The ripening and discharge of the egg from the ovary are attended by a peculiar state of the entire system known as the "rutting" condition, or oestruation. The congestion and increased activity of the ovaries, at each period of ovulation, act by sympathy upon the accessory generative organs, producing in them a certain degree of excitement and irritation.

In the bitch the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitals becomes red and swollen, the secretions, more abundant, are first tinged with blood and acquire a peculiar odor which attracts the dog and excites him to sexual impulse. The discharge deepens in color and finally becomes a bright red and of the appearance of clear blood.

The amount of swelling of the vulva varies: in some cases it is very perceptible, affecting the neighboring tissues. During the first week the swelling is hard and tense, then less resisting to the touch, softening as it were In the second week the discharge subsides somewhat, becomes lighter in color and finally colorless. Generally between the twelfth and fourteenth day the bitch will allow the approaches of the dog.

During a period of from four to seven days this disposition continues, and by her unusual excitement and manner she invites sexual concourse.

The local and general symptoms then disappear and she returns to her usual condition.

The duration of "oestruation" varies not only in different breeds but in members of the same class. Some prominent breeders have fixed rules and stated days in the "period" upon which mating is allowed. One breeder identified with Irish setters, chooses the fourteenth and sixteenth days, others admit the dog earlier and but few later than eighteenth. In exceptional cases a bitch will invite the approaches of the dog on the seventh and resist him after the tenth. At her next period she may not be "in condition" before the fourteenth day.

A perfect knowledge of their brood animals enables breeders to adopt individual standards. In the study of ovulation the fact is clearly apparent that no fixed rule can properly be adopted. It is to be remembered that nature incites the females of the lower order of animals to allow the approaches of the male just when the egg is recently discharged from the ovary and ready for impregnation. At other times, when sexual concourse is productive of no good effect, the instinct of the animal prompts her to avoid it.

While no fixed rule to govern breeders is admissible, in a general way it may be stated that the bitch should be secluded while the vulva is swollen, hard, sensitive to pressure, and the discharge is profuse and of a bright red color. As the swelling is reduced, the parts "soften" and the discharge subsides or becomes nearly colorless; then the dog should be admitted. The manner of the bitch will soon show whether the proper period has been reached. If she avoids him, bites as he approaches, or in standing presses her tail closely between her legs, then he should be at once removed. Less than five minutes is ordinarily sufficient to demonstrate whether or not she is "ready," and it would be injudicious for a longer time to annoy her, and cruelty to worry the dog. Each day the method can be repeated until voluntary intercourse occurs. Occca-sionally will be found a bitch which by her sexual excitement, carrying her tail to one side and other manifestations when the dog approaches, show she is in readiness for the congress, and yet will prevent its consummation by springing forward or otherwise withdrawing from contact.

In such a case, she must be securely held until the intercourse is completed. This step should not be delayed until the dog is exhausted by his efforts, but taken as soon as the need is apparent.

In large breeds, such as mastiffs, two will be necessary to hold her firmly, and strong men, not easily fatigued, will be needed. If the bitch is a stranger] and her disposition as to gentleness is doubted, it will be wise to muzzle her.

The straps about the nose must not be too tightly buckled; be merciful and show greater watchfulness. The muzzle will be but rarely needed, the noble brutes will seldom bite their owners or attendants, even when greatly excited.

To securely hold a large bitch, the assistant should grasp the collar firmly with the right hand, drop on the knee of the same side and his left knee project under the abdomen of the bitch, pressing slightly backwards against the hind legs. With the left hand he can lightly stroke her coat or move it gently and constantly about her head and neck, to reassure and convince her no harm is to follow. The other assistant should stand on the left "side of the bitch, his right knee meeting and pressing firmly against the projecting knee of the other, his left hand grasping the collar and his right her tail. In this position the dog can act without interference ; the bitch, no matter how large, can move but slightly, and above all she cannot lay down after sexual union is complete. The disposition on her part to throw herself on to the floor soon after the dog has firmly united, is an especially unfortunate one. He generally becomes angry, possibly unmanagable, and may bite her, as well as people about them. The method of holding her as advised obviates all danger of this misfortune. The union, when they are thus forced to endure concourse, usually remains unbroken for from forty to sixty minutes; from this fact the need of strong assistants can be readily appreciated.

While considering the conduct and welfare of the bitch the dog should not be ignored. His efforts if unsuccessful soon fatigue him and if continued, exhaust, for the time, his sexual vitality. He should be aided if the need of assistance is apparent. His purpose can be more easily accomplished if the hand partially closed, turned with the palm upward, is placed under the vulva, and with the little finger pressed against the parts beneath, the organ be slightly lifted and supported.

The method of procedure, thus plainly described, is in some instances essential and withal compassionate. Many of the most valuable among the large dogs have been rendered comparatively worthless for breeding purposes, by the unnecessary strain to which they have been subjected.

The number of visits the dog should make to insure success is a question in dispute. Doubtless one, at the correct time is sufficient; if repeated on the third day, the chances of failure are lessened.

To attempt in this work a treatise on sexual generation is beyond the purpose. The brief description of its mode of accomplishment, and the few practical hints imparted in a rambling manner, it is hoped will prove of interest and of some value. The subjects, pregnancy, parturition and nursing, are of great importance. Of them, in the near future, in another work," The Breeders' Vademecum," the writer of these pages promises himself the pleasure of discussing still further the habits and the needs of his friend the Dog.

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