302 KENNEL SECRETS. 



While a picket fence constructed as described is suita- 

 ble for most dogs, there are a few notorious burrowers and 

 o-nawers — working terriers and dachshunds, for instance, 



which can only be held by a " close-board " fence having 



a foundation of large stones to a depth of two feet. And 

 this fact suggests the advisability of all making themselves 

 familiar with the peculiarities of the dogs which they are 

 purchasing before they undertake to build quarters for 

 them. 



The ground within every dog yard ought to be sloping, 

 that rapid drainage may occur after rain falls. And it 

 should be given a hard surface as advised for puppy yards. 

 But the subject of expense is one that must be considered 

 by many readers, therefore it becomes necessary to advise 

 how the ground should be treated when it is impossible to 

 cover it with flags, cement or other concrete. 



If the soil is rich or the subsoil of clay, and in fact if it 

 is other than sandy or gravelly, the surface must inevita- 

 bly be very soft and muddy during many days of the year 

 unless there is good drainage. The easiest and least 

 expensive means to this end, and one very nearly as effec- 

 tive as any in ground like this, is known as the blind-drain. 

 And a sufficient number of these drains having been laid, 

 the surface of the entire yard should be covered to the 

 depth of three or four inches with sand, coal-dust or ashes, 

 by which means it will be made comparatively dry ; and 

 that it should be so is of the highest importance, for 

 dampness has a most destructive influence on dogs, and 

 especially those that are under restraint — in fact there is 

 scarcely a more potent cause of disease. 



In all yards there should be a comfortably large bench 

 for the dogs to lie upon, and this can properly have a roof 

 over it at all times, also back and sides in cold weather, 

 during which it should stand in the most sunny place, 



