KENNEL MANAGEMENT OF DOGS. 239 



dogs otherwise handled would feel in the beginning of a 

 campaign. When dogs are by any accident much infested 

 by fleas, or other vermin, the best way to deal with them 

 is to rub them or smear them over thoroughly in every 

 part, from the tip of the nose to the shoulder of the tail, 

 with soft soap, to let it harden on them, and prevent them 

 from licking it off, by the use of the muzzle. Let it remain 

 caked and crusted all over them for the space of twenty-four 

 hours, and then, washing it off, the vermin will be washed 

 oflF with it. 



For this purpose, tobacco water has been recommended 

 by high authorities, but it is to be used, if at all, with the 

 greatest caution, as it is a deadly poison, even by external 

 application, if an overdose be used. 



The feet may be hardened, when not in use, by bath- 

 ing them constantly in strong brine ; but when they are 

 sore, and blistered after work, all applications of this sort 

 should be avoided like poison ; emollient applications of 

 lard, or any unctuous substance devoid of salt, are the 

 proper remedies in this condition. 



Dogs are extremely subject to cold and rheumatism, 

 both acute and chronic, and they suffer greatly, and are 

 much disabled for work and endurance by the latter form. 



Where it is possible, after a hard day's winter shooting, 

 especially in wet ground or in snow, a warm bath is of 

 vast utility and comfort, and on the next morning the 

 dogs will come out " like giants refreshed by slumber," 

 ready for double service. After the bath, or without the 

 bath, in these circumstances, a good, deep bed of clean 

 wheaten straw is a sine qua non. They will roll them- 



