DOG-DAYS

(Dies Caniculares), the hottest period of the year generally reckoned now from July 3 to Aug. 11. Various dates, from July 3 to Aug. 15, were a igned for the first of the D. by the Greeks and Romans and various periods of duration from twenty to fifty-four days. They were generally a ociated with the influence of Sirius, ‘the dog-star,’ and, according to Pliny, began with its heliacal rising on July 19 (New Style). They were regarded by the ancients as the hottest and most unhealthy period of the year, and as feat the direct cause of madne among ogs.