convey no
meaning; nevertheless, I cannot be more clear. I have, however, in a
communication to the _Veterinarian_, entered into this matter; and I here
extract from that journal part of a paper published in the number for
January, 1849:--

"With regard to the bitch, I always let the animal stand
upon her legs, simply having an assistant to hold the head
and engage the attention of the creature. The meatus lies
about half an inch or two inches within the pelvis, the
distance varying with the size of the dog. The line of the
urethra is rather forward than downward, though, of course,
in both directions. After having once or twice passed the
instrument, it is surprising how very readily this
conjectured impossibility is performed. I think so little of
the difficulties, that I have no inclination to dilate upon
the few precautions which are required to remove them. I
may, however, here state, that, when grasping the penis of
the dog, a handkerchief or a portion of tow will be required
to render the hold secure; and the wire should, before the
catheter is introduced, be withdrawn, while it ought to be
moistened with olive oil to facilitate its passage, as the
canal is not unfrequently devoid of mucus."

When the pup is partly born, and its passage appears to be delayed, either
through the feebleness of the throes or some mechanical impediment,
assistance should be afforded. The restlessness of the bitch will,
perhaps, be the most proper indication; and it is the more necessary to be
cautious in our interference, as, on account of the size of the animal,
the aid we can afford is limited. When a paw is to be seen, this may be
laid hold of; but not without the fingers being covered; for, as the limb
is slippery, the force intended to secure it would hardly render the grasp
confirmed, and might crush the member. The osseous structure in the pup at
birth, as I have already stated, is not consolidated; and all other
components of the body are in a condition proportionally immatured. The
tiny being, when first brought into the world, is little better than a
living mass of pulp; and on that account, it must be gently handled. Far
less violence than might be supposed requisite to do so, will dismember
it; and no vast force is needed to pull even the head from the trunk.
Aware of this, the efforts intended for the delivery must be regulated by
the power of the sub