A very considerable number of dogs suffer from deafness. In many the disease is congenital, but I do not know that it is hereditary; and I am quite at a loss to explain why congenital deafness is so much oftener seen in white dogs, or those with a preponderance of white, than in those of any other color. Bulldogs, bull terriers and white English terriers seem to be peculiarly liable to this defect. Deafness is also frequently caused by accumulations of wax and this can be removed by syringing the ear daily with 1 part of spirits of wine and 20 parts of warm water, afterwards drying the ear thoroughly, by means of a piece of wool rolled upon a probe or pointed piece of stick. Several fresh pieces of wool will be necessary. Canker is also a fruitful cause of deafness.

I know of no treatment for congenital deafness likely to be of any use except when it is caused by a morbid growth capable of being removed. Among other causes producing deafness, blows may be mentioned; also lugging at the ear - a most brutal mode of punishment often resorted to by keepers and those having the care of sporting field dogs - and the lodgment of water in the ear cavity. In the latter case, pouring in a little pure oil of sweet almonds may give relief; and in the other case? the treatment recommended for internal canker may be beneficially followed with, in addition, the application of a blister behind the ears. Whilst the dog is under treatment, cooling, aperient medicine should be given, and a light diet with green vegetables adopted. You will find that dogs born deaf, like a deaf and dumb person, have their other senses quickened, and the clog will be remarkably sharp at interpreting signs given by the master, who should adopt a system of signs and keep to them. If you own a deaf dog, you should have an enclosed yard for him so no danger of his getting out on the street and hurt or killed by a passing wagon or street car - and remember, if you have him out for a walk, that he is deaf, so that no harm befalls him; you do the watching out in this case. Deafness does not transmit - simply happens - so that a deaf bitch will be just as good to use for breeding purposes.