MANAGEMENT OF BITCH IN SEASON. ' 193 



going on she sliould not be allowed access to the male, nor will 

 she generally if left to herself, but as soon as it subsides, no 

 time should be lost, as it often happens that verj' shortly after- 

 wards she will refuse him altogether, and thus a whole year 

 may be lost. Most bitches are " in heat " twice a year, at equal 

 periods, some every five, or even every four, months ; others every 

 seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve months ; but the far 

 greater proportion of bitches of all breeds are "in season" twice 

 a year pretty regularly. There is, therefore, a necessity for ascer- 

 taining the rule in each bitch, as it varies so considerably ; for, 

 when it is known, the calcidation can better be made as to the 

 probability of the heat returning at the desired time. The period 

 between the first and second " heats " will generally indicate 

 the length of the succeeding ones, but this is not invariable, as 

 the " putting by " of the animal will sometimes throw her out of 

 her regular course. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN SEASON. 



When bitches are not intended to breed, they are carefidly " put 



by," that is to say, they are secluded from the dog, and during 



that time they are in great measure deprived of their usual 



exercise. From this circumstance they are very apt to get out 



of health, and some injury is thereby done to their ofispring 







