2l8 KENNEL SECRETS. 



first season. Yet even now the conclusion must be that 

 the custom is prejudicial, although, doubtless, the infinite 

 majority of those who consider the matter will be ready 

 to concede that it is sometimes justified as a remedial 

 measure. 



If such is the acceptance and bitches are bred at their 

 first season to correct threatened irregularities of form of 

 the nature described, let the enfeebling influence of the 

 remedy be kept in mind and every effort made to com- 

 bat it by a generous diet, ample exercise in pure air, and 

 other hygienic means. 



There are a few breeders possessed of the idea that to 

 delay maternity one period merely will impair the func- 

 tions of the breasts and render them less capable of secret- 

 ing milk. It ought not to be necessary to say that this is 

 a rank absurdity. Consider greyhounds, for instance, that 

 are kept for coursing, they are not bred until they are sev- 

 eral years old, yet they are usually free-milking mothers. 

 But to discuss this fallacy is unnecessary, for cases which 

 refute it are constantly occurring in the practice of all 

 who breed extensively. 



As a matter of fact, instead of the secreting power of 

 the breasts being prejudiced by delay it is really strength- 

 ened by it. And here appears another reason for con- 

 demning the practice of too early mating. The mammary 

 glands are either under the direct influence of the repro- 

 ductive organs or in close sympathy with them, and where 

 those organs are lacking in development the secreting 

 power of the breasts is lacking in corresponding degree. 

 Consequently an immature mother cannot be as able sup- 

 port as she who has been fully developed by age. 



The period of maturity varies greatly in different 

 breeds, and while it is reached by some early in the sec- 

 ond year, others are not fully matured until they have 



