194 
CAUSE OF HYDROPHOBIA. 
have never found him deviate from that method of eating it, which 
lias been described. I have lately noticed too, that cats select only 
the matured blades of couch. 
This singular circumstance has so much surprised and interested 
me, that I am anxious to know if it has been observed by other per¬ 
sons. 
Is it usual for animals in a perfectly wild state, to be afflicted with 
that awful disease hydrophobia ? Have we not more frequently 
heard, that dogs which are chained, axe more liable to become rabid, 
than others that are left at liberty P 
Is it not too likely, that we may through inattention to their ha¬ 
bits, cause our attached and faithful animals to fall victims to a 
frightful malady; and in consequence, increase the list of 
“ The thousand ills that flesh is heir to,” 
by creating another “ ill,” for the human race to suffer, which would 
not otherwise be included in the formidable number ? 
I am not asserting,—for I know nothing; I would merely with 
‘‘earnest diffidence” state a fact, and venture a query, which ap¬ 
peared to me to arise out of the reflections which the circumstance 
induced. 
“Want of water,”—“heat of the dog-days,” &c. will no longer 
satisfy an intelligent and reading people, when assigned as causes for 
hydrophobia. We know that dogs do go mad, in all seasons, under 
all modes of treatment,-—and that the cause of the sui generis dis¬ 
ease, is yet unknown. 
I incline to think, that in almost every case, when I have heard 
that a dog has suffered from this disease, (and when of course, it has 
not been communicated; but has originated with the animal,)—it 
has always been said, “ the dog went mad, broke his chain, and ran 
away.” 
It is a lamentable reflection, that with the best intentions,—the 
kindest dispositions,—we may, and perhaps do inflict misery, on the 
verv creatures which we best love,—that most deserve our care, and 
«/ 
whom we are most bound to cherish,—I mean those that we can take 
from a state of nature, and for our benefit and convenience, place out 
of all possibility to obtain that necessary aliment, or natural medi¬ 
cine, which is evidently intended for their health and comfort. 
It would cause me more gratification than I can express, if these 
vague hints should meet the eye of a kind, reflecting influential in¬ 
vestigator of natural history, who would instruct himself in the sub¬ 
ject, and endeavour to befriend the canine race, (to say nothing of 
human beings,) by publicly advising, that all dogs which are chained 
