DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 359 



As the time of parturition draws near — tliat is, when 

 the increase of mucus is remarked — a daily meal of 

 boiled liver should he given ; hut nothing stronger, of a 

 laxative nature, ought to he administered, unless the 

 absolute necessity of such relief as aperients afford is 

 ascertained. Many persons are in the habit of giving 

 buckthorn or castor oil at this season ; but the dog is 

 naturally very delicate ; and nothing calculated to 

 detract from the strength which the coming effort must 

 severely tax, should be heedlessly resorted to. 



When the bitch retires, let her wish for privacy he 

 respected. For three or four hours allow her to be 

 undisturbed ; but at the expiration of that time, the per- 

 son who most enjoys her confidence, may approach her. 

 After an exchange of recognitions, the animal may be 

 examined. If nothing extraordinary can be remarked, 

 nothing should be done beyond offering food and water ; 

 neither of which, however, need be pressed upon her. A 

 day possibly may thus pass, without any sign of decided 

 progress beiiig made ; nevertheless, the owner's patience 

 must not be alarmed, for the greatest danger springs from 

 premature assistance. 



The first pup is often long before it is delivered ; so 

 that the cries be not sharp, loud, and frequent, the delay 

 need not generate fear. Four-and-twenty hours having 

 elapsed, and the indication of suffering with constant 

 straining being present, the help which man can give 

 should not be pressed upon the animal. The throes must 

 cease, or. the bitch appear exhausted by lying on its side, 



