328 MODERN TRAINING 



circumstanced. Also some roads very properly refuse to 

 carry dogs which are not in crates. All these matters are 

 very simple, apparently, but they assume a great importance 

 five minutes before train time in a strange city. 



A good, cheap crate is herewith described. It is light, 

 strong and durable. The dimensions are as follows: 

 Height, 26 inches; width, 25 inches; length, 30 inches. 

 The frame should be of ash, i^xi^ inches. Pine slats, 

 2x^8 inches. The bottom strip should be 6 inches wide to 

 keep the dog's feet or tail from slipping out, and also to 

 retain the bedding. The bottom should be of ^ inch pine 

 boards. Brace diagonally across the top to give the neces- 

 sary stiffness. Light wrought nails or screws are the best 

 for fastening. A door in the end, with a hasp, staple and 

 hinges, is necessary. A small box, opening on the top, and 

 made a part of the crate, is convenient for carrying food, 

 chain, etc. A light crate is easier to handle, is more pleas- 

 ing to the eye and is a direct saving of money when dogs 

 are sent by express, double first class rates being the. ex- 

 pressage on dogs. Painting protects the crate from becom- 

 ing water logged by heavy rains, and also is desirable on 

 the score of neatness. A case, made of oilcloth or other 

 waterproof material, can be made to nicely fit the top and 

 sides. This will be of frequent use in traveling as when 

 driving from place to place on stormy days, or in changing 

 cars where there is a wait of several hours and the weather 

 is rainy or cold. If, on arriving at a strange place where 

 there is no shelter for dogs, the crate, thus protected, is im- 

 pervious to rain or wind, and is a very good kennel for the 

 time being. With respect to protection from idlers whose 

 curiosity is so obtrusive as to be irritating impertinence, and 

 is a source of constant annoyance, a crate having slats is 

 inferior to one having a solid top and sides, with narrow 

 slots closely grated, although the latter is not so comfortable 



