Specific and Contagious Diseases. 163 
courses may be carried out with scrub brush, flannel, &c. 
The drains also demand attention; effectual flushing by 
large volumes of a strong solution of black ashes, boiling 
if possible, will be eminently useful, and in its absence a 
strong mixture of crude “Sanitas” with water will be 
equally effective. The recurrence of subsequent cases, 
be it remembered, will in all probability be due to some 
lurking virus, and that which proves dangerous to the 
dog may be equally fatal to the human subject; effec- 
tual cleansing must therefore be insisted upon; a few 
shillings spent at this time may save maay pounds later 
on and prevent serious loss and discomfiture. 
The seizure of a mad dog is often a most difficult pro- 
ceeding even with the most fearless. When confined to 
a stable or other building he should be approached from 
above if possible and, by cautious movements, seized by 
the lasso, which, on being pulled tightly, will strangulate 
the victim; this is often preferable to shooting; the 
Hability of a marksman to miss the vital spot renders 
death less certain, while the creature is seriously alarmed 
and roused to violence. When at large the lasso may 
also be useful, providing the operator is well up to the 
business, which needs to be done determinedly, fearlessly, 
and above all quietly. For this purpose the lasso should 
be attached to a stout stick at the end of which the loop 
is arranged ; the operator grasps the stick as well as the 
returning cord, and following the dog, projects the ioop 
over and beyond his head; immediately the cord sur- 
rounds the neck it is pulled by one hand, the other 
holding the stick steadily, the dog is securely arrested, 
and if necessary at once strangled. Iron pincers, formed 
to encircle the neck, are likewise useful if available at 
the time. This, however, is the great difficulty, and in a 
sudden emergency men and others who witness the 
escapades of rabid dogs, work themselves into an excite- 
ment which often paralyses their judgment as well as 
efforts, and the worst thing is probably done. Seriously 
aggravated by the treatment, the dog becomes violent, 
and bites right and left. Presence of mind, cool judg- 
ment, and quiet movements. are best calculated to secure 
