166 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



weakness. Their views are mistaken, and their remedies 

 are prejudicial. They speak of distemper being soine- 

 tim'es ushered in by a fit, and their language implies that 

 the convulsions, sometimes seen at the first period, are 

 identical with those witnessed only during the latest 

 stages. This is not the fact. A fit may be observed 

 before the appearance of the distemper ; and anything 

 which, like a fit, shows the system to be deranged, may 

 predispose the animal to be affected ; but, between fits 

 of any kind, and the termination of the affection in rela- 

 tion to distemper, there is no reason to imagine there is 

 an absolute connexion. The true distemper fit is never 

 observed early at least, I have never beheld it before 

 the expiration of the third week ; and I am happy in 

 being able to add, that when my directions have from the 

 first been followed, I have never known an instance in 

 which the fits have started up. Therefore, if seldom to 

 be cured, I have cause to think they may be generally 

 prevented. 



* When the symptoms denote the probable appearance 

 of fits, although the appetite should be craving, the food 

 must be light and spare. At the Veterinary College, the 

 pupils are taught that the increase of the appetite at this 

 particular period is a benevolent provision to strengthen 

 the body for the approaching trial. Nature, foreseeing 

 the struggle her creature is doomed to undergo the 

 teacher used to say gives a desire for food, that the 

 body may have vigor to endure it ; and the young gen- 

 tlemen are advised, therefore, to gratify the cravings of 



