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CHAPTER II. 



IN SEASON, 



The first occurrence of that peculiar state of the system 

 known as the " rutting season " or " oestruation," during 

 which only will the bitch allow the approaches of the dog 

 and impregnation is possible, as a rule occurs about the 

 ninth month, but it varies in different breeds and individ- 

 uals, also from the influence of constitution, diet and condi- 

 tions and habits of life. For instance, some breeds usually 

 come in season when about eight months old, whereas 

 others but rarely do so until the second year Again, in 

 bitches that are healthy, well nourished, have ample exer- 

 cise and are otherwise properly treated, this peculiar mani- 

 festation is very generally noted much earlier than in 

 bitches of poor constitution kept much in kennels or fed 

 mainly on starchy foods and allowed but little meat. 



The return of this period is also subject to frequent 

 variations, and from much the same influences that delay 

 its first occurrence ; and while bitches that are happily 

 placed, well cared for and healthy usually come in twice 

 yearly, with those that are neglected, unhealthfully sit- 

 uated or of feeble or delicate constitutions, the intervals 



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