. At the beginning of a partridge season, I unexpectedly wanted to +purchase a dog. An old gamekeeper—one on whose judgment I could rely, and +who, I knew, would not willingly deceive me,—saw a setter in the field +that he thought would please, and accordingly sent it to my kennel. I +greatly liked the looks of the animal. He quartered his ground well—was +obedient to the hand—carried a high and apparently tender nose—pointed, +backed, and down-charged steadily. Unquestionably he had been well broken. +I thought myself in great luck, and should not have hesitated to complete +the purchase, but that fortunately I had an opportunity of shooting a bird +over him, when to my horror he rushed at it with the speed of a greyhound. +As, in spite of all my remonstrances, shouted in the most determined<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_622" id="Page_622">[Pg 622]</a></span> +manner, he repeated this manœuvre whenever a bird fell, I returned him. +I afterwards heard he had just been shot over by a party on the moors, +who, no doubt, had spoilt him by their ignoble, pot-hunting propensities.</p> + +<p><a name="s260" id="s260">260</a>. Had I chosen to sacrifice my shooting in order to reclaim him—which +I must have done, had I too hastily concluded the purchase,—I ought to +have sent home the other dogs, and proceeded, but with greater severity, +much in the manner described in <a href="#s220">220</a> and <a href="#s222">222</a>. I ought not, however, to have +gone after him when first he bolted; I ought merely to have endeavored to +check him with my voice, for it would have been most important to set him +a good example by remaining immovable myself, and he might have +misconstrued any hasty advance on my part into rivalship for possession of +the bird; in short, into a repetition of one of the many scrambles to +which he had recently been accustomed, and in which I feel sure he must +invariably have come off victorious. I ought, when loaded, to have walked +calmly up to him, and, without taking the slightest notice of the +disfigured bird, have dragged him back, while loudly rating him, to the +spot where he should have "down charged." After a good flagellation—a +protracted lecture—and a long delay,—the longer the better,—I ought to +have made him cautiously approach the bird; and by a little scolding, and +by showing him the wounds he had inflicted, have striven to make him +sensible and ashamed of his enormities. Probably, too, had the birds lain +well, the moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_623" id="Page_623">[Pg 623]</a></span> he pointed I should have employed the checkcord<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> with +a spike, giving him a liberal allowance of slack line—<a href="#s234">234</a>. Had I thus +treated him throughout the day, I have little doubt but that he would have +become a reformed character; though an occasional outbreak might not +unreasonably have been expected. See <a href="#s205">205 to 208</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s261" id="s261">261</a>. To create a feeling of self-dependence, obviously there is no better +plan than for a considerable time to take out the dog by himself, and thus +force him to trust for sport to his own unaided powers; and when he is at +length hunted in company, never to omit paying him the compliment of +attending to every indication he evinces of being upon birds, even +occasionally to the unfair neglect of confirmed points made by the other +dogs.</p> + +<p><a name="s262" id="s262">262</a>. I conceive those dogs must be considered the <i>best</i> which procure a +persevering sportsman most shots in a season and lose him fewest winged +birds.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> If you are anxious for your pupil to attain this superlative +excellence,—I will repeat it, at the risk of being accused<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_624" id="Page_624">[Pg 624]</a></span> of +tautology,—you must be at all times consistently strict but never severe. +Make him as much as you can, your constant companion; you will thereby +much develope his intelligence, and so render him a more efficient +assistant in the field, for he will understand your manner better and +better, and greatly increase in affection as well as observation. Many men +would like so faithful an attendant. <i>Teach</i> obedience at home—to +<i>obtain</i> it in the field. Consider the instantaneous "drop," the moment he +gets the signal, as all-important,—as the very key-stone of the arch that +conducts to the glorious triumphs of due subordination. Notice every +fault, and check it by rating, but never punish with the whip unless you +judge it absolutely necessary. On the other hand, following Astley's +plan—<a href="#s10">10</a>—reward, or at least praise, every instance of good behavior, and +you will be surprised how quickly your young dog will comprehend your +wishes, and how anxious he will be to comply with them. Remember that evil +practices, unchecked until they become confirmed habits, or any errors in +training committed at the commencement of his education, cannot be +repaired afterwards without tenfold—nay, twentyfold—trouble. Never let +him hunt from under your eye. Unceasingly endeavor to keep alive in him as +long as possible his belief that you are intuitively aware as fully when +he is out of sight as within sight of every fault he commits, whether it +arise from wilfulness or mere heedlessness. This is a very important +admonition. Remember, however, that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_625" id="Page_625">[Pg 625]</a></span> best dogs will occasionally make +mistakes when they are running down wind—especially if it blows +hard,—and that there are days when there is scarcely any scent.—Note to +<a href="#s128">128</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s263" id="s263">263</a>. Attend most carefully to the injunction not to let your dog hunt out +of sight. It is essential that you do so.</p> + +<p><a name="s264" id="s264">264</a>. Notwithstanding Beckford's capital story of the hounds making a +dinner of the old ram which his lordship had left in their kennel to +intimidate them, if your dog be unhappily too fond of mutton or lamb of +his own killing, perhaps no better cure can be <i>attempted</i>, provided you +superintend the operation, than that of muzzling him, and letting a strong +ram give him a butting at the time that you are administering the lash, +and hallooing out "Ware" or "Sheep." But, unfortunately, this too often +fails.</p> + +<p><a name="s265" id="s265">265</a>. If you do not succeed, you must hang or drown him,—the latter is +probably the less painful death, but a charge of shot well lodged behind +the ear in the direction of the brain would be yet better. Therefore you +will not mind giving him another chance for his life, though confessedly +the measure proposed is most barbarous. Procure an ash-pole about five +feet long. Tie one extremity of the pole to a strong ram, by the part of +the horns near the forehead. To the opposite extremity of the pole attach +a strong spiked collar, and strap it round the dog's throat, to the +audible tune of "Ware" or "Sheep." To prevent the possibility of the cord +slipping,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_626" id="Page_626">[Pg 626]</a></span> through each end of the pole burn a hole. The continued efforts +of the ram for some hours either to free himself from his strange +companion, or to attack him, will possibly so worry and punish the dog as +to give him a distaste ever afterwards for anything of a woolly nature. +The pole will so effectually separate these unwilling—but still too +intimate—associates, that you need not muzzle the dog.</p> + +<p><a name="s266" id="s266">266</a>. There is yet another remedy, which I will name, as it sounds +reasonable, though I cannot speak of its merits from personal observation, +never having seen it tried.</p> + +<p><a name="s267" id="s267">267</a>. Wrap a narrow strip of sheep-skin, that has much wool on it, round +the dog's lower jaw, the wool outwards, and fasten it so that he cannot +get rid of it. Put this on him for a few hours daily and there is a chance +that he will become as thoroughly disgusted as even you could wish, with +every animal of the race whose coat furnished such odious mouthfuls; but +prevention being better than cure, pay great attention to your dog's +morals during the lambing season. Dogs not led away by evil companionship +rarely commence their depredations upon sober full-grown sheep. In +ninety-nine cases out of a hundred,<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> they have previously yielded to +the great temptation of running down some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_627" id="Page_627">[Pg 627]</a></span> frisking lamb, whose animated +gambols seemed to court pursuit.</p> + +<p><a name="s268" id="s268">268</a>. If ever you have fears that you may be unable to prevent a dog's +breaking away to worry sheep, hunt him in a muzzle of a size that will not +interfere with his breathing, and yet effectually prevent the wide +extension of his jaws.</p> + +<p><a name="s269" id="s269">269</a>. The killing of fowls is more easily prevented. The temptation, though +equally frequent, is not so great—he will only have tasted blood, not +revelled in it. Take a dead fowl—one of his recent victims, if you can +procure it—and endeavor, by pointing to it, while you are scolding him, +to make him aware of the cause of your displeasure. Then secure him to a +post, and thrash him about the head with the bird, occasionally favoring +his hide with sundry applications of a whip, and his ears with frequent +repetitions of the scaring admonition, "Ware fowl," "Fowl—fowl—fowl." +Whenever you afterwards catch him watching poultry, be sure to rate him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_628" id="Page_628">[Pg 628]</a></span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> I am glad to say I have never had occasion to adopt so +severe a remedy as the following; but I have heard of an otherwise +incorrigible taste for blood being cured by a partridge pierced +transversely with two knitting-pins being <i>adroitly</i> substituted for the +fallen bird which the dog had been restrained by a checkcord from bolting. +The pins were cut to a length somewhat less than the diameter of its body, +and were fixed at right angles to one another. Several slight wires would, +I think, have answered better.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> And if hares are shot to him, fewest wounded hares.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> In the remaining odd case—one out of a hundred—the +propensity may be traced to the animal's belonging to a vicious stock—in +short, to hereditary instinct.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h4>DISTINGUISHING WHISTLES. "BACKING" THE GUN. RETREAT FROM AND RESUMPTION OF +POINT. RANGE UNACCOMPANIED BY GUN. HEADING RUNNING BIRDS.</h4> + +<h4>A DISTINGUISHING WHISTLE FOR EACH DOG.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s271" id="s271">271</a>. Though you may have only begun to shoot last season, have you not +often wished to attract the attention of one of your two dogs, and make +him hunt in a particular part of the field, but for fear of alarming the +birds, have been unwilling to call out his name, and have felt loath to +whistle to him, lest you should bring away at the same time the other dog, +who was zealously hunting exactly where you considered him most likely to +find birds?</p> + +<p><a name="s272" id="s272">272</a>. Again: have the dogs never been hunting close together instead of +pursuing distinct beats; and has it not constantly happened, on your +whistling with the view to separate them, that <i>both</i> have turned their +heads in obedience to the whistle, and <i>both</i> on your signal changed the +direction of their beat, but still the <i>two together</i>? And have you not, +in despair of ever parting them by merely whistling and signalling, given +the lucky birds—apparently in the most handsome manner, as if scorning to +take any ungenerous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_629" id="Page_629">[Pg 629]</a></span> advantage—fair notice of the approach of the guns by +shouting out the name of one of the dogs.</p> + +<p><a name="s273" id="s273">273</a>. Or, if one dog was attentive to the whistle, did he not gradually +learn to disregard it from observing that his companion was never chidden +for neglecting to obey it?—and did not such laxity more and more confirm +both in habits of disobedience?</p> + +<p><a name="s274" id="s274">274</a>. I believe several of my readers will be constrained to answer these +questions in the affirmative; and, further, I think their own experience +will remind them of many occasions, both on moor and stubble when birds +were wild, on which they have wished to attract the notice of a particular +dog—perhaps running along a hedge, or pottering over a recent haunt; or +hunting down wind towards marked game—by <i>whistling</i> instead of calling +out his name, but have been unwilling to do so, lest the other dogs should +likewise obey the shrill sound to which all were equally accustomed.</p> + +<p><a name="s275" id="s275">275</a>. Now, in breaking young dogs, you could, by using whistles of +dissimilar calls, easily avoid the liability of these evils; and by +invariably employing a particular whistle for each dog to summon him +separately to his food—<a href="#s29">29</a>—each would distinguish his own whistle as +surely as every dog knows his own master's whistle, and as hounds learn +their names. Dogs not only know their own names, but instantly know by the +pronunciation when it is uttered by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_630" id="Page_630">[Pg 630]</a></span> a stranger. To prevent mistakes, each +dog's name might be marked on his own whistle. You might have two +whistles, of very different sound, on one short stock. Indeed, <i>one</i> +whistle would be sufficient for two dogs, if you invariably sounded the +same two or three sharp short notes for one dog, and as invariably gave a +sustained note for the other. Nay, the calls could thus be so diversified, +that one whistle might be used for even more than two dogs.</p> + +<p>But whatever whistle you choose to employ, be sure, both in and out of the +field, to sound it softly whenever the dog is near you. Indeed, you would +act judiciously to make it a constant rule, wherever he may be, <i>never to +whistle louder than is really requisite</i>, otherwise—as I think I before +remarked—he will, comparatively speaking, pay little attention to its +summons, when, being at a distance, he hears it but faintly.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="TO_BACK_THE_GUN" id="TO_BACK_THE_GUN"></a>TO BACK THE GUN.