388 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



the operator is aware that a firm hold has been obtained. 

 The purchase being secure, the finger is to be employed 

 to keep the foetus from escaping, by pushing it against or 

 towards the point of the crotchet, and holding it there. 

 Traction is now made steadily and in the proper direc- 

 tion ; and the assistant at the same time, by manipulating 

 the belly, facilitates the delivery of the bitch, which should 

 be in a standing position not upon its back. 



" The directions are not very complex, but they must 

 not on that account be disregarded. By introducing the 

 finger, and taking care that its extremity corresponds 

 with the point of the instrument, a great object is gained 

 by securing the pup more firmly : yet there are other 

 advantages also obtained by this mode of operating. 

 The head of the foetus is generally too large for the 

 vagina, and hence the difficulty of its expulsion ; but by 

 the employment of an instrument which is simultane- 

 ously to pass, we appear to be increasing the obstruction : 

 however, by compressing the head with the end of the 

 finger, it is in some degree forced to conform to the 

 diameter of the passage, which the gelatinous develop- 

 ment of the pup at the time of birth readily enables it to 

 do. Moreover, the hazard of injury being done, if the 

 instrument should lose its hold, is guarded against ; for 

 should the hook slip, the point would be received upon 

 the end of the finger before it could catch the soft parts. 

 However, the operator will feel the hold giving way long 

 before it is entirely lost, and will be enabled to rectify 

 the occurrence in the majority of cases before there is a 

 chance of accident. The finger, therefore, becomes a 

 sensible guide to the operator, and by its employment 

 the traction is rendered more firm and steady. But 

 above all, care should be taken to have the instrument 

 perfectly blunt, and the beaks of the hooks not too 



