550 MODERN FARRIER. 



51. The Kennel. 



On this subject we think it best to give the direc- 

 tions and remarks of that skilful sportsman, Mr. 

 Beckford. 



'Cleanliness,' says he, *is not only absolutely ne- 

 cessary to the nose of the hound, but also to the 

 preservation of his health. Dogs are naturally clean 

 animals ; they seldom, vi^hen they can help it, dung 

 where they lie ; air and fresh straw are necessary to 

 keep them healthy. They are subject to the mange; 

 a disorder to which poverty and nastiness do very 

 much contribute. This, though easily stopped at 

 its first appearance, if suffered to continue long, 

 greatly lessens the power of the animal ; and the 

 remedies which must then be used, being in them- 

 selves violent, often injure his constitution ; it had 

 better be prevented. Let the kennel, therefore, be 

 your particular care. 



" Upon some little eminence erect, 



And fronting to the ruddy dawn ; its courts 



On either hand wide op'ning, to receive 



The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines, 



And gilds the mountain tops." 



* Such, as Somerville directs, may be the situation; 

 its size must be suited to the number of its inhabit- 

 ants : the architecture of it may be conformable to 

 your own taste.' 



After pointing out the necessity of the master 

 overlooking the kennel, he proceeds. *Two ken- 

 nels are absolutely necessary to the well-being of 

 the hounds : when there is but one, it is seldom 

 sweet ; and when cleaned out, the hounds, particu- 

 larly in winter, suffer both whilst it is cleaning, and 

 as long as it remains wet afterwards. To be more 

 clearly understood, I shall call one of these the hiinf- 

 ing-kennel, by which I mean that kennel into which 