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s276" id="s276">276</a>. In shooting, especially late in the season, you will often mark down +a bird, and feel assured that you stand a better chance of getting a shot +at it if the dogs cease hunting whilst you approach it. You can teach your +dog to do this by holding up your right hand <i>behind</i> you when you mark +down a bird, saying at the same time, "Toho," in an earnest, quiet voice, +and carrying your gun as if you were prepared to shoot. He will soon +begin, I really must say it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_631" id="Page_631">[Pg 631]</a></span> to <i>back you</i>,—for he actually will be +backing you, ludicrous as the expression may sound. After a few times he +will do so on the signal, without your speaking at all; and he will be as +pleased, as excited, and as stanch, as if he were backing an old dog. +Making him "drop" will not effect your object, for, besides that it in no +way increases his intelligence, you may wish him to follow at a respectful +distance, while you are stealing along the banks of some stream, &c. Ere +long he will become as sensible as yourself that any noise would alarm the +birds, and you will soon see him picking his steps to avoid the crisp +leaves, lest their rustling should betray him. I have even heard of a dog +whose admirable caution occasionally led him, when satisfied that his +point was observed, to crawl behind a bush, or some other shelter, to +screen himself from the notice of the birds.</p> + +<p><a name="s277" id="s277">277</a>. The acquisition of this accomplishment—and it is easily taught to a +young dog previously made steady in backing another—it should not be +attempted before—will often secure you a duck, or other wary bird, which +the dog would otherwise, almost to a certainty, spring out of gun-shot. If +you should "toho" a hare, and wish to kill one, you will have an excellent +opportunity of practising this lesson.</p> + +<p><a name="s278" id="s278">278</a>. In America there is a singular duck, called, from its often alighting +on trees, the Wood-duck. I have killed some of these beautiful, +fast-flying birds, while they were seated on logs overhanging the water, +which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_632" id="Page_632">[Pg 632]</a></span> I could not have approached within gun-shot had the dog not +properly backed the gun when signalled to, and cautiously crept after me, +still remaining far in the rear.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="TO_RETREAT_FROM_A_POINT_AND_RESUME_IT" id="TO_RETREAT_FROM_A_POINT_AND_RESUME_IT"></a>TO RETREAT FROM A POINT AND RESUME IT.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s279" id="s279">279</a>. Amidst coppices, osiers, or broom—indeed, some times on a rough +moor—you will occasionally lose sight of a dog, and yet be unwilling to +call him, feeling assured that he is somewhere steadily pointing; and +being vexatiously certain that, when he hears your whistle, he will either +leave his point, not subsequently to resume it, or—which is far more +probable—amuse himself by raising the game before he joins you. There are +moments when you would give guineas if he would retreat from his point, +come to you on your whistling, lead you towards the bird, and there resume +his point.</p> + +<p><a name="s280" id="s280">280</a>. This accomplishment—and in many places abroad its value is almost +inappreciable—can be taught him, if he is under great command, by your +occasionally bringing him in to your heel from a point when he is within +sight and near you, and again putting him on his point. You will begin +your instruction in this accomplishment when the dog is pointing quite +close to you. On subsequent occasions, you can gradually increase the +distance, until you arrive at such perfection that you can let him be out +of sight when you call him. When he is first allowed to be out of your +sight, he ought not to be far from you.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_633" id="Page_633">[Pg 633]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s281" id="s281">281</a>. You may, for a moment, think that what is here recommended +contradicts the axiom laid down in <a href="#s255">255</a>; but it is there said, that nothing +ought to make a dog "<i>voluntarily</i>" leave his point. Indeed, the +possession of this accomplishment, so far from being productive of any +harm, greatly awakens a dog's intelligence, and makes him perceive, more +clearly than ever, that the sole object for which he is taken to the field +is to obtain shots for the gun that accompanies him. When he is pointing +on your side of a thick hedge, it will make him understand why you call +him off;—take him down wind, and direct him to jump the fence: he will at +once go to the bird, and, on your encouraging him, force it to rise on +your side.</p> + +<p><a name="s282" id="s282">282</a>. You will practise this lesson, however, with great caution, and not +before his education is nearly completed, lest he imagine that you do not +wish him always to remain stanch to his point. Indeed, if you are +precipitate, or injudicious, you may make him blink his game.</p> + +<p><a name="s283" id="s283">283</a>. After a little experience, he will very likely some day +satisfactorily prove his consciousness of your object, by voluntarily +coming out of thick cover to show you where he is, and again going in and +resuming his point.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="TO_HUNT_REGULARLY_FROM_LEEWARD_TO_WINDWARD_WITHOUT_THE_GUN" id="TO_HUNT_REGULARLY_FROM_LEEWARD_TO_WINDWARD_WITHOUT_THE_GUN"></a>TO HUNT REGULARLY FROM LEEWARD TO WINDWARD WITHOUT THE GUN.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s284" id="s284">284</a>. In paragraph <a href="#s147">147</a> I observed, that when you are obliged, as +occasionally must be the case, to enter a field to windward with your +pupil, you ought to go<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_634" id="Page_634">[Pg 634]</a></span> down to the leeward side of it, keeping him close +to your heels, before you commence to hunt. After undeviatingly pursuing +this plan for some time, you can, before you come quite to the bottom of +the field, send him ahead—by the underhand bowler's swing of the +right-hand, IV. of <a href="#s119">119</a>,—and, when he has reached the bottom, signal to +him to hunt to the right—or left. He will be so habituated to work under +your eye—<a href="#s130">130</a>—that you will find it necessary to walk backwards—up the +middle of the field,—while instructing him. As he becomes, by degrees, +confirmed in this lesson, you can sooner and sooner send him ahead—from +your heel—but increase the distances very gradually,—until at length he +will be so far perfected, that you may venture to send him down wind to +the extremity of the field—before he commences beating,—while you remain +quietly at the top awaiting his return, until he shall have hunted the +whole ground, as systematically and carefully as if you had accompanied +him from the bottom. By this method you will teach him, on his gaining +more experience, invariably to run to leeward, and hunt up to +windward—crossing and recrossing the wind—whatever part of a field you +and he may enter. What a glorious consummation! and it can be attained, +but only by great patience and perseverance. The least reflection, +however, will show you that you should not attempt it until the dog is +perfected in his range.</p> + +<p><a name="s285" id="s285">285</a>. A careful dog, thus practised, will seldom spring birds, however +directly he may be running down wind.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_635" id="Page_635">[Pg 635]</a></span> He will pull up at the faintest +indication of a scent, being at all times anxiously on the look-out for +the coveted aroma.</p> + +<p><a name="s286" id="s286">286</a>. Not only to the idle or tired sportsman would it be a great benefit +to have a field thus beaten, but the keenest and most indefatigable shot +would experience its advantages in the cold and windy weather customary in +November, when the tameness of partridge-shooting cannot be much +complained of; for the birds being then ever ready to take wing, surely +the best chance, by fair means, of getting near them would be to intercept +them between the dog and yourself.</p> + +<p><a name="s287" id="s287">287</a>. Here the consideration naturally arises, whether dogs could not be +<i>taught</i>—when hunting in the ordinary manner with the gun in the rear—</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="TO_HEAD_RUNNING_BIRDS" id="TO_HEAD_RUNNING_BIRDS"></a>TO HEAD RUNNING BIRDS.</h4> + + +<p>Certainly it could be done. There have been many instances of old dogs +<i>spontaneously</i> galloping off, and placing themselves on the other side of +the covey—which they had pointed—as soon as they perceived that it was +on the run,—and by good instruction you could develope or rather excite, +that exercise of sagacity.</p> + +<p><a name="s288" id="s288">288</a>. If dogs are taught to "hunt from leeward to windward without the +gun," they become habituated to seeing game intercepted between themselves +and their masters,—and then their spontaneously heading running +birds—though undeniably evincing great intelligence—would not be very +remarkable. They would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_636" id="Page_636">[Pg 636]</a></span> but reverse matters by placing themselves to +windward of the birds while the gun was to leeward. This shows that the +acquisition of that accomplishment would be a great step towards securing +a knowledge of the one we are now considering. Indeed there seems to be a +mutual relation between these two refinements in education, for the +possession of either would greatly conduce to the attainment of the other.</p> + +<p><a name="s289" id="s289">289</a>. This accomplishment—and hardly any can be considered more useful—is +not so difficult to teach an intelligent dog as one might at first +imagine; it is but to lift him, and make him act on a larger scale, much +in the manner described in <a href="#s212">212</a> and <a href="#s296">296</a>. Like, however, everything else in +canine education—indeed, in all education—it must be effected gradually; +nor should it be commenced before the dog has had a season's steadying, +then practise him in heading every wounded bird, and endeavor to make him +do so at increased distances. Whenever, also, he comes upon the "heel" of +a covey which is to leeward of him—instead of letting him "foot" +it—oblige him to quit the scent and take a circuit—sinking the wind—so +as to place himself to leeward of birds. He will thereby <i>head the covey</i>, +and you will have every reason to hope that after a time his own +observation and intellect will show him the advantage of thus intercepting +birds and stopping them when they are on the run, whether the manœuvre +places him to leeward or to windward of them.</p> + +<p><a name="s290" id="s290">290</a>. If you could succeed in teaching but one of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_637" id="Page_637">[Pg 637]</a></span> your dogs thus to take a +wide sweep when he is ordered, and head a running covey before it gets to +the extremity of the field—while the other dogs remain near you—you +would be amply rewarded for months of extra trouble in training, by +obtaining shots on days when good sportsmen, with fair average dogs, would +hardly pull a trigger. And why should you not? Success would be next to +certain if you could as readily place your dog exactly where you wish, as +shepherds do their collies. And whose fault will it be if you cannot? +Clearly not your dog's, for he is as capable of receiving instruction as +the shepherd's.</p> + +<p><a name="s291" id="s291">291</a>. Manifestly it would be worth while to take great pains to teach this +accomplishment, for in all countries it would prove a most killing one +when birds become wild; and it would be found particularly useful wherever +the red-legged partridge abounds,—which birds you will find do not lie +badly when the coveys are, by any means, well headed and completely +broken. But there are other accomplishments nearly as useful as those +already detailed; the description of them, however, we will reserve for a +separate Chapter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_638" id="Page_638">[Pg 638]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h4>SETTER TO RETRIEVE. BLOODHOUNDS. RETRIEVERS TO "BEAT." WOUNDED WILD FOWL +RETRIEVED FIRST.</h4> + +<h4>SETTER TO RETRIEVE.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s292" id="s292">292</a>. Undeniably there is some value in the extra number of shots obtained +by means of highly-broken dogs; and nearly as undeniable is it that no +man, who is not over-rich, will term that teaching superfluous which +enables him to secure in one dog the services of two. Now, I take it for +granted—as I cannot suppose you are willing to lose many head of killed +game—that you would be glad to be always accompanied in the field by a +dog that retrieves. Unless you have such a companion, there will be but +little chance of your often securing a slightly winged bird in turnips. +Indeed, in all rough shooting, the services of a dog so trained are +desirable to prevent many an unfortunate hare and rabbit from getting away +to die a painful, lingering death; and yet, if the possession of a large +kennel is ever likely to prove half as inconvenient to you as it would to +me, you would do well, according to my idea of the matter, to dispense +with a regular retriever, provided you have a highly-broken setter who +retrieves well.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_639" id="Page_639">[Pg 639]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s293" id="s293">293</a>. I say setter rather than pointer, not on account of his more +affectionate, and perhaps more docile disposition—for certainly he is +less liable to sulk under punishment,—but because, thanks to his long +coat, he will be able to work in any cover, and that from nature he +"roads" quicker.</p> + +<p>I must, however, plead <i>guilty</i>—for many good sportsmen will think I +evince bad taste—to a predilection for setters—meaning always <i>cautious</i> +setters—a partiality, perhaps, attributable to having shot more over +wild, uncertain ground than in well-stocked preserves. Doubtless, in a +very inclosed country, where game is abundant, pointers are preferable, +far preferable,—more especially should there be a scarcity of water; but +for severe and fast work, and as a servant of all work, there is nothing, +I humbly conceive, like the setter. He may be, and generally is, the more +difficult to break; but, when success has crowned your efforts, what a +noble, enduring, sociable, attached animal you possess. I greatly, too, +admire his long, stealthy, blood-like action,—for I am not speaking of +the large heavy sort before which in old days whole coveys used to be +netted,—and the animated waving of his stern, so strongly indicative of +high breeding; though strange to say, in gracefulness of carriage, the +fox, when hunting, and actually on game, far excels him. But we are again +getting astray beyond our proper limits; let us keep to the subject of +dog-breaking.