The Science of Breeding 



her own and mix up with them the pure- 

 bred ones that she is expected to nurse, and 

 when she returns to them see that all are 

 started suckling together. She will need 

 careful watching for some hours. 



In a normally healthy bitch whelping 

 should present little difficulty, and it is best 

 to leave matters to nature. In the case of 

 the bigger breeds the puppies should be 

 removed soon after they appear, to obviate 

 the danger of the dam lying upon them, but 

 one may be left with her if she shows any 

 inclination to fret. Occasionally a wrongful 

 presentation may occur, in which case the 

 mother will need assistance. Under such 

 circumstances the help of a vet or experi- 

 enced man is desirable, as the novice may do 

 a good deal of mischief. Should labour be 

 prolonged, liquid nourishment will be accept- 

 able to the patient, and if signs of ex- 

 haustion appear, a raw egg with a little 

 brandy may be given. 



Occasionally, especially in the case of old 



105 14 



