454 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



THE KENNEL. 



Where a pack of hounds is extensive, it is absolutely 

 necessary to have a kennel for them ; they thrive no 

 where else, and are rendered unfit for field sports, if 

 allowed to run loosp and take shelter when they please 

 in out-houses or stables. 



The situation of the kennel should be at a convenient 

 distance from the master's house, so that he can either 

 see the necessary operations performed from his room 

 window, or walk thither without inconvenience at an 

 early hour. There is an old adage, " that the master's 

 eye makes the horse fat ;" and it is even so with the 

 kennel, where cleanliness is equally as essential as 

 food. 



Dogs are usually very clean animals, therefore it is 

 absolutely necessary that the kennel should be regu- 

 larly cleansed, to preserve the health and strength of 

 the hounds. Fresh strav/ should be frequently ad- 

 ministered ; for mange is a disease to which dogs are 

 very subject, to which nothing so soon contributes as 

 poverty and filth conjoined. They, however, if well 

 taken care of, seldom stale or dung where thev must 

 lie. 



The situation of the kennel is thus described by 

 Somerville : — 



" 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." 



The plan adopted by Mr. Beckford for the service 

 of the hounds, is this : — 



"' Two kennels are absolutely necessary to the well- 



