CARE OF THE NEW-BORN. 2^^ 



mere abnormalities of this nature, and one must go 

 farther and include psychical influences which have a 

 most decided bearing. For instance, in the human race 

 the disturbing passions will cause certain secretions to 

 become corrupted and even acquire poisonous properties. 

 Beyond doubt the same causes are nearly if not quite as 

 active in the lower orders, for the bite of an animal goaded 

 to desperation heals less rapidly and is attended with 

 greater inflammation than one administered when the 

 system is uninfluenced by excited passion. And if great 

 mental disturbances in the human mother diminish or 

 vitiate the secretion of milk and it becomes hurtful and 

 even deadly to the nursing child, assuredly it is reasonable 

 to assume that the same effects would follow like cause in 

 the canine mother. Another fact to be considered is, that 

 seldom are valuable bitches in the last few days of preg- 

 nancy permitted to follow their own instinctive prompt- 

 ings, but very generally they are kept under rigid re- 

 straint, lest accidents occur ; and if they have been 

 allowed constantly liberty, as they ought, they must be 

 more or less nervous, fretful, and discontented. 



All of which goes to show that the influences 

 which may affect the milk of the dam are many and 

 varied, and each and every one must be considered and 

 given due weight in discussing this important question. 



Experience acquired since giving expression to the 

 foregoing has led the writer to believe that where a large 

 number of dogs are kept together, are much restrained, 

 and the preparation of the food and the feeding and 

 watering are left to hired help, — in which instance such 

 duties are scarcely likely to be attended to with absolute 

 faithfulness, — it is a wise procedure to use the breast- 

 pump and draw out all the milk on the day previous to 

 whelping. If, on the other hand, the expectant mother 



