DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 86 



can often read sufficient without the aid of a single 

 sense. 



Having made the foregoing remarks, which the intelli- 

 gence of the reader will readily enlarge, it will next be 

 necessary to describe in what way the dog should be 

 examined. Simple as this operation may appear, it is 

 one which few persons properly comprehend ; and as 

 upon it everything depends, it will not be out of place to 

 devote a few lines to its explanation. 



The dog, in the first place, should be permitted to run 

 about, released from every restraint, or only so far con- 

 fined as is necessary to prevent his escape from the 

 limits of observation. No attempt should be made to 

 attract the animal's attention, but the practitioner, seating 

 himself in one corner, ought to be perfectly still and 

 silent. - The way in which the creature moves ; whether 

 it roams about, stands motionless, appears restless or 

 indifferent, avoids the light, seems desirous of companion- 

 ship, or huddles itself into some place as far as possible 

 removed from inspection ; whether it crouches down, 

 curls itself round, sits upon its haunches, turns round and 

 round trying to bite its tail, drags itself along the floor, 

 or lies stretched out either upon its side or belly j in 

 what manner the head is carried, and to what part it is 

 directed ; if any particular place is licked, bitten, or 

 scratched ; if thirst is great, or the dog by scenting about 

 shows an inclination for food ; the nature of the breath- 

 ing, the expression of the countenance, the appearance 

 of the coat, and the general condition of the body, should 



