162 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



slight degree of rheumatism exists, produced 

 by irregular treatment, alter the treatment, 

 and if those already affected do not recover, 

 the list of invalids v^ill not be augmented by 

 its appearance in fresh subjects. Some may 

 oppose me on this point, by observing, if bad 

 management produces the complaint in a 

 slight degree, may it not do so in a greater ? 

 To this I answer distinctly, No; inasmuch as 

 in some kennels the disorder has never been 

 knov^n to emanate, but that unsoimd hounds 

 brought from other kennels have recovered : 

 besides v^hich, there are many kennels in 

 which the disorder rages where the hounds are 

 treated precisely upon the same system as in 

 establishments which are perfectly free from 

 it. 



"It is well known to what an extent 

 various diseases, such as cutaneous com- 

 plaints and scurvy, have identified themselves 

 with peculiar situations, more especially after 

 certain seasons. Medical practitioners are of 

 opinion, that, for the thoroughly compre- 

 hending the nature and the cure of endemical 

 diseases, an accurate study of topography is 

 essentially necessary. The inhabitants of 

 countries or places where diseases prevail 



