SITE FOR A KE^^NEL. 115 



in constructing a kennel is to select an eligible site ; the 

 soil should be dry and the situation oj^en and airy. 

 Somerville says on this subject — 



" Upon some little eminence erect, 

 And fronting to the ruddy da-\vn ; its courts 

 On either hand wide opening to receive 

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

 And gilds the momitain tops." 



This is excellent instruction for the site of a kennel ; 

 but as it is to be placed on an eminence, there would be 

 great difficulty in procuring a small stream of water to 

 run through its courtyard or playground of the dogvS, 

 which is certainly very desirable, more especially during 

 the summer months. A kennel for four or five brace of 

 dogs, should be of the following dimensions, the dormi- 

 tory or place where they are to sleep, should be in length 

 about sixteen feet and ten feet in breadth, and, of 

 height to allow a person to go in and out without 

 stooping; the roof should be sloping, — a thatch one 

 is certainly the warmest, but it is apt to harbour the rats 

 and fidget the dogs ; a wide bench should be placed for 

 the dogs to sleep on, which in the winter should be Avell 

 provided with straw; in the front I would have two 

 folding doors, which in very cold weather should be 

 kept shut, and an opening made in one of them suffi- 

 ciently large for a good sized pointer to go in and out ; 

 the floor should be bricked, and a small door made in 

 the back part ; a small window should be made on one 

 side the kennel to open and shut ; the courtyard or 

 playground should be rather spacious, about twenty feet 

 from the doors of the kennel. It shoidd be bricked, and 

 if possible have a small stream of water running through 

 it. On one side of this courtyard there should be a large 



