48 : CANINE DISTEMPER 
Again, in many large shows there is often only one 
veterinary surgeon but several entrances, and although 
guiding barriers and notices are set up to direct exhibi- 
tors to him, he cannot attend to everybody simultane-. 
ously, and as it is not strictly enforced that each should 
await his turn, many pass through in the crush unob- 
served, After all, the examinations can only be of a very 
cursory nature, and unless any striking symptom is 
apparent, it would be impossible to give a definite 
opinion as to whether distemper existed or not in any 
particular dog. The most that can be accomplished is 
to exclude any glaring cases of infectious disease, and 
even these may be overlooked if the veterinary inspector 
attends as a matter of mere form witha any thought of 
performing a duty. 
His position is nearly always an honorary one, and 
the exhibitors must trust to his conscience and his 
willingness really to serve their interests. These would 
undoubtedly be best served if he were paid. Further- 
more, it would seem very desirable, 7f these inspections 
are to have any practical utility, that the examination of 
all animals should take place outside the hall, or in an 
annexe; for if a dog afterwards found to be suffering 
from distemper is allowed inside before it is inspected 
and rejected, the mischief is done, and contagion already 
spread. The gravity of allowing an infected ‘dog into 
a show is emphasised when it is remembered that these 
animals travel from show to show all over the country, 
and may cause widespread infection, the blame for 
which might conceivably be attached to an innocent 
show, person, or dog, quite unconnected with the 
outbreak. 
Exhibitors’ Legal Liability—It should be pointed out 
that a person who sends, or causes to be sent, to a dog 
show any animal knowing it to be suffering from an 