</p> + +<p><a name="s294" id="s294">294</a>. As it will be your endeavor, during your pupil's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_640" id="Page_640">[Pg 640]</a></span> first season, to +make him thoroughly stanch and steady, I cannot advise you, as a general +rule—liable, of course, to many exceptions—one of which is named in +<a href="#s219">219</a>—to let him retrieve—by retrieve I always mean fetch—until the +following year. There is another advantage in the delay. His sagacity will +have shown him that the design of every shot is to bag the game—when, +therefore, he has once been permitted to pick up a bird, he will be +desirous of carrying it immediately to you, and will resist the temptation +to loiter with it, mouthing and spoiling it; and however keenly he may +have heretofore "sought dead," he will henceforth search with redoubled +zeal, from the delight he will experience in being permitted to carry his +game. Moreover, the season's shooting, without lifting, will have so +thoroughly confirmed him in the "down charge," that the increased<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> +inclination to bolt off in search of a falling bird will be successfully +resisted. If he has been taught while young to "fetch"—<a href="#s92">92</a>, <a href="#s94">94</a>, &c.,—he +will be so anxious to take the birds to you, that instead of there being +any difficulty in teaching him this accomplishment, you will often, during +his first season, have to restrain him from lifting when he is "pointing +dead." The least encouragement will make him gladly pick up the birds, and +give them, as he ought, to no one but yourself.</p> + +<p><a name="s295" id="s295">295</a>. You need hardly be cautioned not to let more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_641" id="Page_641">[Pg 641]</a></span> than one dog retrieve +the same bird. With more dogs than one the bird would, almost to a +certainty, be torn; and if a dog once becomes sensible of the enjoyment he +would derive in pulling out the feathers of a bird, you will find it +difficult to make him deliver it up before he has in some way disfigured +it. If you shoot with several dogs that retrieve, be careful always to let +the dog who finds the game be the one to bring it. It is but fair that he +should be so rewarded, and thus all will be stimulated to hunt with +increased diligence.</p> + +<p><a name="s296" id="s296">296</a>. If the dog that found the covey be not able to wind the bird you have +shot, make one of the other dogs take a large circuit. The latter may +thus, without interfering with the first dog, come upon the bird, should +it have run far. Send him in the direction the covey has taken—the +chances are great that the bird is travelling towards the same point. By +pursuing this plan, obviously there will be much less chance of your +losing a bird than if you allow the dogs to keep close together while +searching.—See also <a href="#s98">98</a>.</p> + +<p><a name="s297" id="s297">297</a>. Do not think that by making your setter lift—after his first +season—instead of "pointing dead," there will be any increased risk of +his raising unsprung birds. The difference between the scent of dead or +wounded game, and that of game perfectly uninjured, is so vast, that no +steady, experienced dog will fail to point any fresh bird he may come +across whilst seeking for that which is lost.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_642" id="Page_642">[Pg 642]</a></span></p> + +<p>As a proof of this I may mention that,</p> + +<p><a name="s298" id="s298">298</a>. In North America I once saw, lying on the ground, three snipe, which +a pointer, that retrieved, had regularly set one after the other, having +found a couple on his way to retrieve the first, and which he afterwards +brought in succession to his master, who had all the time governed the dog +entirely by signs, never having been obliged to use his voice beyond +saying, in a low tone, "Dead," or "Find." I remember, also, hearing of a +retrieving setter that on one occasion pointed a fresh bird, still +retaining in her mouth the winged partridge which she was carrying,—and +of a pointer who did the same when he was bringing a hare; there must, +too, be few sportsmen who will not admit that they have found it more +difficult to make a dog give up the pursuit of a wounded hare than of one +perfectly uninjured. I know of a sportsman's saying he felt certain that +the hare his retriever was <i>coursing</i> over the moors must have been +struck, although the only person who had fired stoutly maintained that the +shot was a regular miss.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> The owner of the dog, however, averred that +this was impossible, as he never could get the discerning animal to +follow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_643" id="Page_643">[Pg 643]</a></span> any kind of unwounded game; and, on the other hand, that no rating +would make him quit the pursuit of <i>injured</i> running feather or fur. The +retriever's speedy return with puss, conveniently balanced between his +jaws, bore satisfactory testimony to the accuracy of both his own and his +master's judgment.</p> + +<p><a name="s299" id="s299">299</a>. Some good sportsmen maintain that a retrieving setter—or pointer—on +finding a dead bird ought to point it until desired to lift it. This +training they hold to be advisable, on the ground that it conduces to the +dog's steadiness by diminishing his wish to run forward on seeing a bird +fall; but the plan has necessarily this evil consequence, that should the +setter, when searching for the dead bird, come across and point, <i>as he +ought</i>, any fresh game, on your telling him to fetch it—as you naturally +will—he must spring it if he attempt to obey you. Surely this would tend +more to unsteady him than the habit of lifting his dead birds as soon as +found? Your dog and you ought always to work in the greatest harmony—in +the mutual confidence of your, at all times, thoroughly understanding each +other—and you should carefully avoid the possibility of ever perplexing +him by giving him any order it is out of his power to obey, however much +he may exert himself. Moreover, if you teach your retrieving setter to +"point dead," you at once relinquish—surely unnecessarily?—all hope of +ever witnessing such a fine display of sagacity and steadiness as has just +been related in the first part of <a href="#s298">298</a>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_644" id="Page_644">[Pg 644]</a></span></p> + +<p><a name="s300" id="s300">300</a>. If you object to a setter's being taught to lift on the ground that +it will make the other dogs jealous, pray remember that the argument has +equal force against the employment of a regular retriever in their +presence.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> "Increased:" the gratification of carrying being far greater +than that of merely "pointing dead."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> I retain this anecdote because every one of the occurrences +related has happened to myself. The first many times in the United States; +the second once in the United States when my dog Chavee pointed a fresh +woodcock with a dead bird in his mouth, and a winged bird under his fore +paw; the last, many times in England over an old Russian setter, +Charm.—H.W.H.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="REGULAR_RETRIEVER_TO_BEAT" id="REGULAR_RETRIEVER_TO_BEAT"></a>REGULAR RETRIEVER TO BEAT.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s301" id="s301">301</a>. We all have our prejudices—every Englishman has a right to many. One +of mine is to think a <i>regular</i> retriever positively not worth his keep +for general shooting <i>if one of your setting dogs will retrieve well</i>. +However, if you shoot much in cover, I admit that a regular retriever +which can be worked in perfect silence, never refusing to come in when he +is merely signalled to, or, if out of sight, softly whistled to, is +better<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a>—particularly when you employ beaters<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>—but even then he +need not be the idle rascal that one generally sees—he might be broken in +to hunt close to you, and give you the same service as a mute spaniel. I +grant this is somewhat difficult to accomplish, for it much tends to +unsteady him, but it can be effected—I have seen it—and, being +practicable, it is at least worth trying; for if you succeed, you, as +before—<a href="#s292">292</a>—make one dog perform the work of two; and, besides its +evident advantage in thick cover, if he accompany<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_645" id="Page_645">[Pg 645]</a></span> you in your every-day +shooting, you will thus obtain, in the course of a season, many a shot +which your other dogs, especially in hot weather, would pass over. If, +too, the retriever hunts quite close to you, he can in no way annoy his +companions, or interfere with them, for I take it for granted he will be +so obedient as to come to "heel" the instant he gets your signal.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> Of course, a regular retriever is absolutely necessary when +a team of spaniels is hunted, none of which are accustomed to retrieve.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Regular retrievers are never used in America except on the +Chesapeake bay for fowl-shooting.—H.W.H.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="WATER_RETRIEVERS_OR_WATER_SPANIELSmdashTO_RETRIEVE_WOUNDED_BEFORE_PICKING_UP" id="WATER_RETRIEVERS_OR_WATER_SPANIELSmdashTO_RETRIEVE_WOUNDED_BEFORE_PICKING_UP"></a>WATER RETRIEVERS—OR WATER SPANIELS—TO RETRIEVE WOUNDED BEFORE PICKING UP +DEAD WILD FOWL.</h4> + + +<p><a name="s302" id="s302">302</a>. This a knowing old dog will often do of his own accord; but you must +not attempt to teach a young one this useful habit until you are satisfied +that there is no risk of making him blink his birds. You can then call him +off when he is swimming towards dead birds, and signal to him to follow +those that are fluttering away. If the water is not too deep, rush in +yourself, and set him a good example by actively pursuing the runaways; +and until all the cripples that can be recovered are safely bagged, do not +let him lift one of those killed outright. If very intelligent, he will +before long perceive the advantage of the system, or at least find it the +more exciting method, and adhere to it without obliging you to continue +your aquatic excursions. For advice about water retrievers, see <a href="#s81">81 to 85</a>. +I have placed this paragraph among the "refinements" in breaking; but I +ought, perhaps, to have entered it sooner; for if you are fond of +duck-shooting, and live in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_646" id="Page_646">[Pg 646]</a></span> neighborhood where you have good +opportunities of following it, you should regard this accomplishment as a +necessary part of your spaniel's education.</p> + +<p><a name="s303" id="s303">303</a>. In your part of the country none of these extra, or, as some will +say, always superfluous accomplishments may be required; but if you +consider that a pupil of yours attaining any one of them would be +serviceable, be not deterred from teaching it by the idea that you would +be undertaking a difficult task. Any one of them, I was nearly saying all +of them, could be taught a dog with far greater ease, and in a shorter +time, than a well-established, judicious range.</p> + +<p><a name="s304" id="s304">304</a>. It would be quite unreasonable to expect a regular breaker—"mark" I +do not say your game-keeper—to teach your dog any of these +accomplishments. He may be fully aware of the judiciousness of the system, +and be sensible of its great advantages, but the many imperious calls upon +his time would preclude his pursuing it in all its details. At the usual +present prices, it would not pay him to break in dogs so highly.</p> + +<p><a name="s305" id="s305">305</a>. In following Beckford's advice respecting your making, as far as is +practicable, your dog your "constant companion," do not, however, forget +that you require him to evince great diligence and perseverance in the +field; and, therefore, that his highest enjoyment must consist in being +allowed to hunt.</p> + +<p><a name="s306" id="s306">306</a>. Now, it seems to be a principle of nature,—of canine as well as +human nature,—to feel, through life, most attachment to that pursuit, +whatever it may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_647" id="Page_647">[Pg 647]</a></span> be, which is most followed in youth. If a dog is +permitted as a youngster to have the run of the kitchen, he will be too +fond of it when grown up. If he is allowed to amuse himself in every way +his fancy dictates, he will think little of the privilege of hunting. +Therefore, the hours he cannot pass with you—after you have commenced his +education,—I am sorry to say it, but I must do so, he ought to be in his +<i>kennel</i>—loose in his kennel,<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> not tied up; for straining at his +collar would throw out his elbows, and so make him grow up bandy-legged. +If, however, he must be fastened, let it be by a chain. He would soon +learn to gnaw through a cord, especially if a young puppy, who, from +nature, is constantly using his teeth, and thus acquire a trick that some +day might prove very inconvenient were no chain at hand. You would greatly +consult his comfort by having the chain attached, with a loose ring and +swivel, to a spike fixed a few paces in front of his kennel, so that he +could take some exercise by trotting round and round.</p> + +<p><a name="s307" id="s307">307</a>. When your dog has attained some age, and hunting has become with him +a regular passion, I believe you may give him as much liberty as you +please without diminishing his zeal—but most carefully prevent his ever +hunting alone, technically called "self-hunting." At that advanced time of +life, too, a few occasional irregularities in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_648" id="Page_648">[Pg 648]</a></span> the field may be +innocuously permitted. The steadiest dogs will, at times, deviate from the +usual routine of their business, sagaciously thinking that such departure +from rule must be acceptable if it tends to obtain the game; and it will +be advisable to leave an experienced dog to himself whenever he evinces +great perseverance in spontaneously following some unusual plan. You may +have seen an old fellow, instead of cautiously "roading" and "pointing +dead," rush forward and seize an unfortunate winged bird, while it was +making the best use of its legs after the flight of the rest of the +covey—some peculiarity in the scent emitted having probably betrayed to +the dog's <i>practised</i> nose that the bird was injured. When your pup +arrives at such years of discrimination, you need not so vigorously insist +upon a patient "down charge" should you see a winged cock-pheasant running +into cover. Your dog's habits of discipline would be, I should hope, too +well confirmed by his previous course of long drill for such a temporary +departure from rule to effect any permanent mischief; but oh! beware of +any such laxity with a <i>young</i> pupil, however strongly you may be tempted. +In five minutes you may wholly undo the labor of a month. On days, +therefore, when you are anxious, <i>coûte qui coûte</i>, to fill the game-bag, +pray leave him at home. Let him acquire any bad habit when you are thus +pressed for birds, and you will have more difficulty in eradicating it +than you would have in teaching him almost any accomplishment. This reason +made me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_649" id="Page_649">[Pg 649]</a></span> all along keep steadily in view the supposition, that you had +commenced with a dog unvitiated by evil associates, either biped or +quadruped; for assuredly you would find it far easier to give a thoroughly +good education to such a pupil, than to complete the tuition (particularly +in his range) of one usually considered broken, and who must, in the +natural order of things, have acquired some habits more or less opposed to +your own system. If, as a puppy, he had been allowed to self-hunt and +chase, your labor would be herculean. And inevitably this would have been +your task had you ever allowed him to associate with any dog who +"self-hunted." The oldest friend in your kennel might be led astray by +forming an intimacy with the veriest cur, if a "self-hunter." There is a +fascination in the vice—above all, in killing young hares and +rabbits—that the steadiest dog cannot resist when he has been persuaded +to join in the sport by some vagabond of a poacher possessing a tolerable +nose, rendered keenly discerning by experience.