MISCELLANEA. 
539 
mistaken for a worm, which, instead of being injurious to the 
animal, is necessary to his life. The frenum is the part mothers 
are so anxious to have divided in their children when commonly 
called tongue-tied — generally speaking, a very foolish operation. 
A word apropos : I was formerly resident surgeon to a London 
hospital, and during that time I had to inspect many hundreds of 
children, yet there only occurred two cases requiring the opera- 
tion, and, if left to themselves, they would never have been incon- 
venienced, nor have excited notice. This ranks with the popular 
prejudice that has invented a worm beneath the dog’s tongue for 
the seat of rabies. While it is our duty to protect ourselves from 
a disease so frightful in suffering, and certain in termination, never- 
theless we should not suppose every casual illness madness, for it 
is probable that hydrophobia does not occur so often to the dog as 
the various shadings of insanity afflict the human species ; but, 
being domesticated with us, he takes on him all our diseases ; — 
colds and fevers, and indigestion, all afflict him. But with all his 
faults he is our trusty friend; — he neither babbles his services to 
neighbours, nor deserts us when his aid is most desired, but, 
unshaken in attachment, unimpeachable in fidelity, with courage 
and endurance increasing as required by his master, alike the rich 
man’s and the poor man’s companion, he claims and should 
receive our kindest treatment and regard — in disease, as in health. 
Remaining, Sir, 
Your’s most obediently, 
O- — S. 
Burwarton, near Bridgnorth, Oct. 31, 1842. 
Extraordinary Fecundity. 
A few days since, a sheep belonging to Mr. Thomas Honeyman, 
of the Grange, near Sawley, brought him five lambs, all alive, 
and all likely to do well, with a little assistance from art. — Not- 
tingham Journal. 
Veterinary Ruralities. 
The following is the sign of a village Caleb Quotem on the 
road between Birmingham and Oldbury: — “William Wright, 
beast, leash, and farrier, horse and cow, dranches, koinds and, 
oyles of, various, koinds, and medicines, sold here.” — Supplement 
to the Liverpool Mercury , Oct . 17, 1845. 
