OF BREEDING GENERALLY 643 



which often suffer materially from the cold, and 

 become rickety. 



Thus far as regards the breeding of dogs generally ; 

 but in sporting dogs there are various opinions as to 

 the time at which they should be bred. The strictest 

 attention, however, should be observed in regard of 

 both male and female being in good health, and as 

 perfect as possible in their points of form ; their faculty 

 of smell should also be in high perfection, although it 

 sometimes happens that cross, ill-made dogs possess 

 excellent qualities in this respect ; and when this is the 

 case, and a breed is desired from them, a good male 

 or female of the opposite sex should be selected, as 

 the case may be. 



Much vigilance is necessary on the part of the 

 feeder, to watch the females going to heat, and when- 

 ever the slightest indication of this becomes apparent, 

 they should immediately be separated from the rest 

 of the pack, if dogs of chase, which will prevent 

 quarrelling among the males. This should also be 

 attended to with other sporting dogs. From neglect 

 of this kind, it has not unfrequently happened that 

 the best dogs of the pack, or the finest pointers and 

 setters, have fallen victims to these broils. 



While in pup the female should not be hunted 

 more than the first month, as it often proves injurious 

 to her as well as her litter. During gestation, how- 

 ever, moderate exercise will be found of great service 

 in preserving her health, and is in consequence likely 

 to give strength to her offspring. 



Mr Daniel is of opinion that winter whelps, if they 

 survive, come in well the following season, and that 

 they are generally hardy and handsome ; and he re- 

 commends to have no puppies later than April, as they 

 seldom thrive in very hot weather ; and that of the 



