92 SITES FOR KENNELS 



Exceptions there are to nearly every general rule, and 

 so in this case it may be objected that this Hberty of 

 action cannot be accorded to brood bitches in every 

 locality, of which I am aware, from the extraordinary 

 situations in which we find some kennels placed, close 

 to villages, railway stations, or in the vicinity of large 

 game preserves — Quot homines tot senientice ; and the 

 sites of many kennels are whimsical in the extreme, 

 reflecting little credit on the good sense or good taste of 

 their projector. A friend of mine, when he commenced 

 keeping fox-hounds, although possessing very good 

 kennels in a quiet, retired situation, would persist in 

 having them removed and placed close to his lodge gate, 

 near a turnpike road, by which the old hounds were 

 continually disturbed day and night ; and the young 

 hounds, when returned from their walks to the green- 

 yard, were kept during their play hours in a state of 

 incessant excitement and barking by passing objects and 

 noises ; and when entered there could be little cause for 

 surprise at their being found rather free with their tongues. 

 If there is a site more desirable than another for a kennel 

 of fox-hounds, it is that of the greatest retirement, and 

 secluded from the busy haunts of men — the most solitary 

 spot that can be selected — 



Far in a wilderness obscure 

 The lonely kennel lay. 



But to take things as we find them, if the brood bitches 

 are not permitted to roam at large, they may be walked 

 out by the feeder or huntsman for air and exercise two 

 or three hours a day. As oysters are in season only 

 whilst there is an *' r " in the month, so it is my impression 

 that whelps bom in February, March, and April are much 

 more vigorous than those of later date ; in fact, my 



