FEEDING AND GROOMING 39 



perfectly clean, with a bright, shiny coat. There is 

 no secret about this ; it is simply grooming hard 

 day after day for about a fortnight before the show, 

 and then washing the previous evening. It is 

 astonishing the difference such treatment will make 

 in the appearance of the animal, and it adds many 

 points to its value. The dog whose toilet receives 

 careful attention daily is not likely to be much 

 troubled with fleas and other objectionable insects ; 

 nor is it right that he should be, for the poor 

 creature cannot be expected to rest properly if con- 

 stantly worried by vermin. If, however, fleas are 

 present, a thorough washing is called for, one of 

 the. soaps that are advertised for the purpose being 

 used, and the kennel should be washed out with 

 hot water and strong carbolic, the walls also being 

 freshly limewashed. Many people put carbolic acid 

 in the bath, but this must be done with discretion^ 

 as the stuff is highly poisonous and can be absorbed 

 through the skin. An infusion of quassia chips is 

 also very deleterious to insect life. Benzine or 

 petroleum are efficacious remedies for lice, but these 

 are rarely found on dogs that are kept under ordinary 

 cleanly conditions. Ticks may be got rid of by 

 the same means. It is not often that they are found, 

 but occasionally they bother sporting dogs. 



