66 -SHOOTING SETTERS. 



sooner than the common brick. The court should be 

 gravelled, and each water-trough never without a piece 

 of sulphur in it. Twice or thrice give the dogs fresh 

 straw for their beds. Put salt into their " sop," as it 

 will prevent your dogs being plagued with worms. 

 Remember the specific for condition in any animal is, 

 " plenty of good food, and plenty of exercise." Draft 

 your dogs to their meals, as it teaches a well im- 

 pressed lesson of obedience. In summer wash them 

 frequently with soft soap the avenging angel of 

 vermin ; also, if possible, give them a swim every 

 day in hot weather. Of all things take care ticks do 

 not get a footing in your kennel ; if they do, it 's long 

 odds you never get rid of them. Probably the only 

 radical cure, in such a case, is, to pull it down. After 

 hunting in wood or cover, examine them, and let every 

 tick be carefully picked off; this is an absolutely 

 necessary precaution. When they are numerous, or 

 very small, rubbing a dog well with sweet oil will kill 

 them. Dogs should be well wiped, and thoroughly 

 cleansed with a brush and rubber after hunting, in 

 the manner horses are. This will keep them in a 

 very different condition from those, that are suffered 

 to lie down with the mud on their bodies, to cake 

 and harden. 



