244 KENNEL SECRETS. 



is not an instinctive tendency peculiar to this act, for it is 

 often exhibited in other experiences, and especially those 

 of a painful nature. For instance, dogs when suffering 

 from colic are very apt to secrete themselves in out-of-way 

 places and there remain until the pain has subsided, even 

 if the happy event is delayed for many hours. 



The reason for this is problematical, but to the careful 

 and experienced observer it must seem as though the dis- 

 position was the product of several influences, including 

 primarily the pain and the same fortitude and patience, 

 but in higher degree, which sustain some members of 

 the human family while suffering intensely, and prompt 

 them to suppress as far as possible the outward tokens 

 of the affliction. It would seem to be tinctured also 

 with reproach, — which would not be unnatural where 

 prompt relief was not afforded, — for it is seldom mani- 

 fested before the pain has been on for several hours, 

 during which period the victims if house pets generally 

 manifest their distress by occasional whinings, appeals to 

 be taken up, etc., and as plainly beg that something be 

 done to alleviate it. 



If this assumption is correct — and certainly there is 

 nothing improbable in it — the special rule to leave bitches 

 absolutely or even much to themselves while whelping 

 will not admit of wide application. Nor is its basis, the 

 original instinctive tendency of the bitch, a sound one, for 

 although in her wild state she naturally sought secluded 

 places that her young might remain concealed and out of 

 the way of harm, this fear for their safety must have been 

 greatly lessened by domestication — an influence far more 

 potent than is generally appreciated. 



Some bitches, of course, are less deeply impressed by 

 this influence than others, for the reason that from their 

 earliest days they have been confined much to kennels, 



