Breeding and Raising Hounds. 155 



a greater one of dogs getting in to her. I have 

 known of some remarkable feats by both, and 

 have heard of some even more incredible ones. 



It is neither necessary nor wise to serve a bitch 

 as soon as she is willing to accept service; one 

 week from first appearance of discharge is the 

 proper time, and two services, forty-eight hours 

 apart, are as good as a half-dozen. 



The period of actual heat is about ten days, 

 though often exceeded or decreased in duration. 

 There is but little truth in the saying of nine days 

 coming in and nine days going out. 



The average length of service is fifteen min- 

 utes, and the dog should be instantly removed, 

 never being left with bitch after service. 



If a bitch forms a messaliance, a prompt in- 

 jection of a weak solution of bichloride of mer- 

 cury will have the desired effect. 



Never take a bitch's word for it that her heat 

 has passed, but keep her close for several days 

 after she has denied the soft impeachment. 



Occasionally bitches, though fully in heat, re- 

 fuse to accept service; in a case of this kind she 

 should be muzzled and forced to accept, only, 

 however, in positive and unmistakable cases. 



Excessively fat bitches show impaired powers 

 of reproduction; frequently fail to breed, or will 

 have small litters with sickly and puny pups. 



The best conformation for a brood bitch is 

 one with wide and strong loins and good length 



