416 
fortnight, care must be taken to avoid 
tangling the hairs. Do not rub the locks 
round and round, but keep them extended, 
working the fingers through them gently. 
Having rinsed away all traces of soap by 
pouring clean tepid water along the line 
of the back, lift the dog out of the bath and 
press the coat with the flat of the hands, 
squeezing it free from wet. The towel 
should be carefully wrapped about him to 
absorb further moisture by pressure. The 
rest of the drying process should be done 
in front of a fire or in the warm sun, a clean 
long-bristled brush being used the while, 
If the coat is allowed to dry without this 
brushing it is likely to become wavy and 
crimpy. 
Many owners of the Clydesdale keep the 
coat constantly soaked in grease, which is 
applied by the aid of a brush. Some con- 
sider that ‘“‘ elbow grease ”’ is preferable as 
a means of maintaining the required glossy 
and silken consistency. Probably a union 
of both is best; for any amount of grease 
will not keep the hair in condition without 
frequent grooming. Oil is to be preferred 
to any sticky and clammy pomade. Neats- 
foot oil and paraffin mixed is recommended 
both as a hair stimulant and an insecticide, 
but some fanciers prefer a mixture of olive 
oil and cocoanut oil in equal proportions. 
Mr. Sam Jessop, who has had great ex- 
perience with the Yorkshire Terrier, recom- 
mends the following preparation, and what 
applies to the Yorkshire is equally suitable 
for the Clydesdale :— 
Take of hydrous wool fat, 2 ounces; 
benzoated lard, 2 ounces; almond oil, 
THE NEW BOOK OF THE DOG. 
2 ounces; phenol, 30 grains; alcohol 
(90 per cent.), } ounce. The first three 
ingredients are melted together upon a 
water-bath ; the phenol, dissolved in the 
alcohol, being added when nearly cold; 
the whole being thoroughly mixed to- 
gether. 
When preparing the dog for exhibition, 
all traces of greasy matter must of course 
be removed. Benzine will be found effectual 
here, carefully sponged over the coat before 
washing, and cloudy ammonia added to the 
washing water will do the rest, for it will 
complete the removal of the grease and 
promote a lather when the soap is sparingly 
applied. This washing should take place 
as near the day of exhibition as possible, 
and be followed by a more than usually 
complete and careful grooming in order to 
get the coat into perfect bloom. 
The Clydesdale is difficult to breed, and 
one has to wait a long time before knowing 
if a puppy is likely to become a good speci- 
men. He is eighteen months or two years 
old before his qualities are pronounced. 
An important point in breeding is to give 
particular attention to the ears of the sire 
and dam. The ears must be very tight. 
Good ear carriage is of first consideration, 
and a bad ear is almost always transmitted 
to the offspring. Although primarily an 
ornamental dog, the Clydesdale yet retains 
much of the sporting terrier characteristics. 
His sight and hearing are remarkably acute, 
he is very game, is not averse from a fight, 
and is grand at vermin. Beauty, however, 
is his supreme charm, causing him to be 
admired wherever he is seen. 
AOR) Ae 
se O/C 
