136 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



have tried the experiment of adding to old houses, 

 on the score of economy, have generally found out 

 their mistake ; and it is far better, and cheaper also, 

 when various alterations are contemplated in decay- 

 ing edifices, to raze the whole at once to the ground 

 and construct a new one in its place, for which the 

 greater part of the old materials may be rendered 

 available. Our ancestors had particular fancies about 

 the sites for building houses, and we usually see 

 old manorial residences located in low, we may 

 add unhealthy, situations, although less exposed to 

 the inclemencies of the weather ; and it was one of 

 their maxims that people ought to walk some dis- 

 tance to see the view, rather than behold it from 

 the drawing-room windows — if view there were to 

 be seen. We, however, entertain different opinions, 

 believing there are very few situations under the 

 hill, unless in gravelly soil, either dry or healthy — 

 those especially surrounded by high trees, which 

 not only prevent a proper circulation of air, but 

 are productive of much damp during the autumnal 

 and winter months. 



Having gone through all the great kennels of 

 England, save one, and visited numerous others of 

 minor note, we are enabled, from actual observa- 

 tion of these various edifices, to form something 

 like a correct plan of their requirements on a mo- 

 derate scale. As to construction and conveniences, 

 the Belvoir kennel stands conspicuous above all 

 others ; but the expenses of erection must have 

 been very great, since nothing has been left 

 undone which ought to be done, and everything 



