specific and Contagious Diseases. 165 



able. The really spirited fellows obstinately refuse to 

 appear in public when so distinguished ; others, docile 

 and often useless creatures, take to it quietly, and know- 

 ingly put up their heads to passing strangers inviting its 

 removal. The honest boys of the locality are swift to 

 comply with Fido's request, and hang the trapping on the 

 owner's railings or throw it into the area; but the 

 ubiquitous arab, with an eye to business, hands it to the 

 marine store dealer for "a consideration," a large trade 

 in these articles having been done during the rabies scare 

 of 1895 and early months of 1896. Meanwhile Fido's 

 owner is summoned to the police court and is released 

 on payment of a fine, minus the assurance of a speedy 

 abatement of the nuisance. 



The wearing of a collar securely locked, on which the 

 name and address of the owner is legibly engraved, 

 serves useful purposes, as the restoration of straying 

 animals to their proper owners, and the means of learning 

 whether the tax is paid. A further security would be 

 ensured by the collar bearing the County initials, or 

 device, and registration number. This should be some- 

 what ornamental and light, and supplied free with the 

 licence. Dogs thus furnished, and secured by a suitable 

 chain or leather leader, might be allowed, at all times 

 Rnd with perfect safety, to take outdoor exercise under 

 the care of their owners, &c. 



Dogs at large in public places need special care. {See 

 Balanids.) The general adoption of a suitable leader is 

 not only a useful training to follow and keep close to the 

 owner, but an efficient safeguard against the unprovoked 

 and savage attacks of jealous animals, which the muzzle 

 does not prevent. It is remarkable, especially in towns, 

 how few are the dogs which, by absence of training, do 

 not disgrace their liberty by their brutaUty, often encou- 

 raged by their owners, who are oblivious of the panic, or 

 otherwise prohfic in abuse when reasonably appealed to. 

 This cannot be said of dogs used for sport, as the fox- 

 hound, setter, pointer, &c., which are broken to work. 



Besides the seizing and destruction of homeless curs 

 and cats, which need especial watchfulness, why should 



