210 REAPJXG. 



otherwise keep it damp. Puppies soon learn to lie on this, and 

 avoid the cold stones or bricks, excejDt in the heats of summer, 

 when these do no harm. The stone or brick floor should be so 

 made as to avoid absorption of the urine, &c., which can only bo 

 efiected by employing glazed tiles or bricks that are not porous, 

 or by covei'ing the wJiole uitli a layer of London or Portland 

 cement, or with asphalte, which answers nearly as well. Care 

 should be taken that there are no interstices between the boards, 

 if the kennel is made of them ; and in every way, while ven- 

 tilation is provided, cold draughts must be prevented. Clean- 

 liness must also be attended to rigidl}^ by sweeping out the floor 

 daily, and washing it down at short intervals, and by changing 

 the litter once a week at the least. In the summer time, straw 

 is not desirable, as it harbours fleas ; and, if the boarded floor 

 is not considered sufficient, a thick layer of deal sawdust will be 

 the best material, as it is soft enough, without harbouring ver- 

 min of any kind ; the only objection to it being that the puppies 

 are apt to wet it often, after which it becomes ofiensive. 



FEEDING. 



The feeding of puppies is all important, and, unless they have 

 plenty of food sufficiently nourishing to allow of a proper growth, 

 it is impossible that they should become what they might be if fed 

 with the best materials for the purpose. From the time of weaning 



