Bitches come in season on an average of twice a year, about every five to seven months, and the question is often asked whether it is advisable to breed a bitch during the first period of oestrum. The answer depends much upon the breed and state of maturity. As a general thing, it is not well for a young bitch, which can not be fully developed at the age of ten months, to undergo the strain on vitality, which maternity causes. Some terriers mature quickly, but the large breeds should certainly not be bred until at least eighteen months old, and in any case it is wise to allow the first period to pass.

Another question asked, is whether a bitch should be bred at every period, or rather, whether it is wise to do so. This depends a good deal upon the vigor of the bitch, but unless a bitch be looked upon as a mere machine to produce puppies for the benefit of the owner's pocket, it is well to allow the bitch to be served every other period. When a bitch is bred twice a year and has a litter each time, the strain upon her vitality must be very great, and unless the mother is more than ordinarily vigorous, later litters will show a corresponding weakness.

A bitch first shows signs of coming in season by bleeding. Now, if you are watching for her and take note of the clay the bleeding begins, then one method to determine when she is ready to take the dog is to count from this day, and from the tenth to twelfth day she is ready for the dog. This rule does not always work, however, for I've had bitches that were ready and willing to be served even in the sixth day and yet others would not take the dog till the fifteenth day. Quite a good plan is to take her out for a walk on chain when you think she is about ripe, and let her meet the first dog she sees, or, if you have a dog on your place, allow her near this dog for a minute, and if she would accept this dog, then you can be certain that she Is ready to be bred and take her to the dog you have selected. If you try this plan, be careful or else she might fool you and get served by this dog she had met. Dogs are quick workers.

After a visit to the dog, the mother will carry her progeny about 63 or 64 days, as a rule, but they sometimes whelp a few days sooner or later, and you need not be alarmed unless they go by from five days to a week, when very likely trouble is in store and assistance to be given, or better yet, call in a good veterinarian. I have had bitches whelp a week ahead of time; such cases are rare, however, and have raised the pups by extra attention given for a few days as to often putting the pups to the teats to nurse if they did not get there themselves. We can no reckon the time exactly. Much depend's upon the health and strength, and even mental idiosyncrasy.

The best time for the visit is early spring, as the puppies have then all the long summer before them to romp and get strong in.

At the time of mating, particularly, exercise should be well regulated, and must be insisted on. Whilst at this period exercise is essential, exhaustive work would be detrimental. The amount of exercise should depend on the individual, a gross and lusty bitch needs plenty of freedom, while one the reverse would need less exercise, in proportion to her physical strength.

For a couple weeks before bitch is due to whelp, she must have a daily walk up to within a day or so of the time due, but this must be gentle as she is very heavy.

To have a good litter of puppies, a bitch must not only possess blood free from all taint of disease, but she must be strong and in good condition about the time of oestrum, or heat.

If you have in any way neglected her, or if, through circumstances over which you have probably had no control, she has fallen off a bit, begin to get her in form three months before the time of her coming on. It will pay you to do so.

The following as to giving the bitch some medicine to open her bowels I found in Field and Fancy, but who written by I do not know:

"Some there are who deem it wrong to give a mild cathartic immediately before the time of whelping. A violent purge is certainly to be deprecated, but it is the firm opinion of the writer that the bitch is materially helped and benefited by a little opening medicine. At any rate, that course is invariably followed by the most successful accouchers among women, and it must be obvious to the merest novice that when the system is greatly upset, or about to undergo a severe ordeal, the condition of the stomach and bowels is of the highest importance. A moderate dose of castor oil, say a dessertspoonful for a 30-lb. dog, or even some sweet olive oil, will do all that is required without inducing excessive straining. Such has been my custom for a good many years, and events have proved its value."

My plan is to watch the passages of bitch just before she whelps, and if she is constipated, to then give her a mild close of castor and olive oil.

I believe when a bitch is just ready, that one service is sufficient, and rarely ever allow my own to be served but once, but to -make assurance doubly sure, a second service after an interval of twenty-four hours, would be advisable. If you are sending her away to some kennel to be bred, ship her not later than the eighth day.

It would be as well if you could go with your favorite instead of sending her, but most, if not all, good breeders are not only gentlemen, but lovers of dogs and will take the greatest care of the bitch.

The length of time of a bitch being in season is from fifteen to twenty clays as a rule, but there are exceptions to this. If a bitch is served late in season, the service generally prolongs the season or period in which she would willingly accept the dog. A very fat bitch should never be bred, as in so doing you are liable to lose not only the pups, but the bitch herself. After the mating, the bitch should be kept secluded (no food or water having been given her directly before), nor any food for six hours after.