64 THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. 



orders that the bitches be well fed with flesh ; the}^ should 

 also have plenty of milk; nor should the'puppies be taken 

 from them tiU they are able to take care of themselves : 

 they will soon learn to lap milk, which will relieve the mo- 

 ther. The bitches, when their puppies are taken away from 

 them, should be physicked; they should have three purging- 

 balls given them, one every morning, and plenty of whey 

 the intermediate day. If a bitch bring only one or two 

 puppies, and you have another bitch that will take them ; 

 by putting tlTe puppies to her, the former will be soon fit to 

 hunt again : she should, however, be physicked first ; and 

 if her dugs be anointed with brandy and vvater, it will also 

 be of service.— -The distemper makes dreadful havock with 

 whelps at their walks, greatly owing, I believe, to the little 

 care that is taken of them there. I am in doubt whe- 

 ther 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 exadly -, and what else is wanted 

 might easily be obtained. There is, however, an objeftion that 

 perhaps may strike you : if the distemper once get amongst 

 them, they must all have it ; yet, notwithstanding that, as 

 they v.'ill be constantly well fed, and will lie warm, I am 

 confident it would be the saving of many lives. If you 