</p> + +<p><a name="s308" id="s308">308</a>. I hope that by this time we too well understand each other for you +now to wonder why I think that you should not commence hunting your young +dog where game is abundant. Professional breakers prefer such ground, +because, from getting plenty of points, it enables them to train their +dogs more quickly, and <i>sufficiently well</i> to ensure an early sale. This +is <i>their</i> object, and they succeed. <i>My</i> object is that you shall +establish <i>ultimately</i> great perseverance and a fine range in your young +dog, let birds be ever so scarce. If you show<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_650" id="Page_650">[Pg 650]</a></span> him too many at first, he +will subsequently become easily dispirited whenever he fails in getting a +point.</p> + +<p><a name="s309" id="s309">309</a>. The good condition of a dog's nose is far from being an immaterial +part of his conditioning, for on the preservation of its sensitiveness +chiefly depends your hope of sport. If it be dry from being feverish, or +if it be habituated to the villanous smells of an impure kennel, how are +you to expect it to acknowledge the faintest taint of game—yet one that, +if followed up by olfactory nerves in high order, would lead to a sure +find? Sweetness of breath is a strong indication of health. Cleanliness is +as essential as a judicious diet; and you may be assured, that if you look +for excellence, you must always have your youngster's kennel clean, dry, +airy, and yet sufficiently warm. The more you attend to this, the greater +will be his bodily strength and the finer his nose.</p> + +<p>In India the kennels are, of course, too hot; but in the best constructed +which fell under my observation, the heat was much mitigated by the roofs +being thickly thatched with grass. In England, however, nearly all +kennels—I am not speaking of those for hounds—are far too cold in +winter.</p> + +<p><a name="s310" id="s310">310</a>. There must be <i>sufficient</i> warmth. Observe how a petted dog, +especially after severe exercise, lays himself down close to the fire, and +enjoys it. Do you not see that instinct teaches him to do this? and must +it not be of great service to him? Why, therefore, deny him in cold +weather, after a hard day's work, a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_651" id="Page_651">[Pg 651]</a></span> place on the hearth-rug? It is the +want of sufficient heat in the kennels, and good drying and brushing after +hard work, that makes sporting dogs, particularly if they are long-coated +ones, suffer from rheumatism, blear eyes, and many ills that generally, +but not necessarily, attend them in old age.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Twice a day he should be allowed to run out, that he may not +be compelled to adopt habits wholly opposed to his natural propensities. +If he has acquired the disagreeable trick of howling when shut up, put a +muzzle on him.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONCLUSION" id="CONCLUSION"></a>CONCLUSION.</h2> + + +<p><a name="s311" id="s311">311</a>. Gentle Reader, according to the courteous phraseology of old novels, +though most probably I ought to say Brother Sportsman;—If you have had +the patience to attend me, through the preceding pages, while I have been +describing the educational course of a dog from almost his infancy, up to +maturity, I will hope that I may construe that patience into an evidence +that they have afforded you some amusement, and perhaps, some useful +instruction.</p> + +<p><a name="s312" id="s312">312</a>. Though I may have failed in persuading you to undertake the +instruction of your dogs yourself, yet I trust I have shown you how they +ought to be broken in: and if you are a novice in the field, I hope I have +clearly explained to you in what manner they ought to be shot over—a +knowledge which no one can possess by intuition, and which you will find +nearly as essential to the preservation of the good qualities of +well-tutored dogs as to the education of uninformed ones.</p> + +<p><a name="s313" id="s313">313</a>. I believe that all I have said is perfectly true, and, as the system +which I have described advocates kind treatment of man's most faithful +companion, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_652" id="Page_652">[Pg 652]</a></span> his instruction with mildness rather than severity, I +trust that you will be induced to give it a fair trial, and if you find it +successful, recommend its adoption.</p> + +<p><a name="s314" id="s314">314</a>. I dare not ask for the same favor at the hands of the generality of +regular trainers—I have no right to expect such liberality. They, +naturally enough, will not readily forgive my intruding upon what they +consider exclusively their own domain,—and, above all, they will not +easily pardon my urging every sportsman to break in his own dogs. They +will, I know, endeavor to persuade their employers that the finished +education which I have described is useless, or quite unattainable, +without a great sacrifice of time; and that, therefore, the system which I +advocate is a bad one. They will wish it to be forgotten—that I advise a +gradual advance, step by step, from the A, B, C;—that accomplishments +have only been recommended <i>after</i> the acquisition of essentials—never at +the expense of essentials; that at any moment it is in the instructor's +power to say, "I am now satisfied with the extent of my pupil's +acquirements, and have neither leisure nor inclination to teach him +more;"—and that they cannot suggest quicker means of imparting any grade +of education, however incomplete; at least they do not—I wish they would; +few would thank them more than myself.</p> + +<p><a name="s315" id="s315">315</a>. Greatly vexed at the erroneous way in which I saw some dogs +instructed in the north by one who from his profession should have known +better, I promised, on the impulse of the moment, to write. If I could +have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_653" id="Page_653">[Pg 653]</a></span> purchased any work which treated the subject in what I considered a +judicious and perspicuous manner, and, above all, which taught by what +means a <i>finished</i> education could be imparted, I would gladly have +recommended the study of it,—have spared myself the trouble of detailing +the results of my own observations and experience,—and not have sought to +impose on any one the task of reading them. When I began the book, and +even when I had finished it, I intended to put it forth without any token +by which the writer might be discovered. Mr. Murray, however, forcibly +represented that unless the public had some guarantee for the fidelity of +the details there would be no chance of the little work being circulated, +or proving useful; therefore, having written solely from a desire to +assist my brother sportsmen and to show the injudiciousness of severity, +with a wish that my readers might feel as keen a zest for shooting as I +once possessed, and with a charitable hope that they might not be +compelled to seek it in as varied climates as was my lot, I at once +annexed my address and initials to the manuscript.</p> + +<p class='right'>W.N.H.</p> + +<p><i>United Service Club,</i><br /> + <i>Pall Mall.</i></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_654" id="Page_654">[Pg 654]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="EDITORS_NOTE" id="EDITORS_NOTE"></a>EDITOR'S NOTE.</h2> + + +<p>In section <a href="#s299">299</a>, page <a href="#Page_643">643</a>, Col. Hutchinson argues <i>against</i> a retrieving +Pointer or Setter, pointing a dead bird when ordered "<i>find</i>," and not +lifting it until ordered to "fetch." This is the single rule of breaking +in which I wholly differ from the Colonel; but <i>here</i> I differ so widely, +that I would not own a dog which did <i>not</i> point until ordered to "fetch;" +and I consider that one which "fetches" without pointing, when simply +ordered to "find," is worthless.</p> + +<p>Col. Hutchinson argues that there is a difference in the scent of a +wounded and an unwounded bird, which enables a dog certainly to +discriminate between the two, so that he may be trusted to point all the +live birds he may meet in the way to find his dead bird, and yet to rush +upon the latter and pick him up without making any pause. On the other +hand, he argues as if there were <i>no</i> difference in the scent of the two, +when he says that if the dog be taught to point until ordered to "fetch," +and chance to point a live bird before finding the dead, he will <i>flush</i> +the live bird on being ordered to "fetch" the dead. I admit that there +<i>is</i> a difference of scent at all times to the best nosed dogs, but very +faint, even to the best, in bad scenting weather; but that difference will +more easily make the dog refuse to flush a live bird, if he do point +before fetching, than make him pause to point a live one, if allowed to +rush in upon dead ones. The only rule that will keep a dog always up to +his business is, that he shall always "<i>point</i>" every game bird or animal +he comes upon, dead or living, and always "<i>drop</i>," when it runs or rises, +whether a shot be fired or not. I have always shot over dogs broken to +point<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_655" id="Page_655">[Pg 655]</a></span> before fetching. I have often been deceived in supposing a fresh +bird newly pointed to be the killed one, but have always found my dogs to +hesitate so distinctly, before obeying the order to "<i>fetch</i>," as to make +it evident that I was in error, and allow me to correct it.</p> + +<p>For the better comprehension of the above admirable treatise on breaking, +I wish to add, for the benefit of the American sportsmen, that, wherever +Col. Hutchinson speaks of the partridge, it is the English bird which he +intends, which, in its habits, is closely analogous to our quail; and that +all his precepts as to breaking on partridge hold good precisely for the +quail with us. In the same way all his precepts for grouse-shooting apply, +letter for letter, to our prairie-fowl-shooting; and his precepts for +pheasant-shooting to the hunting and shooting of our ruffed grouse, called +in the northern states the partridge, and in the southern and western the +pheasant. When he speaks of the rabbit as distinct from the hare, he +alludes to a European animal which does not exist in America, the original +stock of the tame rabbit, which has the habit of burrowing in the ground +and dwelling in great communities, known as warrens. We have two kinds of +hare, the small one commonly known as the rabbit, and the large Canadian +hare, which turns white in winter; but no genuine rabbit. Hutchinson's +rules as to breaking, in regard to the English hares and rabbits, hold +good of both our varieties.</p> + +<p>I will only say farther, that when he speaks of shooting in turnips or +potatoes, we may apply his rules to any tall-growing vegetable covert, +such as clover, rag weed, wild meadow-grass, or the like, those crops not +being so extensively cultivated with us as to be haunted in general by +game. Similarly, when he mentions breaking spaniels to gorse, we may +substitute hollies, black-brush, cat-briers, and any other thorny covert +common in any section of the country; but, in fact, no especial breaking +is needed with us, as we have no brake which exactly compares <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_656" id="Page_656">[Pg 656]</a></span>with furze. +<span class="smcap">H.W.H.</span></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_657" id="Page_657">[Pg 657]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a>INDEX.</h2> + + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">A.</span><br /> +<br /> +Abscess, about the tail, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in the flap of the ear, <a href="#Page_427">427</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Accomplishments" id="Accomplishments"></a>Accomplishments or Refinements—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">distinguishing dog whistles, <a href="#Page_629">629</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog to back the gun, <a href="#Page_630">630</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to head running birds, <a href="#Page_635">635</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to hunt without gun, <a href="#Page_633">633</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to retreat and resume point, <a href="#Page_632">632</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">regular retrievers to beat, <a href="#Page_644">644</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">setter to retrieve, <a href="#Page_638">638</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">water retriever to fetch cripples, <a href="#Page_645">645</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Action of physic on dogs, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Acute purgation, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">rheumatism, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Administration of medicine, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Advice to practitioners, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Affection an incentive, <a href="#Page_565">565</a>.<br /> +<br /> +After-discharge, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Age for education, <a href="#Page_470">470</a>, <a href="#Page_495">495</a>, <a href="#Page_527">527</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Aids to promote labor, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Assistance, when to be afforded during pupping, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Asthma, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Attention, necessary, for the sucking bitch, <a href="#Page_400">400</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">necessary, to the teeth of the dog, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Author's cause of writing, <a href="#Page_653">653</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Avoid having a battle with a dog, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Axioms, <a href="#Page_576">576</a>, <a href="#Page_618">618</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">B.