DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 79 



logy, as a separate or distinct branch of veterinary 

 science, hardly existed. The task he accomplished ; but 

 if after the lapse of years some of his opinions are 

 found to be unsound, and some of his statements dis- 

 covered to require correction, these circumstances may 

 be regarded as the natural consequences of progression, 

 while they in no way deteriorate from the honor due to 

 his name. Youatt enlarged and softened the teaching of 

 his master, and by the liberality of his communications, 

 and the gentleness of his example, improved and adorned 

 the science to which he was attached. To others than 

 these two great men I have no obligations to acknowledge. 

 For their memories I take the opportunity of expressing 

 the highest respect, and confess that to their instruction 

 is fairly due any novelty which the present pages may 

 contain ; since but for those advantages their teaching 

 afforded, it is more than doubtful if I had perceived the 

 facts herein made known. 



Before any mention is made of the diseases of the dog, 

 it will be proper to take some notice of the temperament 

 of the animal, as without regarding this the best selected 

 medicines, or the most assiduous attention, may be of no 

 avail. Any one who will observe the animal will soon 

 be made aware of its excessive irritability. The nervous 

 system in this creature is largely developed, and, exert- 

 ing an influence over all its actions, gives character to 

 the beast. The brain of the dog is seldom in repose, for 

 even when asleep the twitching of the legs and the sup- 

 pressed sounds which it emits inform us that it is dream- 



