Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/843

 8i5 PETS excel. It is, therefore, most important to specially prepare white Persians for exhibi- tion. AH our best cat shows take place in the late autumn or during the winter months, and therefore it is extremely risky to wash long-haired cats, also such treatment tends to coarsen the soft silkiness of their coats. A process of dry cleaning is, 'therefore, advisable, and one of the dry shampoo preparations now so much used for the purpose is more satisfactory and suitable. The powder, which is quite harmless, is rubbed into the coat and brushed out briskly. This process cleanses the long fur beautifully. Exhibitors who accompany their white cats to shows should be careful to ascertain that the pens are perfectly clean, otherwise a grievous disappointment may await them, when they find their spotless puss a dirty grey, and no award cards on the pen that has damaged their beauty. Popularity of the Breed There have been more white Persians imported into this country than any other breed. The most perfect type of a white long-haired cat is assuredly to be found amongst these. There is a certain beauty of form and gilkiness of fur which is not frequently possessed by the specimens bred in this country. Imported whiles aie dis- tinguished by unusually long coats, round heads, tiny ears, and wonderful toe tufts. Such a perfect type was to be found in " Nourmahal," which was owned and ex- hibited by Lady Marcus Bcresford in 1900. At the present time, we have some enthu- siastic breeders of white Persians, and each year the entries in the white classes increa.se in number. In the north of England, and especially in Scotland, some of our best specimens are to be seen. The Black and White Club The Hon. Mrs. Clive Bchrens possesses a marvel of beauty in Swinton Day Dream, a cat that has frequently carried all before her at our largest shows. Lady Decies has a splendid team of whites, and is particularly partial to this fascinating breed. At recent shows. Master Currie, a youthful fancier, has been doing most of the winning with his lovely white cats and kittens, always exhibited in the pink of condition. In America, white Persians are prime favourites, and many fine cats have been exported to breeders over the water. One of the latest specialist societies to be formed is the Black and White Club, which interests itself in both long and short-haired cats of these two handsome varieties. THE CARE OF THE FUPFY By E. D. FARRAR Care of the Mother-dog— The Housing and Feeding of Puppies — How to Groom a Puppy— Points to Observe in Training Puppies nro secure a healthy puppy, it is well to ^ begin, if possible, a little before the beginning. That is, to ensure that the dam is well-fed, properly exercised, and provided with a warm and quiet place for her puppies. This point of warmth is one that cannot be over-estimated. Sometimes a winter litter proves more successful than a spring or summer one, merely because the owner has to provide due warmth for the pups. So, with all breeds of pups, see that mother and family are warmly housed, in the case of toys and house dogs in a room, and if, as with larger breeds, outside, then in a place absolutely draught-proof and with as much warmth as is possible, 80° the first two days and 60° after that being about the right temperature. Early Care For the first five or six Veeks the mother will feed the pups, but it is well to teach them to lap as soon as possible, usually about the third week. Of course, all this time the mother must be well fed, given gentle exercise, and carefully groomed, and her puppies kept clean and dry, for dirty pups are not only unpleasant, but, as a rule, unhealthy and sickly. It is useless and unfair to leave this matter to servants ; the owner should attend to it personally. If, as is best, a covered puppy-run is used, the sawdust should be constantly changed. And at a month or six weeks it is well to groom gently once a day. If dew claws are to be removed, the operation should be done before weaning. Docking must be done before the first week is over. How to Feed a Puppy The period of weaning puppies varies ; some mothers will feed their pups up to six weeks old, but it is well to accustom them to lap for themselves as above stated. The milk of the mother is best replaced by goat's milk, but if that is unobtainable, then either absolutely pure cow's milk, with three tablespoonfuls of crerm and IJ oz. of one of the preparations of dried milk now on the market, in the proportions given in the directions. In any case, do not stint a puppy's food, even under the mistaken idea of keeping it small. You may get an undersized dog later, but you will get rickets into the bargain, together with miserable bone and a poor coat. Of course, a puppy should not be overfed, but by taking away at once all that is not eaten, and being regular in the time of feeding, an average pup will eat sufficient and not more, as a rule. At about five or six weeks — this is most important — the milk diet must be supple- mented by a little meat. Personally, I feed with scraped raw beef, a tablespoonful