</span><br /> +<br /> +Back, turned brings dog away, <a href="#Page_557">557</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Backing, how taught, <a href="#Page_614">614</a>, <a href="#Page_615">615</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_488">488</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">the gun, <a href="#Page_630">630</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Battle, avoid having one with a dog, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Beagles, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<a name="Beat" id="Beat"></a>Beat, a range, taught, <a href="#Page_527">527</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>, <a href="#Page_538">538</a>, <a href="#Page_541">541</a>, <a href="#Page_544">544</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">bad, hard to cure, <a href="#Page_581">581</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Beat, good, difficult but invaluable, <a href="#Page_548">548</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Herbert's opinion, <a href="#Page_560">560</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">without gun, <a href="#Page_633">633</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of five or six dogs, <a href="#Page_562">562</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of four dogs, <a href="#Page_561">561</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of three dogs, <a href="#Page_560">560</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of two dogs, <a href="#Page_558">558</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">taught following dog, <a href="#Page_549">549</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Beef-tea, how to make, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Beckon, why useful signal, <a href="#Page_482">482</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and "Heel" differ, <a href="#Page_485">485</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bitch, in use, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in pup, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bells put on dogs, <a href="#Page_496">496</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Best dogs err, concise hints, <a href="#Page_623">623</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<a name="Bird" id="Bird"></a>Bird, dead, loss of discourages dog, <a href="#Page_592">592</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dead, seized and torn by dog, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shot on ground steadies dog, <a href="#Page_610">610</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shot, search for, <a href="#Page_570">570</a>, <a href="#Page_589">589</a>, <a href="#Page_591">591</a>, <a href="#Page_593">593</a>, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shot, signal heel, <a href="#Page_573">573</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">winged, shoot on ground, <a href="#Page_591">591</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Birds, lie well, dog winding them, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wild, intercepted, <a href="#Page_635">635</a>, <a href="#Page_636">636</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, scent differs, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, first retrieved, <a href="#Page_645">645</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, make for covey, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, found evening, <a href="#Page_595">595</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, the search for, <a href="#Page_570">570</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, observed by dog, <a href="#Page_518">518</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Black too conspicuous a color, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Blacksmith shoeing kicker, <a href="#Page_494">494</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Blinking dead bird, <a href="#Page_571">571</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">from punishment, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">initiatory lessons prevent, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bones of the dog not rightly placed in the skeleton at the London Veterinary College, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">stones and bricks not good for dogs, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">when large, do not injure dogs, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Boots, to render waterproof, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Bowel diseases, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Brace of dogs sufficient, if good, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Breaking of young dogs, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Break in dogs yourself, <a href="#Page_464">464</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Breaker, qualifications required, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_658" id="Page_658">[Pg 658]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">one better than two, <a href="#Page_470">470</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Breaker, hunt too many, <a href="#Page_475">475</a>, <a href="#Page_620">620</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">idle, dislike bold dogs, <a href="#Page_554">554</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Breaking fence prevented, <a href="#Page_556">556</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Breeding in-and-in bad, <a href="#Page_579">579</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Breeding, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Bronchocele, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bruises, remedy for, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Bull-dogs, remarks upon, <a href="#Page_402">402</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">C.</span><br /> +<br /> +Cancer of the scrotum, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the teats, <a href="#Page_408">408</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the vagina, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Canker, within and without the ear, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_419">419</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">causes, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">external, <a href="#Page_421">421</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_423">423</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">internal, <a href="#Page_424">424</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">former accounts of, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_423">423</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the mouth, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Capped hock or elbow, <a href="#Page_452">452</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_453">453</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Care, necessary for the pups, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">required after pupping, <a href="#Page_391">391</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">signal for, <a href="#Page_484">484</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Carrots for horses, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Carrying, how taught, <a href="#Page_510">510</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Carts, dog, <a href="#Page_442">442</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cases, details of various, <a href="#Page_61">61</a><br /> +<br /> +Castor oil, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Castration, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cataract, <a href="#Page_429">429</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">causes of, <a href="#Page_430">430</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Catheter, passing of the, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_377">377</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Caution, taught to fast dogs, <a href="#Page_516">516</a>, <a href="#Page_552">552</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in excess, <a href="#Page_583">583</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">cure for, <a href="#Page_584">584</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Cautious and wild dog contrasted, <a href="#Page_551">551</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog rarely too fast, <a href="#Page_551">551</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Chain better than cord, <a href="#Page_647">647</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Check cord, <a href="#Page_489">489</a>, <a href="#Page_490">490</a>, <a href="#Page_581">581</a>, <a href="#Page_588">588</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">spike to, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_609">609</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Chemists to be avoided as doctors for dogs, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Choice of a male, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Chronic diarrhœa, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_266">266</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Chronic hepatitis, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Circle wide when heading dog, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Claws, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to cut, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dew, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">falling off of the, <a href="#Page_439">439</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">sinuses up the, <a href="#Page_440">440</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Clean, to, the dog's teeth, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Clumber spaniels, <a href="#Page_502">502</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cock shooting, <a href="#Page_482">482</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cocker, the, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cold or coriza, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Colic, <a href="#Page_252">252</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_255">255</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Collar and chain, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">a light one on dog, <a href="#Page_565">565</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Colors for concealment, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Commands, given in a low tone, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">understood before seeing game, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Comb and brush, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Companion, dog to be yours, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">initiatory lessons with, <a href="#Page_487">487</a>, <a href="#Page_488">488</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Condition, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Confidence of the dog, how to gain, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Consistency necessary, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>, <a href="#Page_578">578</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Coolness recommended, <a href="#Page_578">578</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Costiveness, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Cough, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Couple to older dog, <a href="#Page_479">479</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Couples, accustomed to, <a href="#Page_487">487</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Courage, created, <a href="#Page_530">530</a>, <a href="#Page_614">614</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Covert, pointers in, <a href="#Page_506">506</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Cripples, first retrieved, <a href="#Page_645">645</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Crochet, <a href="#Page_384">384</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">D.</span><br /> +<br /> +Danger of domestic remedies, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dead bird, blinking of, <a href="#Page_571">571</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">lifted by you, error of, <a href="#Page_511">511</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">loss of, discourages dog, <a href="#Page_592">592</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">rushing into, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>, <a href="#Page_622">622</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">search for, <a href="#Page_626">626</a>, <a href="#Page_647">647</a>, <a href="#Page_649">649</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">search for, with two dogs, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">the first killed, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to be pointed, <a href="#Page_571">571</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">but not by retrieving pointer, &c., <a href="#Page_643">643</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">torn by dog, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dead, initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>, <a href="#Page_480">480</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Death of unborn pups, sign of, <a href="#Page_383">383</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dew-claws, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Diarrhœa, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Digestive discharge, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Diseases dependent on internal organs, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the limbs, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Distance, between parallels, <a href="#Page_546">546</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog's knowledge of, <a href="#Page_582">582</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Distemper, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">brain not subject to disease in, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">chorea in, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">disposition of dogs to gnaw their bodies in, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dogs may have the disease many times, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</span><br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_659" id="Page_659">[Pg 659]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">the dogs that most escape its attacks, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Distemper, earliest symptoms of, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">eruption in, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">exercise and food influence the disorder, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">eyes in, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fainting fits in, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fearful cries in, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fits in, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">its causes undiscovered, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">importance of diet in, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">liver involved in, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">lungs diseased in, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">morbid appetite during the fits in, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ordinary treatment for, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">paralysis of the hind legs in, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">periods when it attacks animals, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">popular remedies for, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">resembles continued fever, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">skin peels after an attack of, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">stomach and intestinal diseases in, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms when it abates, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">tumours in, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">very treacherous, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">when the disease is established, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Distribution of the dog, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Diving, how taught, <a href="#Page_513">513</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dog-carts, <a href="#Page_442">442</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dog's tooth-brush, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dogs, are generally misunderstood, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">are very intelligent, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shape of, <a href="#Page_639">639</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">slow beating, more than faster, <a href="#Page_503">503</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wildest, most energetic, <a href="#Page_489">489</a>, <a href="#Page_531">531</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Down, <i>see</i> "<a href="#Drop">Drop</a>."