354 DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



write ; and as the dog fanciers bred much more largely 

 than I possibly could do, their experience entitled their 

 opinions to attention. Nevertheless, ignorance is so 

 exposed to misconception, that its declarations at all 

 times should be examined, and I resolved to test the 

 truth of the rule which so many announced to be esta- 

 blished. 



The result has not confirmed the belief generally 

 entertained ; but it has induced me to conclude that the 

 dog may be allowed whenever the bitch will permit him. 

 Nature, I have found, regulates the matter, so as not to 

 necessitate man's supervision. The bitch will, by her 

 instinct, decide the question ; and she may, without any 

 dread of mysterious consequences, be left to its direction. 

 In support of this conclusion, a large number of animals 

 can readily be adduced. The numerous bitches, espe- 

 cially in the country, that are placed under no restraint, 

 but are left free to gratify their impulses, afford obvious 

 demonstration of the fact. These creatures have litters 

 that are much stronger and healthier than those which 

 are more tenderly guarded. 



The fatality that attends the offspring of very choice 

 breeds, does not infer that the customs they are subjected 

 to conduce materially to their benefit ; and my experi- 

 ence, so far as it has been carried, supports the conclu- 

 sion which this circumstance would seem to countenance. 



Let the bitch therefore follow her inclinations ; but it 

 is not unusual for force to be employed on such occa- 

 sions. This should never be allowed. The female ought 



