34 N ursine^ vs. Dosing, 



day of whelping, with the best of results. 



I believe that the mother transmits to 

 her progeny something of the thoughts and 

 feelings that she is possessed of while car- 

 rying them ; but even if this is not the 

 case, the practice is in itself most benefi- 

 cial in keeping her in the best possible 

 condition for the duties of maternity ; and, 

 what is of greater importance, this course 

 will impart to her progeny vigor and 

 strength that will prove to be a very im- 

 portant factor in bringing them safe and 

 sound through the perils of their early 

 days. 



As the time approaches for the expected 

 litter to appear, the dam should be accus- 

 tomed to sleep in the place you intend to 

 have her occupy with her family. For this 

 purpose I have for many years used, with 

 the most satisfactory results, a box of suit- 

 able size, say about three and one-half feet 

 by four, and one foot high, for a fifty-pound 

 animal. In the bottom of this box a strong 



