XIV INTRODUCTION. 



combined with tins object, is my desire, to win for 

 that most affectionate and faithful companion of 

 man and woman, the dog, more merciful kindness 

 in an ailing hour, surely if I cannot ^'command 

 success," I shall, at least, have done well in the 

 '^ endeavour to deserve it." With that hope I 

 proceed to the Augean task before me. 



To swee]) away deep-rooted prejudice, to combat 

 errors imbibed in nursery hours, to refute the sense- 

 less doctrines promulgated by old women of all 

 sorts, whether of the fabulous broom-bestriding 

 order, or those of the Veterinary College, who do 

 not confine their practice to the ailments of troop- 

 horses,- — surely this is a task that might daunt my 

 energy; but I bring to it the long experience of 

 an eventful life, and bear a banner on Avliich the 

 guiding hand of Nature has inscribed ^^Love, kind- 

 ness, and hmnanity to man and brute," and a fear 

 of neither the one nor the other. 



Thus armed '^ I fear no failure and I dread no 

 fall," but leave my work to the judgment of the 

 public, and court for it the closest investigation. 



