THE MANAGEMENT OF DOGS IN HEALTH. 101 



at first, is economical in the end. A wooden floor, being 

 repeatedly wet with urine, soon gets saturated, foul, and 

 rotten, favoring the breeding of fleas, etc. 



Fresh pine sawdust, not too fine, spread on the floor to 

 the depth of tv/o inches, disinfects or deodorizes stools and 

 catches much of the urine, thus saving the floor and obviat- 

 ing the evils that would otherwise arise. But this can be 

 spread on a concrete floor also, and the latter can be fre- 

 quently washed over and will dry much sooner than a 

 wooden floor, especially if very warm water be used. 



Some prefer benches or raised platforms for the dogs to 

 lie on. For large dogs with long coats, that do not readi- 

 ly feel cold, they serve well enough ; but in most instances 

 a cheap packing box, never resting directly on the floor, 

 open only in front to allow of ingress and egress, and well 

 supplied with straw, answers a better purpose. They are 

 warm, and allow the dog the independence and privacy of 

 his own little room. If he wishes a partner, he can take 

 one ; if not, he can keep the intruder out, and in no case 

 should one dog be allowed to drive another out of his bed. 

 It does the character of both harm. Such movable boxes 

 can be readily cleaned and disinfected, or when hopelessly 

 infested with vermin, burned and replaced at slight ex- 

 pense. In summer, when it is excessively warm, the ken- 

 nel inmates often prefer to lie on top of the boxes, or 

 simply on the floor. 



Feeding. — This subject, being of such vast importance 

 and one in regard to which the greatest difference in the- 

 ory and practice obtains among breeders, deserves more 

 than passing notice, especially since errors in feeding are 

 responsible for a large proportion of canine ills. 



