190 The Fox Terrier. 



and by so doing thus early, the strain on the constitution 

 of the dam is much lessened, and the young ones, now 

 growing strong, do not pull their mother about more than 

 is actually necessary. When six weeks old they should be 

 weaned, and, as this is done, a little opening and cooling 

 medicine is of service to the dam. In sending the puppies 

 to walk it is advisable, if possible, to have two at the same 

 place. The one keeps the other out of mischief, they play 

 and romp together, and are actually less trouble than if 

 " walked" separately. Provide the person who is to rear 

 them with some magnesia, and order a little to be given to the 

 pups in milk every fortnight ; also instil into the " walker " 

 the necessity of regularity in the time of feeding, and, in the 

 first instance, the meals should be given at least six times 

 daily. Little and often must be the motto here, which, 

 if carried out in all cases, would do away with many of 

 the weedy, " big-bellied" little creatures usually so delicate 

 from the time of their birth until their early death, and 

 always a trouble and annoyance to their owners. Instruc- 

 tions must also be given as to sending for the owner when 

 signs of illness of a serious kind are apparent. With the 

 puppies it was my custom to hand over half a dozen of the 

 alterative puppy pills now made by Hind, chemist, Kendal, 

 with orders to give one whenever a pup appeared sickly or 

 dull ; and several years' experience convinced me of their 

 efficacy in minimising the more virulent attacks of dis- 

 temper. I consider that washing puppies is injurious to 

 them, and by causing a chill may lead to fatal complica- 

 tions. Whenever they are troubled with fleas or other 

 vermin, a good dusting with Keating's insect destroyer 

 will be found safer than washing, no more disagreeable, 

 and less troublesome. 



