26 THE sportsman's vade mecum. 



to be got back as soon as possible. He is of quite a differenj 

 species to the other, thougli with the same types or charac- 

 teristics, yet this cross is ratlier approaching to mongrel. 

 Having descanted somewhat largely on the preliminary 

 portion, we will pass on to the rearing of the progeny. 



BITCHES IN PUP. 



Bitches in pup ought to be well fed, and suffered to run 

 at large, and I am rather of opinion that by himting them 

 occasionally, or rather, by letting them see game while in 

 this state, does not " set the young back any." Every one 

 is aware of the sympathy between the mother and the unborn 

 foetus, and I for one rather do think it of use. 



Few bitches can rear more than six pups, many only four, 

 and do them justice. Cull out, therefore, the ill colored, 

 ugly marked bitches first, and if you find too many left, 

 after a few days you must exercise your judgment on the 

 dogs. I don't like, however, this murdering, and prefer, by 

 extra feeding while suckling, and afterwards, to make up for 

 pulling the mother down, which having to nurse six or 

 seven pups does terribly. My idea always is in the matter, 

 that the pup I drown is to be, or rather would be, the best 

 in the litter. It is humbug, I know, but I cannot help it. At 

 that age all else but color and markings is a lottery. Oft 

 have I seen the poor, miserable little one turn out not only 

 the best, but biggest dog. Therefore, I recommend the 

 keeping of as many as possible. 



Let the bitch have a warm kennel, with plenty of straw 

 and shavings, or shavings alone. Let her be loose, free to 



