SOIL — SORTY 



in existence, but for ordinary purposes the old-fashioned 

 blue curd is one of the best of all, if it can be procured. 

 Wright's Coal-Tar Soap is also excellent, but a cake does 

 not go very far when a big dog has to be washed ; and 

 carbolic soap is useful when there is a suspicion of skin 

 trouble, but it is not good for the hair of delicate breeds, 

 and leaves an unpleasant smell behind it. When the 

 presence of fleas is suspected there is nothing to equal 

 Spratt's Patent Dog Soap, which in addition to destroying 

 the insects, effectually cleanses the skin. (See Washing 

 Dogs.) 



Soil. — A good deal more depends upon the nature of 

 the soil upon which his kennel is erected than many 

 breeders appear to imagine. It may therefore be pointed 

 out that a heavy, damp, clay soil is very bad for dogs, 

 whilst a chalky or sandy one is excellent. Of course it is 

 not within the power of most people to select their resi- 

 dences so as to suit their dogs — although by doing so they 

 will probably be benefiting themselves as well — but never- 

 theless, if they give the matter their consideration, they 

 may avoid incurring unnecessary risks by selecting a 

 hardy breed, if the soil is not well adapted for their 

 purpose. 



Sore Feet. — Dogs frequently get sore or raw places 

 on their feet or between their toes, these being usually 

 the result of some skin trouble which is affecting, or 

 about to affect, other parts of their bodies. In such 

 cases some cooling medicine and plain non-heating food 

 should be given, whilst a washing or two in warm water, 

 using tar or carbolic soaps, may do good in slight cases. 

 (See Eczema, Mange, Soap.) 



Sortiness. (See Sorty,) 



Sorty. — A term applied to two or more dogs which are 



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