Beagles and Beagling 
116 
two inches above the platform securely nailed along* 
the edge, extending down to the floor so that the 
young cannot roll underneath ; and a heap of straw 
on the platform is about as nearly as one can come 
to nature, and generally proves satisfactory and 
warm enough except in very cold weather. Natur¬ 
ally in winter time, the prospective mother should 
be in a place where artificial heat may be provided, 
if necessary; for the temperature in the whelping 
room should never be under sixtv-five degrees 
Fahrenheit. In winter, if there is no other way of 
providing a warm room in the kennel, a temporary 
place in the basement is advisable; or, this not being 
practicable, a corner in the kitchen should be utilized. 
During the time of parturition, she should not be 
molested. All this well meant attention is unneces¬ 
sary and oftentimes is obnoxious to the mother. 
The one who has been taking care of her may look 
in occasionally, say a few words to her, pat her 
on the head or offer her a drink of water and then 
leave her, if all is going well. In case of complica¬ 
tions it is time enough to interfere, and then on 
such occasions it is well to have the services of an 
expert; but normally, these contingencies are rare. 
If the period of parturition extends over many hours 
it might be well to take the puppies away as they 
are born; put them in a flannel-lined basket and 
coyer them with a flannel blanket, and keep them 
in a warm place until the mother has completed 
her labors. The puppies, however, should be left 
with her after thev are born until the mother gives 
them her attention ; for she will clean them and dry 
