SEXUAL GENERATION. 207 



The local and general symptoms then disappear and she returns to her 

 usual condition. 



The duration of " cestruation " varies not only in different breeds but in 

 members of the same class. Some prominent breeders have fixed rules 

 and stated days in the "period" upon which mating is allowed. One 

 breeder identified with Irish setters, chooses the fourteenth and sixteenth 

 clays, others admit the dog earlier and but few later than eighteenth. In 

 exceptional cases a bitch will invite the approaches of the dog on the 

 seventh and resist him after the tenth. At her next period she may not 

 be " in condition " before the fourteenth day. 



A perfect knowledge of their brood animals enables breeders to adopt 

 individual standards. In the study of ovulation the fact is clearly appa- 

 rent that no fixed rule can properly be adopted. It is to be remembered 

 that nature incites the females of the lower order of animals to allow the 

 approaches of the male just when the egg is recently discharged from the 

 ovary and ready for impregnation. At other times, when sexual con- 

 course is productive of no good effect, the instinct of the animal prompts 

 her to avoid it. 



While no fixed rule to govern breeders is admissible, in a general way 

 it may be stated that the bitch should be secluded while the vulva is 

 swollen, hard, sensitive to pressure, and the discharge is profuse and of 

 a bright red color. As the swelling is reduced, the parts " soften " and 

 the discharge subsides or becomes nearly colorless; then the dog should 

 be admitted. The manner of the bitch will soon show whether the proper 

 period has been reached. If she avoids him, bites as he approaches, or in 

 standing presses her tail closely between her legs, then he should be at 

 once removed. Less than five minutes is ordinarily sufficient to demon- 

 strate whether or not she is "ready," and it would be injudicious for a 

 longer time to annoy her, and cruelty to worry the dog. Each day the 

 method can be repeated until voluntary intercourse occurs. Occca- 

 sionally will be found a bitch which by her sexual excitement, carrying her 

 tail to one side and other manifestations when the dog approaches, show 

 she is in readiness for the congress, and yet will prevent its consumma- 

 tion by springing forward or otherwise withdrawing from contact. 



In such a case she must be securely held until the intercourse is com- 

 pleted. This step should not be delayed until the dog is exhausted by his 

 efforts, but taken as soon as the need is apparent. 



In large breeds, such as mastiffs, two will be necessary to hold her 

 firmly, and strong men, not easily fatigued, will be needed. If the bitch 

 is a stranger] and her disposition as to gentleness is doubted, it will be 

 wise to muzzle her. 



The straps about the nose must not be too tightly buckled; be merciful 



