BREEDING. 147 



other deadly agent; in that poison can be neutralized by powerful antidotes 'or 

 removed by the use of emetics, while a bone finds its way into the intestines 

 and does its deadly work without hindrance. 



Confections, ca,ke and dainties of all sorts should also be tabooed from the 

 bill of fare; they are not the natural food of a dog, and beside their weakening- 

 effect create a false and dainty appetite which interferes with the regular meals, 

 causing a smaller quantity to be consumed owing to desire to get something nice 

 or an artificial repugnance to substantial food if there is a possibility that "sugar" 

 will be forthcoming. 



BREEDING. 



BREEDING. This article was written by HARRY W. LACY, Kennel Editor of 

 American Stock-Keeper. 



"Young bitches often exhibit symptoms of an inclination to breed at the 

 age of eight or nine months, but it is not advisable to do so until they have come 

 in season the second time. Remarks we made last week against the advisability 

 of resorting to the services of too young a sire apply with even greater force 

 when a you'thful bitch is under consideration. Stunted and puny puppies are 

 almost sure to be produced from a young mother; and the injury they are likely 

 to do her constitution is incalculable. It must be borne in mind that for weeks 

 before birth her system is sorely taxed to provide them with nourishment, and 

 after the shock of labor Is gone through there is further strain upon her until 

 they are weaned. 



"The first symptom afforded by a bitch that she is likely to be soon ready 

 for breeding purposes is a desire on her part to romp and play with any dog she 

 meets. This may possibly arise from merely exuberance of spirits, but it is 

 always well to keep a close eye upon her as soon as any undue levity is observed 

 in her conduct. It is most desirable to use every endeavor to keep the animal 

 away from all risk of being got at by strange dogs; and when the matter is placed 

 beyond doubt all former precautions should be doubled if possible. It must be 

 remembered that there is not only a great risk of dogs getting into the place 

 where the bitch is confined, but that she will probably be equally anxious to 

 escape from her kennel, and some bitches have performed almost incredible feats 

 in their endeavors to do so. 



"She should, if at a distance, be sent off to the kennels where the dog is 

 standing, a clay or two after the earlier symptoms appear, so as to be in time. If 

 despatched by public conveyance, it is imperative that she be securely confined 

 iu a box or basket from which escape is impossible. All breeders should be 

 impressed with the absolute necessity of exercising the greatest vigilance when 

 they have bitches by them under such circumstances. For several days after 

 the bitch has visited the dog, the precautions for Isolating her must not be relaxed, 

 or all her owner's hopes may be marred by her forming a connection with a 

 stranger. 



"Having selected a proper mate for his bitch, and sent her to him, all anxiety 

 is removed from an owner's mind for some time at least; for during the first 

 period of going with young, the bitch will require no special diet or attention. 



