27 o BREEDING. 



the length of the succeeding ones, hut this is not invariable, as 

 the " putting by " of the animal will sometimes throw her out of 

 her regular course. 



MANAGEMENT OP THE BITCH IN SEASON. 



When bitches are not intended to breed, they are carefully "put. 

 by," that is to say, they are secluded from the dog, and during 

 that time they are in great measure deprived of their usual 

 exercise. From this circumstance they are very apt to get out 

 of health, and some injury is thereby done to their offspring 

 as well as themselves. At this time they ought, from their 

 general feverishness, as well as from their deprivation of exer- 

 cise, to be kept rather lower than usual, and very little meat 

 should be given. Slops and vegetables, mixed with biscuit or 

 oatmeal, form the most suitable diet ; but, if the bitch has been 

 accustomed to a great deal of flesh, it will not do to deprive 

 her of it altogether. Bearing in mind then this caution, it is 

 only necessary to remember that she must be lowered in con- 

 dition, but not so starved as to do harm by the sudden change. 

 After the end of the period, a little cooling medicine will often 

 be required, consisting of a dose of oil or salts. (See Aperients.) 



MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN WHELP. 



When it is clearly ascertained that the bitch is in whelp, the 

 exercise should be increased and carried on freely till the sixth 

 week, after which it should be daily given, but with care to 

 avoid strains either in galloping or jumping. A valuable bitch 

 is often led during the last week, but somehow or other she 

 ought to have walking exercise to the last, by which in great 



