General Management. 7 



from one month's end to another after growth is complete, 

 with the idea that it is then not hurtful ? Fallacy ! Out at 

 the elbows and bowed arms, with spreading toes, will in 

 time result, and become a permanent deformity. Again, loose 

 such an one, and the exuberance of spirits immediately 

 manifested, the wild scampers of delight until exhaustion 

 takes place, will exhibit even to the doubtful mind the en 

 joyment of freedom and exercise. 



Other tender little morsels of canjnity are carried, pro- 

 tected from every breath of wind, in the arms of their mis- 

 tress, and thus have, as it is termed " ikeir airing," the 

 most invigorating and muscle-developing part of it being 

 denied them ; and so they go their way yelping and snarl- 

 ing, in all probability with envy at the gambols of those 

 taking exercise in a natural manner. 



Exercise should not be allowed so as to produce undue 

 fatigue, as in carriage-followers and sporting-dogs ; in the 

 latter, I am aware, it is under certain circumstances un- 

 avoidable. 



It should also, if possible, take place before feeding, or, if 

 impracticable, not until some hours afterwards. Running, 

 or long walks on a full stomach, is liable to produce fits of 

 the worst kind, and many a dog have I seen so affected. 



Again, as I have previously observed, the meal is relished 

 far more after exercise than before it ; of this we have proof 

 in ourselves. Finally, locomotion is especially necessary in 

 indoor dogs, for the performance of the natural evacuatory 

 acts, and thereby continuance of health and purity. 



Erasmus Wilson's remarks on the subject will not be 

 misapplied here : " Well-directed exercise favours the pre- 

 servation of the general health by calling into direct action 

 the majority of the organs of the body ; and it also acts 

 powerfully on the skin by stimulating its functions, in- 

 creasing its temperature, awakening its tone, and subject- 

 ing it to a current of atmosphere favourable for its respira- 

 tory offices." 



