miles of Boston, one bitch at each place, and pays the farmer (who is only too glad to have this source of income at the outlay of so little trouble and expense) one hundred dollars for each litter of pups the bitch has, the farmer to deliver the pups when required, usually when three months old.  The farmer brings in the bitch to be bred, and the owner has no further trouble.  The pups, when delivered, are usually in the pink of condition and are, in a great measure, house broken, and their manners to a certain extent cultivated.  He has no trouble whatever with pups when ordered, as he simply sends the address of customers and the farmer ships them.  This, to me, is a very uninteresting and somewhat mercenary way of doing business, as one misses all the charm of breeding and the bringing up of the little tots, to many of us the most delightful part of the business.  To those breeders who have newly started in, do not get discouraged if success does not immediately crown your efforts; remember, if Boston terriers could be raised as easily as other dogs, the prices would immediately drop to the others’ level.

[Illustration:  Goode’s Buster]

[Illustration:  Champion Whisper]

[Illustration:  Champion Druid Vixen]

[Illustration:  Champion Remlik Bonnie]

CHAPTER IX.

BREEDING FOR COLOR AND MARKINGS.

Every one who has a Boston terrier for sale knows that a handsome seal or mahogany brindle with correct markings, with plenty of luster in the coat, provided all other things are equal, sells more readily at a far higher price than any other.  When one considers the number of points given in the standard for this particular feature, and the very important factor it occupies in the sale of the dog, too much attention cannot be given by breeders for the attainment of this desideratum.  I am, of course, thoroughly in sympathy with the absolute justice that should always prevail in the show ring in the consideration of the place color and markings occupy in scoring a candidate for awards.  Twelve points are allowed in the standard for these, and any dog, I care not whether it be “black, white, gray, or grizzled,” that scored thirteen points over the most perfectly marked dog, should be awarded the prize.  But be it ever remembered that the show ring and the selling of a dog are two separate and distinct propositions.  In the writer’s opinion and experience a wide gulf opens up between a perfect white or black dog comporting absolutely to the standard, and one of desirable color and markings that is off a number of points.  I have always found a white, black, mouse, or liver colored dog, I care not how good in every other respect, almost impossible to get rid of at any decent price.  People simply would not take them.  Perhaps my experience has run counter to others.  I trust it may have done so, but candor compels me to make this statement.