196 BREEDING. 



contented tBan in a fresh place ; but it is not so easy to get at 

 her there if anything goes wrong with either mother or whelps, 

 and on that account it is not a desirable place. A board, large 

 or small, according to the size of the bitch, with a raised edge 

 to prevent the puj)pies rolling off, and supported by bricks a 

 few inches from the ground, is all that is required for the most 

 valuable animal ; and if a piece of carpet, as before mentioned, 

 is tacked upon this, and some straw placed upon all, the height of 

 comfort is afforded to both mother and offspring. The use of the 

 carpet is to allow the puppies to catch their claws in it as they 

 are working at the mother's teats ; for without it they slip over 

 the board, and they are restless, and unable to fill themselves 

 well ; while at the same time they scratch all the straw away, 

 and are left bare and cold. 



HEALTHY PARTURITION. 



During whelping, the only management required is in regard 

 to food and quiet^ which last should as far as possible be en- 

 joined, as at this time all bitches are watchful and suspicious, 

 and will destroy their young if they are at all interfered with, 

 especially by strangers. While the process of labour is going 

 on no food is required, unless it is delayed in an unnatural 

 manner, when the necessary steps will be found described in 

 the Third Book. After it is completed, some lukewarm gruel, 



