DOGS : THEIB MANAGEMENT. 355 



on no account to be compelled ; but it is a common prac- 

 tice to employ restraint wben she is unwilling. Some 

 assistance may occasionally be needed, particularly with 

 the smaller breeds, which are apt to be physically dis- 

 abled ; but it should be limited to such offices as favor 

 the desires of the parties principally concerned. When- 

 ever man's aid goes beyond that, it is likely to be inju- 

 rious ; for if Nature orders an animal to decline the gra- 

 tification of its instinct, we may rest assured there is 

 good reason why such a phenomenon is exhibited, al- 

 though we may not possess the acumen to rightly in- 

 terpret its indication. 



Some people permit the dog and bitch to remain toge- 

 ther for several hours ; but with favorite stock-dogs, it is 

 " customary to present the female twice. I have found 

 the second visit to be needless ; and a single occasion has 

 never yet failed to procure me three or four pups, which 

 is quite as many as the majority of bitches are able to 

 rear. The ordinary practice, however, appears to do no 

 harm, so far as I am aware of its consequences. I do 

 not, therefore, object to it ; but I know it is not impera- 

 tive, and it is well to be convinced on such a point. 



After the bitch has been lined, she should be most 

 carefully watched. Her desire rather increases than 

 diminishes, and she will be most anxious to escape in 

 search of new admirers. Her appetite renders her inge- 

 nious ; and the owner is often vexed to find she conquers 

 at this time those bounds which at other periods confined 

 her. Let her be securely housed, or kept under the eye 



