OF WHELPS. 59 



them, should be physicked ; I generally give 

 them three purging balls, one every morning. 

 If a bitch brings only one or two puppies, and 

 you have another bitch that will take them, by 

 putting the puppies to her, the former will be 

 soon fit to hunt again : she should, however, be 

 physicked first ; and if her dugs are anointed 

 with brandy and water, it will also be of service. 

 The distemper makes dreadful havoc with whelps 

 at their walks ; greatly owing, I believe, to the 

 little care that is taken of them there. I am in 

 doubt whether it might not be better to breed 

 them up yourself, and have a kennel on purpose. 

 You have a large orchard paled in, which would 

 suit them exactly ; and what else is wanted 

 might easily be obtained. There is, however, an 

 objection that perhaps may strike you : — if the 

 distemper once gets amongst them, they must all 

 have it : yet notwithstanding that^ as they will 

 be constantly well fed, and will lie warm, I am 

 confident it would be the saving of many lives. 

 If you should adopt this method, you must 

 remember to use them early to go in couples ; 

 and when they get of a proper age, they must 

 be walked out often ; for should they remain 

 confined, they would neither have the shape, 

 health, or understanding, they ought to have. 



