specific and Contagious Diseases. 163 



courses may be carried out with scrub brush, flannel, &c. 

 The drains also demand attention ; effectual flushing by 

 large volumes of a strong solution of black ashes, boiling 

 if possible, will be eminently useful, and in its absence a 

 strong mixture of crude " Sanitas " with water will be 

 equally efl'ective. The recurrence of subsequent cases, 

 be it remembered, will in all probability be due to some 

 lurking virus, and that which proves dangerous to the 

 dog may be equally fatal to the human subject; effec- 

 tual cleansing must therefore be insisted upon ; a few 

 shillings spent at this time may save many pounds later 

 on and prevent serious loss and discomfiture. 



The seizure of a mad dog is often a most difiicult pro- 

 ceeding even with the most fearless. When confined to 

 a stable or other building he should be approached from 

 above if possible and, by cautious movements, seized by 

 the lasso, which, on being pulled tightly, will strangulate 

 the victim; this is often preferable to shooting; the 

 liabihty of a marksman to miss the vital spot renders 

 death less certain, while the creature is seriously alarmed 

 and roused to violence. When at large the lasso may 

 also be useful, providing the operator is well up to the 

 business, which needs to be done determinedly, fearlessly, 

 and above all quietly. For this purpose the lasso should 

 be attached to a stout stick at the end of which the loop 

 is arranged ; the operator grasps the stick as well as the 

 returning cord, and following the dog, projects the loop 

 over and beyond his head ; immediately the cord sur- 

 rounds the neck it is pulled by one hand, the other 

 holding the stick steadily, the dog is securely arrested, 

 and if necessary at once strangled. Iron pincers, formed 

 to encircle the neck, are likewise useful if available at 

 the time. This, however, is the great difficulty, and in a 

 sudden emergency men and others who witness the 

 escapades of rabid dogs, work themselves into afi excite- 

 ment which often paralyses their judgment as well as 

 efforts, and the worst thing is probably done. Seriously 

 aggravated by the treatment, the dog becomes violent, 

 and bites right and left. Presence of mind, cool judg- 

 ment, and quiet movements are best calculated to secure 



