PORTABLE BENCHES. g 



position that when it falls into the staple to close the door it is on a downward slant, as 

 shown in the cut at D. This will prevent it from coming unfastened easily. The above system 

 of fastening doors applies to all sorts of kennels with equal importance. 



Having arranged the front cf such kennel (as shown in Fig. 3) to his satisfaction, the 

 beginner has little more to do ; for when a wooden bench has been erected in one corner, 

 about eighteen inches from the ground, for the dog to sleep on, and the sides and back well 

 lime-washed, the quondam stall is quite ready for the reception of its canine lodger. The 

 lime-washing is most essential, if the dog's health and general comfort are to be considered ; 

 when properly done, it not only renders the kennel clean and tidy in appearance, but has the 

 effect of destroying the innumerable insects which are sure to infest the abode of every sort of 

 dog, unless very stringent measures are taken for their extermination. 



We much prefer such portable benches as that shown in Fig. 4, the back and one side of 

 the bench being carried up for a foot or more. This prevents the dogs from injuring their 

 coats against the whitened wall when turning round in their beds. The bench, being quite 



FIG. 4. PORTABLE BENCH. 



detached from the wall, is also far less likely to harbour vermin ; and finally, whenever 

 occasion requires, it can be taken into the open air and thoroughly scrubbed with some 

 disinfectant, which effectually disposes of any that may have gained a lodgment. Such benches 

 are also very handy for placing about wherever required. 



A gentle slope of the floor is highly desirable, as a drain-pipe can easily be run under the 

 ground in front of the kennels, by which the water is enabled to run off, thereby increasing the 

 salubrity of the establishment. In the case of thejarger varieties of dogs, this arrangement be- 

 comes almost a matter of necessity, and the trifling outlay it involves most amply repays a 

 breeder by the increased comfort it affords his pets, as well as by the effect it has upon the 

 appearance of his kennel. 



A good simple form of in-door kennel having been now described, attention may be drawn 

 to special out-door erections of a very similar character, which we have proved by experience 

 to be admirably adapted for those varieties which are of a hardy constitution, or even for those 

 of more delicate nature, when they are not required to be in first-class show condition. The 

 reason of the remark apropos of show condition will be understood by those who read the 

 chapter on showing dogs, so need not be gone into further here. Such a form of kennel 

 may be erected against a garden or any other wall, and consists of a series of compartments 

 which closely resemble the stalls of a stable, and possessing a front of wooden or iron railings, 

 as described in Fig. 3. We can vouch for the many good qualities of this kind of kennel, 

 having erected many for the accommodation of our own stock ; and the dogs always seemed 



