TREATMENT OF THE MOTHER. 247 



appreciable effect ; and the same judiciously applied will 

 soon stimulate that fortitude which is so marvellously great 

 in the canine race and do much to restore the nervous 

 system to its wonted balance. 



The nervousness may, however, be carried to maniacal 

 delirium, during which bitches are entirely beyond control 

 and it is extremely dangerous to interfere with them. 

 Yet they are never likely to do harm if left entirely to 

 themselves. And such attacks are fortunately very rare 

 indeed, and seldom occur except when the whelping is 

 protracted and the suffering intense. Nor do they often 

 last long, but are generally over within two or three min- 

 utes. This was about the duration of one which the 

 writer witnessed, and in that instance the victim evidently 

 saw a spectre of another dog intruding, for she suddenly, 

 and without any premonitory sign, dashed to the door, 

 growling and biting as though engaged in a fierce fight. 

 But after the short period stated she recovered herself 

 and went back to her bed, evidently perfectly sane. 



Leaving the vexed question of attendance and going 

 deeper into the essential treatment of the mother during 

 and immediately after whelping, methods will be advised 

 which the writer has invariably employed in breeding sev- 

 eral varieties of dogs, with the largest at one end of the 

 line and toys at the other. They will be alike applicable 

 to all bitches, but of infinite importance with the largest 

 varieties ; and although some of them may seem based on 

 sentiment and wanting in weight, not a single one will 

 appear that does not influence success. 



Consequently, he who breeds should apply them all. 

 But there are many breeding in a small way who are 

 forced to be at business during the day, and it is only 

 right to consider herein how they may make the best of 

 their opportunities. 



