is the discharge of fæces more frequently than usual, and thinner than their natural consistence, but otherwise not materially altered in quality; and the mucous coat of the intestines being somewhat congested, if not inflamed. It is the consequence of over-feeding, or the use of improper food. Sometimes it is of very short continuance, and disappears without any bad consequence; the health being unaffected, and the character of the fæces not otherwise altered than by assuming a fluid character. It may not be bad practice to wait a day, or possibly two, as it is desirable for the action of the intestines to be restored without the aid of art. I should by no means give a physic-ball, or a grain of calomel, in simple diarrhoea. I should fear the establishment of that species of purging which is next to be described. The castor-oil mixture usually affords the best hope of success. Habitual diarrhoea is not an unfrequent disease in petted dogs: in some it is constitutional, in others it is the effect of neglected constipation. A state of chronic inflammation is induced, which has become part of the constitution of the dog; and, if repressed in the intestines, it will appear under a more dangerous form in some other place. DYSENTERY is a far more serious complaint. In most cases a considerable degree of inflammation of the mucous coat exists, and the mucus is separated from the membrane beneath, and discharged per anum. The mucus thus separated from the intestinal membrane assumes an acrid character. It not only produces inflammation of the membrane, dangerous and difficult to treat, but it excoriates the anus and neighbouring parts, and produces pain and tenesmus. This disease has sometimes been fatally misunderstood. A great deal of irritation exists in the intestinal membrane generally, and in the lower part of the rectum particularly. The fæces passing over this denuded surface cause a considerable degree of pain, and there is much straining, and a very small bit or portion of faces is evacuated. This has often been seen by the careless observer; and, as he has taken it as an indication of costiveness, some drastic purgative has been administered, and the animal quickly killed. No one that had ascertained the real nature of the disease would administer calomel in any form or combination; but the anodyne mixture as an enema, and also administered by the mouth, is the only medicine from which benefit can be expected. COSTIVENESS