350 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
alterative in the chronic asthmatic cough to which dogs are 
subject, given as an emetic once or twice a week, in doses of 
one grain to three. Antimonial powder, or James’s powder, 
may also be given with benefit as an alterative in similar cases. 
Crude antimony is often found useful in the diseases of the skin ; 
but it is unfortunately very uncertain in its operation : that is, 
some dogs will bear a considerable quantity, while others cannot 
even take a small one without violent sickness; the usual dose 
is from half a scruple to half a drachm. Nitrate of potash 
(nitre) is a very useful alterative to dogs, for hot itching humors 
and redness of the skin, in doses of four grains to ten. The su¬ 
pertartrate of potash (cream of tartar) may be so given likewise 
with benefit in larger doses, in the same cases : all the prepara¬ 
tions of mercury, though excellent alteratives, require great 
caution when frequently repeated, or regularly given; for dogs 
are easily salivated, and salivation produces very hurtful effects 
on them.” 
LAXATIVES AND PURGATIVES. 
“ These evacuants are both preventive and curative of disease : 
they are valuable alteratives , and active immediate agents in 
acute affections. By opening the bowels, we remove a frequent 
cause of irritation to the system ; and a very considerable source 
of skin affections also; for whatever is taken up superfluously 
by the system is apt to find itself an outlet there. We thereby 
likewise prevent pulmonary congestion, and deposits of fat, 
which would obstruct the visceral functions. Laxatives are 
good preventives against that habitual costiveness common to 
dogs and all other carnivorous animals: such, therefore, as are 
flesh-fed should have this tendency obviated by laxatives ; and 
the best which offers itself is a portion of vegetable matter with 
their flesh food: potatoes, or even greens, can always be pro¬ 
cured, and will answer the purpose. This is the more neces¬ 
sary, for costiveness sometimes occasions fatal obstructions; and 
a costive habit brings on fistulae, and also affords encourage¬ 
ment to the breeding of worms. Medicinal laxatives are nu- 
