FEEDING OF DOGS. 19 



and tliis, in addition to its powers as an aperient, prevents its constant use in a kennel. Paunches 

 we do not attach much importance to as either strengthening or fattening food ; but though 

 the nourishment contained in them is small in comparison, they are liked by the dogs, and are 

 serviceable as a cooling diet if given now and then. In all cases they should be thoroughly 

 well washed and scalded before being given, as in many cases they contain parasites, which 

 must be destroyed lest they injure the dog's internal organs. 



From remarks which have gone before it will be seen that variety in diet is not a very 

 difficult matter, even in a large kennel, as we have biscuits in two forms, dry and soaked, and 

 meal boiled in soup as the staple, without reckoning the supply of horse-flesh which would 

 remain after some had been added to the other food-. Horses suitable for slaughtering can 

 usually be bought for from one pound to thirty shillings, and there is always something to 

 come back from the hide and bones after the dogs have done with the latter. If boiled as soon 

 as killed, the flesh will keep sweet for a long time ; but in large kennels it is wonderful how 

 soon it can be disposed of. 



It will be seen that more or less cooking is necessary. For one or two dogs a large 

 saucepan will suffice, which may be fitted over an atmospheric gas-burner, if the supply is 

 convenient. When more than this is required, very good iron boilers can be bought of most 

 ironmongers for a few shillings, and fixed in the corner of the shed or any outhouse, by which 

 the offensive smell of the cooking is kept away from the dwelling-house. Only in large 

 kennels will more than this be required : for them it will generally be found cheapest in the 

 end to have a regular boiler-house, or at least a couple of boilers regularly fixed, as in wash- 

 houses, which should for convenience be fitted with supply and draw-off taps. The boiler, of 

 any sort, should be placed so as to give most ready access to all parts of the establishment. 



Bones from which most of the meat is scraped should be frequently supplied, but care 

 must be taken to keep the dogs apart whilst they are gnawing them, or a fight will be the 

 consequence. Not only do bones amuse the dog for hours, but they benefit the teeth con- 

 siderably, and help to strengthen the jaws, Large bones are preferable, as small ones may 

 be bolted whole and stick in the throat. 



Having enumerated so many varieties of food which are all more or less wholesome, a 

 supposititious dietary table may not be out of place. We will assume that arrangements have 

 been made by which a certain supply of sheep's-heads and tripes can be obtained ; and that 

 biscuits or meal are on the premises. On Sunday, then, the bill of fare may be dry, crushed 

 biscuits, followed by some of the bones of the sheep's-heads. (If they are given at the same 

 time the biscuits will not be touched, and the dogs not have enough food.) On Monday and 

 Friday the liquor in which the heads were boiled may be given, mixed with meal, green 

 vegetables, and a little tripe. Tuesday and Thursday biscuit can be given dry ; whilst 

 Wednesday's dinner may be the meat of the heads, with a little dry biscuit ; and on Saturday 

 rice, stale bread, or pearl-barley, can be boiled up with paunch or liver. Such a scale as this 

 is of course only suitable for dogs that have a good amount of exercise, and where this is 

 not the case, the amount of animal food should be reduced with discretion ; the scheme 

 being only given as affording an idea of the method in which the many ingredients at 

 command may be turned to account in affording a varied diet. It is always useful to have 

 some sort of plan to go by, though some dogs will often require a particular regimen. 



Dogs that are " bad doers " require special treatment, and should be offered more tempting 

 diet in small quantities two or three times a day. If a large dish full of food is placed before a 

 dog who feeds badly, it is very apt to sicken him, and make him refuse to eat at all ; whereas a 



