632 
REVIEW. 
tions of their master give to their humours. They will assume so much, 
and play such antics, as renders it impossible to arrive at any just con- 
clusion as to the actual state of their health. Dogs, in fact, are great im- 
postors, and he who has had much to do with them soon learns how 
cunningly the pampered * toy * of the drawing-room can ‘ sham.’ Dor de- 
ception, consequently, it is necessary to be prepared, and practice quickly 
teaches us to distinguish between what is real and that which is assumed. 
The exertion, however, required to feign disturbs the system, and the 
struggle which always accompanies the act renders it frequently impossible 
to make the necessary observation with requisite nicety. Petted dogs are, 
therefore, best examined away from their homes, and in the absence of any 
one who has been in the habit of caressing them. Frequently I have found 
it of no avail to attempt the examination of these creatures at the residences 
of their owners ; but the same animals brought to my surgery have, without 
a struggle, allowed me to take what liberties I pleased. I usually carry 
such dogs into a room by myself, and commence by quickly but gently 
lifting them off their legs and throwing them upon their backs. This 
appears to take the creatures by surprise, and a little assurance soon allays 
any fear which the action may have excited. The dog seldom after resists, 
but permits itself to be freely handled. Should, however, any disposition to 
bite be exhibited, the hand ought immediately to grasp the throat, nor 
should the hold be relinquished until the creature is fully convinced of the 
inutility of its malice, and thoroughly assured that no injury is intended to- 
wards it. A few kind words, and the absence of anything approaching to 
severity, will generally accomplish the latter object in a short period, and 
confidence being gained, the brute seldom violates the contract.” 
Farther on, his instructions about handling a refractory or 
untoward character are excellent. 
“ The hand, after a little while, should be quietly offered to the dog to 
smell, and that ceremony being ended, the pulse may be taken, or any other 
necessary observation made, without dread of danger. Every considera- 
tion, however, ought to be given to the condition of the beast. No violence 
on any account should be indulged ; it is better to be ignorant of symptoms 
than to aggravate the disorder by attempting to ascertain their existence. 
If the brain should be affected, or the nervous system sympathetically 
involved, silence is absolutely imperative. No chirping or loud talking 
ought, under such circumstances, to be allowed, and the animal should not 
be carried into the light for the purpose of inspecting it. The real con- 
dition of the patient, and the extetit or nature of its disease, will be best 
discovered by silently watching the animal for some time, and attentively 
noting those actions which rarely fail to point out the true seat of the dis- 
order. Consequently manual interference is the less needed, and in nume- 
rous instances I have, when the creature has appeared to be particularly 
sensitive to being handled, trusted to visible indications, and done so with 
perfect success. The hand certainly can confirm the eye, but the mind, 
properly directed, can often read sufficient without the aid of a single 
sense. 
****** 
“ The dog, in the first place, should be permitted to run about, released 
from every restraint, or only so far confined as is necessary to prevent his 
escape from the limits of observation. No attempt should be made to 
attract the animal’s attention, but the practitioner seating himself in one 
corner, ought to be perfectly still and silent. The way in which the creature 