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">charge, dog pointing not to, <a href="#Page_618">618</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">why retrievers should, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +"<a name="Drop" id="Drop"></a>Drop," a better word than "down," <a href="#Page_536">536</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog, to another dropping, <a href="#Page_488">488</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog, to game rising, <a href="#Page_601">601</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Initiatory lessons in, <a href="#Page_474">474</a>, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">unnatural, "Toho," natural, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dropsy of the chest, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the uterus, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the perinæum, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Duck, wood duck of America, <a href="#Page_631">631</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shooting, in wild rice, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ducks, wounded, first retrieved, <a href="#Page_645">645</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Dysentery, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">E.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ear, canker within and without, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_419">419</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">causes, <a href="#Page_420">420</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">torn, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">rounding of the dog's, <a href="#Page_422">422</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ears, not pulled violently, <a href="#Page_601">601</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Eating, dogs have lively sympathies for, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the young by the mother, <a href="#Page_393">393</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Education, age when commenced, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">best conducted by one, <a href="#Page_470">470</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">commenced from A B C, <a href="#Page_652">652</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">expeditious, economical,489.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ejection of the eye, <a href="#Page_435">435</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_436">436</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Emetics, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Energy, wildest dogs have most, <a href="#Page_489">489</a>, <a href="#Page_531">531</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Enlargement of the testicle, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Enteritis, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ergot of rye not a good uterine excitant to the bitch, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Examination of a dog, how to conduct, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Example, advantageous, <a href="#Page_615">615</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">especially to spaniels, <a href="#Page_495">495</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">yours, has influence, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>, <a href="#Page_622">622</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Exercise, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">on the road, <a href="#Page_493">493</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Experiments, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.<br /> +<br /> +External canker, <a href="#Page_421">421</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_423">423</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Eye, the, <a href="#Page_429">429</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">films over, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ejection of, <a href="#Page_435">435</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_436">436</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">F.</span><br /> +<br /> +Falling off of the claw, <a href="#Page_439">439</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the vagina, <a href="#Page_402">402</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fastest dogs not beating most, <a href="#Page_502">502</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">walkers not beating most, <a href="#Page_564">564</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fasting, initiatory lessons in, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fatigued, dog not hunted when, <a href="#Page_557">557</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Faults, punishment expected for, <a href="#Page_614">614</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Feeding time, lessons at, <a href="#Page_479">479</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">pistol fired at, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Feet, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ailments of, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>-443.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of partridges given to dogs, <a href="#Page_642">642</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fence, not to be broken, <a href="#Page_556">556</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"ware fence," initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_486">486</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fetching, evil of not, <a href="#Page_638">638</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">lessons in, <a href="#Page_510">510</a>, <a href="#Page_512">512</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fevers, bilious, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fields, largest beat, <a href="#Page_539">539</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Films over the eyes, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Find," initiatory lessons, <a href="#Page_480">480</a>, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_660" id="Page_660">[Pg 660]</a></span>"Finder" not to advance, <a href="#Page_617">617</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Finder" retrieves, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fire, dog to bask before, <a href="#Page_558">558</a>.<br /> +<br /> +First good point, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">bird killed, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fits in the dog, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">sucking, <a href="#Page_396">396</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">what to do when they occur, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Flap of the ear, abscess in, <a href="#Page_427">427</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Flapper shooting, <a href="#Page_647">647</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fleas, remedy for, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Flogging, how administered, <a href="#Page_598">598</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">reprobated, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Flown," initiatory lesson, <a href="#Page_486">486</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">real, <a href="#Page_603">603</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fluids, to give, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Food for a diseased dog, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">proper for dogs, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Foot-sore, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_440">440</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Footing a scent, <a href="#Page_487">487</a>, <a href="#Page_511">511</a>, <a href="#Page_581">581</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Forceps ought not to be used during parturition, <a href="#Page_371">371</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Form desirable in a bitch for breeding, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Forward initiatory lesson, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Foul," <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fowls, killing of, the cure, <a href="#Page_627">627</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Fractures, <a href="#Page_444">444</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_446">446</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fungoid tumours, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">G.</span><br /> +<br /> +Gain, to, the confidence of a dog, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Game book, form of, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">lies too close in turnips, <a href="#Page_551">551</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">not shown too soon to dog, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>, <a href="#Page_588">588</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">spring toward gun, <a href="#Page_496">496</a>, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Gastritis, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">what dogs most liable to, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Generative organs, female, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">male, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Give, to, solids, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fluids <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Glans, swelling of, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Gone, initiatory lesson, <a href="#Page_486">486</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">real, <a href="#Page_603">603</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Gorse, spaniels to be habituated to, <a href="#Page_495">495</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Greyhounds, food for, in training, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Growths, morbid, in the bitch, <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Gun, dog to back the, <a href="#Page_630">630</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">first over fence, not dog, <a href="#Page_556">556</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">game flushed toward the, <a href="#Page_496">496</a>, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>, <a href="#Page_603">603</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Guns, a few words on, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to preserve the barrels from rust of salt water, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">water-proofing for the locks, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Gutta Serena, <a href="#Page_431">431</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">causes, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">H.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hæmaturia, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Hand, bird delivered into, <a href="#Page_511">511</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Hand, rewards taken from, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Hare, chase of, checked, <a href="#Page_607">607</a>, <a href="#Page_608">608</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">heavy, tempts dog to drop, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">killed in form, steadies dog, <a href="#Page_610">610</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">scent of strong, <a href="#Page_607">607</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shooting of condemned, <a href="#Page_604">604</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">wounded, dog may pursue, <a href="#Page_610">610</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Haste, when imperative, during pupping, <a href="#Page_383">383</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Heading birds, <a href="#Page_635">635</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog, making too stanch, <a href="#Page_583">583</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">circle wide, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Heat, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_353">353</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Hedge, farthest side hunted, <a href="#Page_496">496</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">rows not to be hunted, <a href="#Page_542">542</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Heel, signal to, on killing, <a href="#Page_573">573</a>, <a href="#Page_577">577</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">signal to, <a href="#Page_482">482</a>, <a href="#Page_485">485</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hepatitis, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">chronic, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Herbert's Field Sports in the United States, <a href="#Page_560">560</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Hereditary instincts, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Horses how taught at Astley's, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fed on firing, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hot bath kills during parturition, <a href="#Page_364">364</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">I.</span><br /> +<br /> +Imitative, dogs are, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.