PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 
In the fifth edition of ‘“‘ The Management and Diseases of the 
Dog” several important subjects have been added and others 
enlarged upon with a view to render the work a still more 
comprehensive guide. In lieu of a text notice of the dog 
law relating to muzzling, I have preferred to state my 
opinion briefly in this preface, which may be summed up as 
follows: utterly ineffectual in stamping out rabies; partial 
and aggravating in its administration; injurious and cruel to 
the subject. Apostles of humanity, usually termed by the 
opposite sect sentimentalists, will probably agree with the 
author’s verdict, but otherwise I am ready at any time to 
defend it on the broad grounds of common-sense and long 
practical experience as a canine pathologist—apart from which 
I recognise animal rights. Why compel dogs to be muzzled 
or confined in durance vile, and why not rather compel them 
to take regular healthful exercise unfettered by muzzle and 
with a proper regard to general hygiene? 
Had the keenest sense of justice and of kindness, and the 
most utter contempt of partiality, animated the Board of Agri- 
culture so far as the dog law has been administered, much 
acrimony and dissatisfaction might have been avoided. Dog 
' owners—aye, and dogs—cannot have too much of the old 
. English rule of “ fair play”. 
In illustrating the present edition Iam indebted to Mr. Fall, 
F.R.C.P., the animal photographer, for some well-known and 
pleasing canine pictures, possessing the natural and attractive 
effect that gentleman is such a master of his profession in 
obtaining. The frontispiece, depicting our beloved royal prin- 
cess—a staunch friend to the canine race—will, I venture to 
think, appeal to the hearts of all loyal English people. 
22 HEREFORD Roap, BayswaTER, W. 
