280 BEARING, ETC. 



which take a longer time to fill up, but in ninety-nine cases oat of 

 a hundred the above rule will hold good, that is, if the whelps are 

 as well reared as I have recommended. 



With regard to the amount of exercise required during this 

 period, I should say that as soon as they will follow well, 

 which is generally at about four or five months old, they should 

 be taken out for an hour night and morning, not confining them 

 entirely to the road, which should be as unfrequented as possible 

 for fear of accidents, but occasionally allowing them to play 

 in a field or common for a few minutes; they should, however, always 

 get some road work, to harden their feet, and keep the nails short 

 enough, and they should not be taken out in greater numbers 

 than four or five at one time, as more than that number cannot be 

 managed without the use of the whip to such an extent as to 

 destroy their courage. Towards nine months old three hours a 

 day, divided in two portions, will not be too much; and this 

 amount of exercise is sufficient till they go into training, and 

 should keep them about five or six pounds above their probable 

 running weight ; but I should recommend up to this time that 

 they should not be taken out with a horse, as they require 

 constant supervision to prevent their attacking poultry, sheep, or 

 cats. It is astonishing how full of mischief a puppy is, fed as 

 highly as I have recommended ; and yet your object should be to 

 do as little to repress that love of mischief as is consistent with 

 the avoidance of absolute murder of your neighbour's poultry or 

 sheep. Do not, therefore, keep your favourites at your heels 

 while out, but allow them to range freely, unless you see 



