On this subject Blaine observes, that in some cases it takes place at the first connection, at others not until the second, third, or fourth, and states that in one instance he had decided proofs that impregnation did not ensue until the seventh warding, and he recommended, to ensure prolific intercourse, that the dogs should be left together for some days, adding that this course is specially likely to be necessary in the case of delicate and pampered animals.

I think it may be stated as the general practice of those who place their stud dogs for hire at the service of the public to allow two visits at an interval of a day or two. It is also a common occurrence that the animals are perfect strangers to each other, and are never together except during the necessary time.

Probably these facts, taken together, supply a sounder reason in accounting for the large percentage of disappointments owners of brood bitches meet with than, as is done, by loosely referring to the season as the cause. I confess I do not know how the phrase and the belief it expresses "This has been a bad breeding season," originated, but it is very common, and appears to me' to be baseless if it implies that the meteorological conditions of the seasons influence impregnation and the prolificacy of the bitch.

As opposed to such an opinion, in support of which I have never heard a reason advanced, I am rather disposed to credit these frequent disappointments to ignoring, or at least not fully complying with, the laws and conditions under which nature has ordained that reproduction in the-dog shall take place. That one or two visits only should in all cases be held as sufficient, seems to be contradicted by facts however convenient it may be to owners of stud-dogs, who, of course, have an eye to fees, and natually wish to utilise to the fullest the fee earner.

Again, we must remember that not only are the organs more directly concerned in generation in a highly susceptible state, but the entire system is affected, and during heat the bitch is subject to deeper and more lasting impressions than at any other time. All breeders of experience know that bitches at that time take strong fancies. I had, some years ago, a Dandie Dinmont that became enamoured with a deerhound, and positively would not submit to be served by a dog of her own breed. There are on record reliable instances where the mental impression made on the bitch by a dog that has not had access to her, has been clearly seen in one or more of her litter, sired by a totally different breed of dog. Taking these facts into consideration, I think the common practice of permitting merely flying visits of the shortest possible duration more likely to account for the disappointments alluded to, than the peculiarity of the season to which they are so often referred, and advise that the animals should be kept together for some reasonable time, which is assuredly what takes place when the dogs are left to themselves.