DOCKING TAIL. 455 



at the end of two years they begin to square off, and gradually wear 

 down and shorten, until, when the animal has entered the sixth 

 year they are nearly even with the gums. The lower teeth usually 

 wear out earlier. The appearance of the eye is also an indication 

 of age, and all dark-colored dogs show their years by the growth 

 of white hairs about the muzzle. 



MUZZLING DOGS. 



The muzzle is an instrument properly belonging to the Dark 

 Ages, and should be classed with the vise, thumbscrew, and rack. 

 It is as likely to force an attack of rabies in the wearer as to answer 

 any sanitary purpose, and incalculably injures the animal, prevent- 

 ing free respiration, and denying to him the privilege of drinking 

 at that season of the year when water is most sought and needed. 

 For four years the writer has collected statistics of the cases of 

 rabies reported through the papers and medical journals, which 

 show that at least three out of every five cases that have occurred 

 during that time occurred in the months of December, January 

 and February, and not a smgle authenticated case has occurred in 

 the months of July and August. Two in August, first designated 

 as hydrophobia, but later proven to be hysteria, are reported. 

 September shows three cases of doubtful character, one of which 

 is traceable only to a cut, probably developing tetanus, simulating 

 hydrophobia ; of another no definite information could be obtained ; 

 and the third had been bitten fifteen months previously. With this 

 result before us, we can but consider the muzzle as a mechanical 

 contrivance desirable for vicious dogs, or useful only to prevent 

 dogs from eating or destroying articles with which they may be 

 placed in contact, and to be used at no other time. It also proves 

 to be an excellent shuttle-cock for the Solons who constitute the 

 law-givers of our cities. 



DOCKING TAIL. 



There is a great diversity of opinion among sportsmen and 

 breeders in regard to the docking of dogs' tails. Many consider 

 it altogether wrong to alter the caudal appendage in any respect, 

 and in England such are excluded from all bench shows. Idstone 



