DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 91 



hill, follows but the inclination of its kind; and while 

 tearing with its teeth the dirt-begrimed morsels, it is, 

 according to its nature, daintily employed. Could we 

 read its thoughts, probably the perverse little pet, even 

 while it is provoking its mistress's horror, is reflecting 

 upon the nasty trash which the human stomach can 

 endure, and upon the tempting relishes which mankind 

 know not, like dogs, how to appreciate. An occasional 

 bone and a little dirt are beneficial to the canine race, 

 while food nicely minced and served on plates is calcu- 

 lated to do harm. Such keep fattens to excess, destroys 

 activity, renders the bowels costive, and causes the teeth 

 to be encrusted with tartar. 



A bone is of great service to the animal, which cannot 

 employ a tooth-brush ; and the larger it be and the less 

 meat upon it, the better it will prove for little high-fed 

 favorites. A dog in strong health may digest an occa- 

 sional meal of bones ; but the pet has generally a weak 

 and often a diseased stomach, which would be irritated 

 by what would otherwise do it no harm. The animal, 

 nevertheless, true to its instinct, has always an inclination 

 to swallow such substances, provided its teeth can break 

 off a piece of a size fitted for deglutition. Game and 

 chicken-bones, which are readily crushed, should there- 

 fore be withheld, for not unfrequently is choking caused 

 by pieces sticking in the oesophagus ; though more often 

 is vomiting induced by irritation of the stomach, or serious 

 impactment of the posterior intestine ensues upon the 

 feebleness of the digestion. 



