General Management. . 9 
avoidable, while with the former it is often practised to the 
verge of cruelty. 
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.” ; 
WASHING. 
Washing in moderation adds greatly to the health and 
‘comfort of the dog. I say in moderation, because some 
persons are never satisfied unless their favourites are sub- 
merged twice or three times a week in water, and lathered 
over with soft-soap (the latter to kill the fleas). This is a 
great mistake, and three results of such a custom are— 
blindness, deafness, and canker. 
Long-haired dogs require ablution more than short- 
haired ones, and usually have a natural inclination for 
water. The frequency of washing will depend to some 
extent on the manner in which the coat is kept; if regu- 
larly brushed and combed, once a month is quite sufficient; 
under any circumstances a weekly bath is more than ample. 
The water should be a little more than tepid, and soap 
used merely enough to create a lather; as its alkaline 