<br /> +<br /> +In-and-in breeding injudicious, <a href="#Page_579">579</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Independence imparted, <a href="#Page_623">623</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Indigestion, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Inflammation of the bowels, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the lungs, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Initiatory lessons important, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>, <a href="#Page_480">480</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>, <a href="#Page_532">532</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Injuries to the tongue, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Instrument, parturition, recommended, <a href="#Page_381">381</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Instruments, certain, when lawful to employ them in pupping, <a href="#Page_372">372</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">as a rule deadly in parturition, <a href="#Page_368">368</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Internal canker, <a href="#Page_424">424</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">former accounts of, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_425">425</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Intestines, peculiarity of, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Introsusception, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Inversion of the womb, <a href="#Page_404">404</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">K.</span><br /> +<br /> +Kennel, the, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog ought to be in his, <a href="#Page_646">646</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Killing fowls, the remedy, <a href="#Page_627">627</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">sheep, cure attempted, <a href="#Page_625">625</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Kind of dogs alluded to in this book, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">L.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_661" id="Page_661">[Pg 661]</a></span>Labor pains, false, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Large bone may be given to dogs, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Larynx, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Leeward, beat from, <a href="#Page_555">555</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Left hand signals "down charge," <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">less than right, <a href="#Page_535">535</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">side of dog, keep on, <a href="#Page_583">583</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">signal for dog to go on the, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Lessons, initiatory, reasonable, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>, <a href="#Page_488">488</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">walking in the fields, <a href="#Page_527">527</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Lice, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Lifting a dog, <a href="#Page_591">591</a>, <a href="#Page_636">636</a>, <a href="#Page_642">642</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Limbs, diseases of the, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Liver, a mild laxative to dogs, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">hard-boiled, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Lungs, inflammation of, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Luxuries hurt the teeth of dogs, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">M.</span><br /> +<br /> +Make beef-tea, how to, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Mange, a general term only, <a href="#Page_410">410</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">a second description of, <a href="#Page_412">412</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_413">413</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">true, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">another form, <a href="#Page_414">414</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_415">415</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">a fourth sort, <a href="#Page_417">417</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">a fifth kind, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Markers used with spaniels, <a href="#Page_505">505</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Medicine, how to administer, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">generally alluded to, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Milk, how to draw from a bitch, <a href="#Page_401">401</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Morbid growths in the bitch, <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Mouth, how to hold open, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">teeth, tongue, gullet, &c., <a href="#Page_179">179</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">canker of the, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Mute spaniels, old sportsmen prefer, <a href="#Page_506">506</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Muzzle, to, the dog with tape for operations, <a href="#Page_428">428</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">N.</span><br /> +<br /> +Names ending in "O" dissimilar, <a href="#Page_536">536</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Nervous diseases, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">system, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nipping the teeth off, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"No," Better word than "ware," <a href="#Page_487">487</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Noise spoils sport, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>, <a href="#Page_539">539</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Nose carried high, <a href="#Page_485">485</a>, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Nosing allowed, <a href="#Page_593">593</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Number of pups a bitch can rear, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_395">395</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Numerous pretenders to cure the dog's diseases, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">O.</span><br /> +<br /> +Œstrum, <a href="#Page_353">353</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Old dog allowed liberties, <a href="#Page_648">648</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">range taught with, <a href="#Page_549">549</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +"On," initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>, <a href="#Page_474">474</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Opening pills, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Operations, <a href="#Page_450">450</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">mode of performing, <a href="#Page_451">451</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ophthalmia, simple, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_433">433</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Original of the dog inquired after, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">P.</span><br /> +<br /> +Parallels, distance between, <a href="#Page_546">546</a>, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Paralysis, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the tongue, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Parturition, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">what is necessary at, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Passing the catheter, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Patience enjoined, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">required at a pupping, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Peculiarity of the intestines, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Peg or spike on a check-cord, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_609">609</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Perseverance and range attained, <a href="#Page_649">649</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in seeking taught, <a href="#Page_593">593</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Perinæum, dropsy of, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Physic, how to administer, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">action of, on dogs, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Piles, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Pills, opening, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Pincushion, retrievers fetch, <a href="#Page_513">513</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Pistol, horse fed at discharge of, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Point, dead, <a href="#Page_570">570</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">left and resumed, <a href="#Page_633">633</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">not quitted for down charge, <a href="#Page_576">576</a>, <a href="#Page_618">618</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">the first good one, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Pointers, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">out of place in strong cover, <a href="#Page_506">506</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">points, <a href="#Page_638">638</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Pointing, dog not soon, <a href="#Page_528">528</a>, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_589">589</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog when not to down, <a href="#Page_618">618</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">origin of, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Poisoning, what to do in case of, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Polypus, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">how to recognise, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Pot-hunting sportsmen ruin dogs, <a href="#Page_621">621</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Preparatory lessons, important, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>, <a href="#Page_522">522</a>, <a href="#Page_563">563</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Presentations, false, rare in the bitch, <a href="#Page_375">375</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Pretenders are numerous in the cure of canine diseases, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Protrusion of the rectum, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Punishment avoided by lessons, <a href="#Page_471">471</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">causes blinking, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">decreases, whip carried, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">not shunned by dogs, <a href="#Page_614">614</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">how administered, <a href="#Page_598">598</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">making dogs too stanch, <a href="#Page_583">583</a>.</span><br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_662" id="Page_662">[Pg 662]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">not inflicted on suspicion, <a href="#Page_601">601</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Punishment, reprobated, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Pupping, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Pups, when they may be felt in the mother, <a href="#Page_356">356</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">when broken difficult to bring away, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">feeding and weaning, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_397">397</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Purchasers of dogs, hints to, <a href="#Page_536">536</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Purgation, acute, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Purgatives, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Puzzle-peg saved by the word "up," <a href="#Page_484">484</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Puzzling" with nose to ground, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Q.</span><br /> +<br /> +Quail, large in Canada, <a href="#Page_578">578</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Qualities expected in good dog, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Quarter ground, <i>see</i> <a href="#Beat">Beat</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Quartering, how taught, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">R.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rabbit-shooting reprobated, <a href="#Page_604">604</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Rabies, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Range," <i>see</i> <a href="#Beat">Beat</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Ranging, how taught, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Receipts, various, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>See</i> the names of diseases for which remedies are sought.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rectum, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">protrusion of, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Refinements, <i>see</i> <a href="#Accomplishments">Accomplishments</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Regularity essential in the feeding of dogs, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Relays desirable, not a pack, <a href="#Page_563">563</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Remedies, domestic, the danger of, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Requisites in a dog, <a href="#Page_467">467</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in a breaker, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Respiratory organs, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Retention of urine, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Retriever, the, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">bit for one that mouths, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">evil of assisting, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">footing scent, lesson in, <a href="#Page_517">517</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">for water, qualities in, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">made whipper in, <a href="#Page_492">492</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">observes struck bird, <a href="#Page_518">518</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to "down charge," or not, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Retrievers, shape, &c. of, <a href="#Page_523">523</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to beat, <a href="#Page_644">644</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to fetch, taught, <a href="#Page_514">514</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to pursue faster, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">water, to fetch cripples first, <a href="#Page_645">645</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">how fed, <a href="#Page_524">524</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Retrieving, not taught first season, <a href="#Page_640">640</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">pointers or setters not to point dead, <a href="#Page_643">643</a>, <a href="#Page_654">654</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">setters not pointers, <a href="#Page_639">639</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rewards always given, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Rheumatism, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">acute, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rice, wild lakes, duck-shooting in <a href="#Page_509">509</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Right, the signal to go toward, <a href="#Page_482">482</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">hand for "toho" and "drop," <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">signals more than left, <a href="#Page_536">536</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rounding dogs' ears, <a href="#Page_422">422</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Rope to dog, <a href="#Page_647">647</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Running bird, firing at, <a href="#Page_590">590</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Rushing in to "dead" cured, <a href="#Page_622">622</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">S.