The results of this experiment are highly interesting and instructive, showing clearly as they do that the nursing mother sends out to her young, in her milk, a part of her store of lime, which is absolutely essential to their welfare. They show, also, that if proper food is denied her when in whelp and while nursing, not only her puppies but she as well must suffer greatly in consequence. And in the light of these facts is uncovered one of the most potential causes of rickets so common among large breeds.

It may therefore be accepted that bitches in pup must have goodly quantities of meat; moreover, that while cooking may be the rule if the broth is utilized, it is a wise plan to give this food occasionally in the raw state.

In advising this the writer is fully alive to the fact that he is running counter to a strong prejudice that exists among no small number of breeders, who maintain that raw meat will cause a loss of the puppies. Such theory, however, is opposed to reason; furthermore, experience long ago showed its absurdity. And another product of experience is, that to withhold raw meat entirely must greatly intensify the danger of a loss of the offspring through the puppy-eating habit.

No lengthy consideration of the relative proportions of meat and vegetable and starchy foods required by bitches in pup will be necessary here, for the laws by which they must be regulated are practically the same as those in force when young are not being carried. And although a larger proportion of that important animal food is demanded it cannot safely be allowed unless the conditions are right. Or, in other words, the increase must be attended by an increase, in corresponding degree, of the amount of exercise. And, manifestly, were the first requirement met and its associate neglected the blood of the bitches would become heated up and in consequence they would have skin eruptions from which they must suffer great annoyance, whereas at such trying times they should be not only healthy but undisturbed and restful. Moreover, did any such affections due to internal causes exist during the period of gestation they would be either transmitted directly to the offspring, or there would be created in them a predisposition or special liability to the same disorders.

The giving of bone-meal in the food has been advised by many writers to supply material for the bones of the puppies in utero and prevent the accident - softening and decay of the bony structure of the mother - noted by the German physician whose experiment has been described. This meal, however, is of doubtful value as a preventive, for it undergoes only slight solution in the intestinal canal, but to give the precipitated phosphate of lime - a product of bones - during the period in whelp is advisable, especially to large breeds, the offspring of which in these days are notoriously "deficient in bone" and singularly liable to suffer from rickets.

This agent, which is a white powder and odorless and tasteless, should be given once daily with the food during the first month of gestation, and twice daily from then on until the puppies have been weaned. The dose usually advisable for the largest varieties is an even teaspoonful, but this can safely and wisely be increased during the last month before whelping if the litter promises to be very large, in which event the demand upon the mother for bone material must be unusually great.

Some further modifications in the dietetic regimen will generally be necessary with her who is carrying young. If she has been habituated to one meal a day and that at night, shortly after mating the custom of feeding her in the morning should be commenced. The breakfasts, light at first, should be quite generous through the month preceding the whelping, and they can properly consist largely of milk thickened with bread or some of the other starches; and he is wise who frequently adds one or two raw eggs. During the last two or three weeks a moderate lunch, made up of milk, will be highly appropriate, nor will it be necessary to thicken it with other foods. But let it be borne in mind that the increase in the quantity of food and number of meals should be made cautiously lest over-feeding occur and the appetite be impaired.

If a mother is free from worms at the time of whelping her puppies will be much less likely to suffer from these pests during the earliest months of life; hence a mild vermifuge can wisely be given about the sixth week after mating. But this treatment should not be delayed until the last week before whelping, as some have advised, for obviously the straining induced by the cathartics which must follow them might bring on labor prematurely.

As for the vermifuge to be employed, areca nut is one of the safest and most efficient. And when those to be treated are to remain and whelp in their usual quarters they should be temporarily removed to others while the agent is acting.

Every expectant dam has a decided preference for the kennel which she has long occupied, and when expedient she should be allowed to remain in it. If, however, she is housed with other dogs, or for any reason beyond this a change is necessary, it should be made soon after the seventh week, that she may become thoroughly accustomed to her new surroundings. Were she left to follow her own tendencies, when the eventful time came she would naturally seek some retired nook or corner, out of sight and hearing of her kind and possibly of man as well a fact that should be given due weight in selecting her whelping quarters. But isolation must not be enforced thus early at the expense of contentment, and if she manifests signs of loneliness her kennel mate if she has one should continue with her and remain until she begins to busy herself about her bed.

If she cannot be permitted to run at large during the day, as has been urged, it is imperative that she be taken out frequently and given gentle exercise. And appreciating the dangers of physical strain, the careful owner will see to it that her enclosure is secure and she cannot possibly climb out of it; also, that one side at least is so constructed that she will be able to look out without being obliged to stand on her hind legs. He will, moreover, dispense with the sleeping-bench and lay her bed on a platform made of smooth boards, and raised about two inches from the floor.