THE GREYHOUND. 159 



most excellent food for the average dog especially the 

 Foxhound it should rarely, if ever, be given to a Grey- 

 hound, it is very heating in its nature. Greyhounds are 

 especially susceptible to skin diseases, and if they do not 

 get an abundance of exercise while fed upon mush, will 

 break out in troublesome sores and eczema. For a steady 

 diet, table-scraps containing bone, with an occasional meal 

 of vegetables, will keep them in excellent condition. Never 

 give them any food until it is perfectly cold; and, where 

 possible, have a regular hour for feeding late in the after- 

 noon being the best time. 



The kennels should be dry and well ventilated, with an 

 elevated sleeping-bench, .with circulation of air under it. 

 No bedding at all in summer, and hemp hurds in winter. 

 These remain free of vermin and moisture, and preserve 

 the gloss of the dog's coat. 



I have here advocated the simpler, cheaper, and more 

 practical methods of training, showing, and rearing Grey- 

 hounds. I am fully aware that many of the swell own- 

 ers, who dress their imported Greyhound pets in costly 

 blankets, feed them high-priced patent foods, wash them 

 with scented soaps, and have a valet walk them through 

 the parks, will turn up their noses at these instructions; 

 but whenever their pets meet dogs that have been treated 

 as I have directed, either on the bench or in the field, the 

 difference will be as glaringly apparent to their owners as 

 to others. 



BREEDING AND REARING. 



In the breeding of bitches and rearing of whelps, the 

 same rules apply to Greyhounds as to other breeds. I have 

 often had Greyhound bitches, especially the younger ones, 

 refuse to allow the dog to serve them, although fully in 

 heat. It is common to use force upon such occasions: 

 This should never be allowed; but repeated trials should be 

 made. Nature will regulate the matter finally. 



While in whelp, the bitch should have plenty of exer- 

 cise, and, until too heavy, an occasional hunt. She should 



