THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG 65 



steadily increasing appetites being catered for by the simple 

 exercise of commonsense. Feed them little and often, about 

 five times a day, and encourage them to move about as much 

 as possible ; and see that they never go hungry, without allow- 

 ing them to gorge. Let them play until they tire, and sleep 

 until they hunger again, and they will be found to thrive and 

 grow with surprising rapidity. At six weeks old they can fend 

 for themselves, and shortly afterwards additions may be made 

 to their diet in the shape of paunches, carefully cleaned and 

 cooked, and Spratt's Puppy Rodnim. A plentiful supply of 

 fresh milk is still essential. Gradually the number of their 

 meals may be decreased, first to four a day, and later on to 

 three, until at six months old they verge on adolescence, and 

 may be placed upon the rations of the adult dog, two meals a 

 day. 



Meanwhile, the more fresh air and sunshine, exercise, and 

 freedom they receive, the better will they prosper, but care 

 must be taken that they are never allowed to get wet. Their 

 sleeping-place especially must be thoroughly dry, well venti- 

 lated, and scrupulously clean. 



As to the adult dog, his needs are three : he must be well fed, 

 well housed, and well exercised. Two meals a day suffice him, 

 but he likes variety, and the more his fare can be diversified 

 the better will he do justice to it. Biscuits, Rodnim, Flako, 

 meat, vegetables, paunches, and sheep's heads, with an occa- 

 sional big bone to gnaw, provide unlimited change, and the 

 particular tastes of individuals should be learned and catered 

 for. 



As to the bob-tail's kennel, there is no need whatever for a 

 high-priced fancy structure. Any weatherproof building will 

 do, provided it be well ventilated and free from draughts. In 

 very cold weather a bed of clean wheat straw is desirable, in 

 summer the bare boards are best. In all weathers cleanliness 

 is an absolute essential, and a liberal supply of fresh water 

 should be always available. 



Grooming is an important detail in a breed whose pictur- 



