profession. It has been the custom of some of these latter to 

 share or limit their responsibility by stating emphatically that 

 the dog was undoubtedly a sick dog when purchased, although 

 several weeks or even months have elapsed since the animal 

 changed hands. Some will go further, by declaring that the 

 dog had always been an invalid, thus discrediting the seller re- 

 gardless of his reputation for honest dealing. Possibly they 

 think that such an occult demonstration will add to their im- 

 portance, when, as a matter of fact, an intelligent person will 



DRUID MERK. 



quickly realize that it is a subterfuge pure and simple, and al- 

 though prompted by profound ignorance is none the less dis- 

 quieting to the purchaser and unjust to the seller. Men of this 

 stamp have done much harm to reputable kennels and have 

 spread abroad the idea that all dog men are robbers. 



It would be a boon to all parties concerned if the custom to 

 have every dog regularly examined and certified to by a com- 

 petent "vet." prior to a sale being consummated, the would-be 

 purchaser to select the veterinary, were in vogue. 



55 



