344 Modern Dogs. 



months old, he begins to change his colour down 

 the sides, on his legs, &c. ; but even at nine or ten 

 months the back is still very dark, excepting in such 

 specimens as eventually turn out too silvery and 

 light in colour when fully matured. As a rule no 

 more attention than daily washing, combing, and 

 brushing need be paid to the puppy until it is 

 approaching, say, ten months in age, when the coat 

 is commencing to " break in colour " and increase 

 in length and denseness. The following preparation 

 should be prepared and rubbed thoroughly into 

 the roots of the hair once a week : Tincture of 

 cantharides, i ounce ; oil of rosemary, ^ an ounce ; 

 bay rum, J of a pint ; olive oil, -^ a pint, and white 

 precipitate, i drachm. At the same time the puppy 

 must be kept scrupulously clean and not allowed 

 to run about too much. Indeed, he ought to be 

 housed or kennelled in a case, one about i8in. 

 by I4in. and some i6in. in depth being the most 

 adaptable size. A cushion should be used to lie 

 upon, as hay, straw, shavings, &c., are liable to 

 become entangled in the coat, of course to its 

 detriment. As I have said, the dressing must be 

 applied once a week, and done thoroughly, but 

 twice a day, i.e., night and morning, the coat should 

 be thoroughly well brushed. It may occasionally be 

 combed, but when the latter is being done, great 



