THE KENNEL. 451 



sand ; if none of these are available, spruce cuttings may be sub- 

 stituted with advantage. An excellent plan is to have the bench 

 movable on rollers, that it may be trundled about freely, and even 

 run out doors. Let the bedding be shaken up and aired in the 

 sun each day, and at least once a week replaced by fresh material, 

 the benches and room having first undergone a thorough scrub- 

 bing. The yards also should be cleaned and raked frequently, 

 every attention being paid to neatness and cleanliness, as dogs 

 are liable to many diseases to which poverty and nastiness will 

 very much contribute. Turpentine or strong whitewash will be 

 found to aid in the prevention, or eradication of vermin. If the 

 floor be of wood, see that it is thoroughly wiped and dried after 

 cleaning, and before the dogs are allowed to enter the house, as 

 damp is prejudicial to canine health. 



House your dogs every night, but turn them out on going to 

 feed them in the morning. At such times a litde attention to their 

 coats will not be amiss, such as combing and brushing ; when the 

 hide is very greasy, a little chalk rubbed in before brushing is ad- 

 vantageous. Water should be supplied in abundance, that the 

 animals may drink when thirsty. If a pure stream be led through 

 the yard, all the better ; but if this be impossible, supply them 

 freely with queensware drinking pans, which must be kept in the 

 shade, and emptied and replenished twice each day, being thor- 

 oughly washed at each alternate refilling. If a piece of roll brim- 

 stone is kept in the water pan, it will aid materially in keeping the 

 dogs in condition. Iron dishes, even when porcelain lined, are nol 

 to be used, the metal itself oxidizing, and its porcelain lining 

 containing lead and arsenic in dangerous quantities. 



If but one animal is possessed, a small dog house will suffice ; 

 but let the roof be not only water tight, but see that it projects 

 sufficiently beyond the ends and sides to protect them from the 

 driving rain. The top may be made movable for convenience in 

 shaking up the bedding, and sunning and airing the interior. The 

 house should moreover be raised sufficiently to avoid the damp- 

 ness of the ground underneath, and provided with a door hung 

 from above in such a manner as to easily swing in or out. Avoid 

 the general fault of too small a kennel, many of them not allowing 

 sufficiei t room for the occupant to turn round comfortably, and 



