Selection and Breeding 
103 
that are likely to undermine the vitality and normal 
constitution of the dam, for she needs all her forces 
for the maintenance of the unborn young. There 
are numerous vermifuges on the market that are 
safe and sure, which may be used for the purpose. 
Personally, I always preferred to give this treat¬ 
ment just before the matron is bred, rather than 
after she is once in whelp, although no material 
harm is likely to be done if treatment is given during 
the early weeks of pregnancy. 
Furthermore, the surroundings should be con¬ 
genial. She should have a good kennel, either out 
doors or in a barn, where her bed is clean and dry 
at all times, and she must have an exercising yard 
to which she should have unobstructed access at 
all times during the day and night. 
The first period of oestrum or season may appear 
at any time between the ages of seven and fifteen 
months, but the average is between nine and twelve 
months. Some breeders of beagles mate their young 
bitches at the first season and obtain good results 
in the way of strong, healthy litters, but the most 
logical period to breed is after the bitch is well 
matured, and this is not generally the case at the 
first season ; consequently, it is as well to pass this 
first period of oestrum and wait for the second. 
The bitch will not only be better fitted physically, 
but being older, it may be assumed that she has 
more experience afield and is therefore well on the 
way toward being a broken field performer. As 
stated in the earlier part of this chapter, I am a 
believer in breeding from broken stock. At eighteen 
to twenty months old the bitch has had a full 
