This same poison is not uncommonly used for the destruction of rats and other vermin, though the facilities for obtaining it are, to a great extent, a barrier against its frequent employment for such purposes. Arsenic is a corrosive and irritant poison, producing vomiting, dysentery, acute pain within the belly, thirst, prostration, and a speedy but painful death. As a rule, dogs poisoned by arsenic die, only the mildest forms making recovery. Under any circumstances it is advisable to seek the assistance of a M.R.C.V.S., acting in accordance with his instructions. In the absence of professional aid, provided the animal is not too much exhausted, an emetic should be given, and for this purpose there is nothing more suitable than 20 grains of white vitriol (sulphate of zinc), or the same quantity of blue vitriol (sulphate of copper), mixed with a couple of tablespoonfuls of tepid water. If neither of these agents are handy, use mustard, salt, and water. Teaspoonful doses of brandy, mixed with the same quantity of olive or salad oil, can be given at frequent intervals. Twenty-drop doses of chlorodyne, may be added if the pain is severe. Hot fomentations to the belly will do good. ANTIMONY The compound of this element most commonly in use for medicinal purposes is that known as tartar emetic--an exceedingly active poison. Minute doses are sometimes prescribed in order to induce vomiting, and in bronchial complaints to produce expectoration. The symptoms and treatment are practically on a par with those laid down for arsenic. Vomiting and extreme depression of the vital powers are specially significant symptoms. Both arsenic and antimony have their special antidotes, though even these are of very doubtful efficacy. STRYCHNINE Although a difficult poison to procure from any source, it is surprising the number of dogs that are annually poisoned by this agent. In appearance, strychnine is a harmless-looking crystalline (or powdered) white solid, the most minute particles readily inducing muscular spasms and death. Strychnine also occurs in the form of a buff-coloured powder, known as nux vomica, the alkaloid or active principle being strychnine. Many gamekeepers make use of strychnine for destroying such birds as hooded crows, etc. Farmers now and then soak maize in a solution of strychnine, in order to destroy crows in a wholesale manner. We merely mention these facts, as showing the various sources from which a dog might accidentally get poisoned. In a very few minutes after swallowing strychnine the dog becomes convulsed all over. The muscular spasms may completely render the dog paralytic; in fact, this usually happens. Quick and laboured breathing is soon followed by complete collapse. So rapidly does strychnine--especially if the dog has taken a few grains--produce death, that there is seldom much chance for the employment of remedial agents, or to call professional assistance.