DOGS! THEIR MANAGEMENT. 125 



not been able to observe that any circumstance can in- 

 duce the disease, though at particular ages the animals 

 are predisposed to its exhibition. 



During the latter period of dentition that is, when 

 the second set of incisors are well up, and the permanent 

 tusks are about half-grown, the temporary ones being 

 still retained is the time when pups are most disposed 

 to display this disorder. I cannot state the precise age, 

 because mouths are not regular in their appearances even 

 as to mouths ; but the aspect of the teeth will sufficiently 

 mark the period when an individual may be expected to 

 be attacked. The season certainly, in no little degree, 

 influences the disease. In winter it is not usually seen ; 

 in the spring it is more common ; in summer is rare, but 

 less so than in winter. During the autumn, however, 

 especially if much rain should fall, it is very frequent, 

 and always more prevalent than at any other periods. 

 Spring and autumn, therefore, are the times when it is to 

 be looked for, but in the latter it is to be anticipated. 



When treating of a subject like the present, there 

 would seem to be a disposition to string together a number 

 of words which do duty for information. Cold, wet, bad 

 food, foul air, excessive exertion, fear, &c., are grouped 

 together, and put forth for almost every " ill that flesh 

 is heir to ;" but I have to learn that these accepted terms 

 have any connexion with the development of this disorder. 

 Dogs that are starved, neglected, and cruelly tortured 

 animals that are judiciously fed, properly housed, and 

 sensibly treated as well as favorites that are crammed, 