</span><br /> +<br /> +Saint Vitus's dance, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Scent bad in calm or gale, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">differently recognized by pointers or setters, <a href="#Page_541">541</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of birds not left for hare, <a href="#Page_607">607</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"footing," an initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_485">485</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of wounded and unwounded birds differs, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Scrotum, cancer of the, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Search, "dead," <a href="#Page_570">570</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">with two dogs, <a href="#Page_641">641</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">for wounded bird to leeward, <a href="#Page_589">589</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to windward, <a href="#Page_591">591</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Seeking dead, how taught, <a href="#Page_593">593</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Self-hunting, prevent, <a href="#Page_647">647</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Servant useful in the field, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Seton, to make a, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Setter, the, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">the Russian, <a href="#Page_19">10</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to retrieve, <a href="#Page_638">638</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Setters crouch more than pointers, <a href="#Page_475">475</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">for covert shooting, <a href="#Page_506">506</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">points in, <a href="#Page_639">639</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Shoes, to render waterproof, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Shooting excellence in breaker, not necessary, <a href="#Page_465">465</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Shot-belt on spaniels and setters, <a href="#Page_496">496</a>, <a href="#Page_602">602</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Shy birds to be intercepted, <a href="#Page_582">582</a>, <a href="#Page_635">635</a>, <a href="#Page_636">636</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Sight, dog not to be out of, <a href="#Page_625">625</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Sign when parturition is concluded, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Silence enjoined, <a href="#Page_467">467</a>, <a href="#Page_539">539</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Simple ophthalmia, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">symptoms of, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_433">433</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Single-handed, shot to, <a href="#Page_623">623</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Sinuses up the claws, <a href="#Page_440">440</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Skin diseases, <a href="#Page_410">410</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Slow dog associate for young one, <a href="#Page_615">615</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">hunting more than fast one, <a href="#Page_564">564</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Snake, bite of a, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Snipes, three lifted in succession, <a href="#Page_642">642</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Snoring, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Snorting, ib.<br /> +<br /> +Spaniel, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Spaniels, age when shown game, <a href="#Page_495">495</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">hunted in gorse, ib.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">mute preferred, <a href="#Page_504">504</a>.</span><br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_663" id="Page_663">[Pg 663]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">numbers for a team, <a href="#Page_500">500</a>, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Spaniels, requisites in, <a href="#Page_498">498</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">shot-belt on wildest, <a href="#Page_494">494</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">that pointed, <a href="#Page_498">498</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">water, how broken in, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Spike-collar, <a href="#Page_586">586</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fastened to check-cord, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_609">609</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Sportsmen to break dogs, <a href="#Page_464">464</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Spring, dogs broken in, <a href="#Page_537">537</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Springing the other birds after pointing one, <a href="#Page_575">575</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Staggers, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Stanch, made too by heading, <a href="#Page_583">583</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Stone, error of retrieving with, <a href="#Page_512">512</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in the bladder, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stoppage, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Strain, remedy for, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Strangulation, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Substances fit for sick dogs, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Summary imparted by lessons, <a href="#Page_532">532</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Swelling of the glans, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">T.</span><br /> +<br /> +Tape, to make a muzzle of, for operations, <a href="#Page_428">428</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Tapes, their use objected to when giving medicine, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Teats, swelling, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">cancer of the, <a href="#Page_408">408</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Teeth of the dog are hurt by luxuries, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to clean the dog's, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">nipping off the, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Temperament of the dog, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Temper, hereditary, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in breaker necessary, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Temporary teeth, how to extract them, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Testicle, the absence of, <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">enlargement of, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thorns, to extract, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Time proper for putting to the dog, <a href="#Page_355">355</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">given determines education, <a href="#Page_463">463</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">saved by initiatory lessons, <a href="#Page_488">488</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Timidity cured, <a href="#Page_530">530</a>, <a href="#Page_612">612</a>, <a href="#Page_613">613</a>.<br /> +<br /> +"Toho," first good one in the field, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">initiatory lessons in, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>, <a href="#Page_474">474</a>, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Tongue, paralysis, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">injuries to, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment of, ib.</span><br /> +<br /> +Tooth-brush, <a href="#Page_188">188</a><br /> +<br /> +To tell when the bitch is in pup, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Tranquillity, how to ascertain when the dog has recovered it, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Tumours, fungoid, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Turning back brings dog away, <a href="#Page_577">577</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Two dogs, beat of, <a href="#Page_558">558</a>, <a href="#Page_559">559</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">U.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Up," signal for, initiatory lesson, <a href="#Page_484">484</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Uterus, dropsy of, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">form of the, <a href="#Page_372">372</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">V.</span><br /> +<br /> +Vagina, cancer of the, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">falling of the, <a href="#Page_402">402</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Vermin, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">W.</span><br /> +<br /> +Walkers, fastest, not beating most, <a href="#Page_564">564</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Ware not so good a word as "No," <a href="#Page_487">487</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Warmth necessary for dog, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Water-brash, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">spaniels, <a href="#Page_507">507</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">retrievers, how broken, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">observe struck bird, <a href="#Page_518">518</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">qualities in, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dog taught to plunge in, <a href="#Page_512">512</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Whip carried saves punishment, <a href="#Page_611">611</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">to crack loudly, <a href="#Page_548">548</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Whistle, low, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>, <a href="#Page_630">630</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dissimilar notes on one, <a href="#Page_629">629</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">distinguishing for each dog, <a href="#Page_628">628</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">inattentive to, how to punish, <a href="#Page_548">548</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">initiatory lesson in, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Whistling, to animate, injudicious, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>, <a href="#Page_539">539</a>.<br /> +<br /> +White too conspicuous a color, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Wild birds intercepted, <a href="#Page_582">582</a>, <a href="#Page_635">635</a>, <a href="#Page_636">636</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Wild dog compared with cautious, <a href="#Page_551">551</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dogs turning out best, <a href="#Page_553">553</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Wild fowl, wounded, retrieved first, <a href="#Page_645">645</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">reconnoitred with glass, <a href="#Page_508">508</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Winged birds, <i>see</i> <a href="#Bird">Bird winged</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Womb, shape of, <a href="#Page_372">372</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">inversion of, <a href="#Page_404">404</a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">treatment for, <a href="#Page_405">405</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Worming, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Worms, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Wounds, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.<br /> +<br /> +Wounded birds, <i>see</i> <a href="#Bird">Bird wounded</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Y.</span><br /> +<br /> +Youth, game followed in, liked, <a href="#Page_498">498</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">occupation followed in, liked <a href="#Page_647">647</a>.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<div class='trnote'> +<p>Transcriber's notes</p> + +<p>The following typographical errors have been corrected as noted below.</p> + +<p> +Page <a href="#Page_57">57</a> headed corrected to healed<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_66">66</a> Rhubard corrected to Rhubarb<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_87">87</a> membrance corrected to membrane<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_90">90</a> greese corrected to grease<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_243">243</a> vonica corrected to vomica<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_394">394</a> pleaseed corrected to pleased<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_457">457</a> SHOOITNG corrected to SHOOTING<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_658">658</a> Crotchet corrected to Crochet<br /> +Page <a href="#Page_660">660</a> Hane corrected to Hand<br /> +</p> +<p>Errors in Table of contents and List of Illustration descriptions +have not been corrected.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Dog, by Dinks, Mayhew, and Hutchinson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOG *** + +***** This file should be named 32300-h.htm or 32300-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/3/0/32300/ + +Produced by Julia Miller, Christine D. and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public 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