SPORTING DOGS 63 



sometimes induces fits, and has been known to cause death. A capital dog dip is a weak 

 solution of Jeye's fluid. Incidentally I may mention that many ladies' pet dogs have been 

 brought to me whose only apparent ailment was an overdose of washing. Both washing 

 and combing are often carried to excess. A couple of brushes, one long in the bristle the 

 other short and broad, are all that are needful when judiciously used. If there be much 

 white about the animal, a fox terrier for instance, a little whiting or chalk well brushed into 

 the coat will have much more satisfactory and pleasing results than much soap. 



EXERCISE. 



No one will question the advantage of proper exercise ; but there is not much to be 

 said in favour of that kind to which dogs are subjected in Shanghai. Sent out in charge 

 of a coolie they slouch along at the attendant's well known snail's pace, their tails tucked 

 in between their legs, the animals looking as dejected and spiritless as may be. There cannot 

 possibly be any diversion in locomotion of this nature, and exercise without diversion is of 

 little worth. Dogs will benefit from a brisk walk with their master, a scamper across 

 country, a good run behind a 'ricksha or a carriage : but the listless, lifeless appearance 

 of many animals when left entirely to the tender mercies of the lethargic China coolie is too 

 well known to need other than mere mention here. It is capital exercise and real enjoyment 

 for dogs to follow the house-boat when under sail up-country. 



Sir Erasmus Wilson's words on the subject of exercise are worth remembering, and 

 though, in the first instance, applicable to humanity, are equally in place in regard to 

 caninity. "Well directed exercise favours the preservation of the general health by calling 

 "into direct action the majority of the organs of the body: and it also acts powerfully on 

 "the skin by stimulating its functions, increasing its temperature, awakening its tone, and 

 "subjecting it to a current of atmosphere favourable for its respiratory offices." 



As Shanghai continues to grow, and a walk free from houses becomes daily more 

 difficult, the advisableness of securing a home in the country for our sporting dogs where 

 they could be properly cared for and regularly exercised is a matter that might well be 

 seriously considered by owners. Now-a-days it is impossible to give a dog a scamper across 

 the fields until the settlement has been left a good mile behind. The present ill-directed 

 reckless carriage traffic is an ever present source of danger and such being the case it 

 would be the height of unwisdom to allow a valuable dog out in the streets with a coolie, 

 unless secured by a lead. What with trams, brokers' traps, bicycles, motor cars and their 

 screeching horns, municipal dog carts and dog catchers and the muzzle that will go awry 

 at strange times, the sporting dog's life, like the policeman's, is not altogether a happy one. 



