C60 MAx\UAL OF MODERN FAKRIERY. 



many instances where it is felt at eight, and it generally 

 lasts about eighteen days. For the first four or five days 

 she will not receive the embraces of the male, but keeps up 

 a sportive dalliance with him ; after which unbounded vent 

 is given to her desires, and even with a variety of males ; 

 from the termination of which period, she is gravid nine 

 weeks, or sixty-three days, and produces from five to twelve 

 puppies, according to her size. 



Breeders are in the habit of restraining the desire of the 

 female; and in general only allow her to be warded two or 

 three times, which proves as effectual as the most unre- 

 strained commerce. Indeed, it has been found, that from six 

 to eight puppies have been the fruits of one coitus, and in 

 some rare instances so many as eleven. 



Albertus mentions, that he saw a mastiff bitch, which 

 brought forth at three litters, fifty whelps, viz. : nineteen at 

 the first, eighteen at the second, and thirteen at the third 

 litter. Some females have been known to produce puppies 

 three times a year ; but this generally has the effect of de- 

 stroying their constitution. Those, therefore, who have a re- 

 gard for their dogs, and wish to preserve a healthy race, 

 will never allow the female to produce oftener than once a 

 year. 



It need hardly be remarked, that if it is wished to pre- 

 serve a breed of dogs uncontaminated, all intercourse with 

 those of different races must be strictly guarded against. 

 The animals from which a breed is to be taken should be as 

 perfect in their form as possible, as it would be in vain to 

 expect handsome puppies from an ill-made sire and dam ; 

 although it not unfrequently happens, that in the case of one 

 of the parents being cross in its make, an elegant progeny are 

 produced, by the other possessing a more perfect symme- 

 try, more especially when the female is beautifully formed. 



