156 Horse and Hound. 



of flank. Too much exercise can not be given 

 during this period and hunting should be kept 

 up at least four weeks after service. 



After the fourth week regular yard or road 

 exercise should be given, though care should be 

 exercised to prevent colds. From now on one 

 can not be too careful in administering strong 

 purgative medicines or applying any soaps, 

 washes, or remedies for mange or vermin. 



The period of gestation is sixty-three days, 

 and seldom varies except through accident. It is 

 safe to count from the first service, if performed 

 in the latter, rather than the first, period of the 

 heat. 



The bitch will have a capricious appetite at 

 the time and should be well supplied with a 

 variety of food. 



A bitch's disposition changes very materially 

 as parturition approaches, and the quietest, gen- 

 tlest of them may become restless, nervous, and 

 irritable. 



After seeing that each puppy has suckled once, 

 do not intrude upon her, let her alone ; she under- 

 stands the necessities of the situation much better 

 than you. Feed soft foods for a few days, but 

 do not worry about the amount she eats, nature 

 has attended to that, but always have plenty of 

 cool, clean water within easy reach. 



Later on the enormous drain on her vitality 

 can be met with generous and tempting food. 



