Much has been said upon the subject of _Rabies_, or _Canine Madness_, and from the general horror in which the disease is justly held, some consideration of it is proper, even if we do not possess the means of cure. It is an acute disease, communicable from one animal to another and from them to man. Occurring among men it is known as hydrophobia. Its origin is unknown, but it is supposed to have originated from the skunk. Formerly it was very common among the wolves and skunks of the western plains. The virus affects the nervous system of the animal. It is found in some of the secretions, chiefly in the salivary glands. The disease is communicated only by the saliva of affected animals, usually by biting. The disease may break out in from a few days to a few months after the animal has been bitten; the average time is about twenty-five days. Two principal forms of this disease have been distinguished; rabies proper, and dumb rabies. SYMPTOMS OF RABIES PROPER.—First change noticed is in the dog’s gait in walking, either more lively and irritable than usual, or more dull and sad; peculiar restlessness; does not remain in one place; often quits his home and roams to a distance; he recognizes and obeys his master at the commencement, and even through the entire disease; generally no appetite from the commencement; some will take soup, but never solid food; they often, however, devour strange things, as wood, leather, straw, or even filth; they drink in all stages of the disease, as long as they can swallow; there is always a peculiar change of voice, more shrill or more grave, always slightly hoarse and disagreeable; the bark is peculiar, not in distinct emissions, as in health, but an emission of voice ending in a howl; the desire to bite is not constant, but comes occasionally in fits, and varying degrees; during the fits he bites everything, cats, other dogs, human beings, even his own master, or inanimate objects, and frequently snaps at the air. At first he is but little changed in appearance; but soon the eyes become red; they open and shut alternately; later, they are dull, as if covered with dust; rapid emaciation; he becomes, finally, very weak, and drags his hind quarters, while at first he is strong, carries his tail as usual, and differs not in gait from a healthy dog. Dumb Rabies is manifested by loss of appetite, drink, voice, as in the first instance, modified thus: The lower jaw droops, apparently paralyzed from the commencement; he cannot swallow any liquid; saliva constantly flows from his mouth; the tongue often hangs from between the teeth; he bites less than in the first form; still, as there are times, when irritated, that he may close his mouth, the danger from biting is the same.