36 The Dog Book 



paper. Do not think any less of your watch-dog than did those old Iranians 

 of whom you may have read in the chapter on the ancient history of the dog. 



Kennel Dogs 



When it comes to the kennelling of a small lot of dogs or the going into 

 the business of exhibiting dogs on a large scale, we enter into a very different 

 phase of the subject, calling for more or less outlay and systematic care, 

 according to the number handled. Still, we have as the paramount features 

 the three essentials — cleanliness, food, and comfort. We place them in that 

 order, because when a number of dogs are kept together, cleanliness is the 

 most important of all, and every effort must be put forth to keep the dogs 

 clear of disease and infection. Food is a close second to cleanliness, as per- 

 haps three-fourths of what is called mange is the result of stomachic trou- 

 bles caused by injudicious feeding. The skin is in a measure a thermometer, 

 telling us that there is excessive heat inside, and it will not get into a normal 

 condition until the inside heat is reduced. Thirdly comes the comfort and 

 extra appearance of the kennels. 



Can we do better than introduce the subject with the poet Somerville's 

 instructions ? They are as follows : 



"First let the kennel be the huntsman's care, 



Upon some little eminence erect, 

 And fronting to the ruddy dawn; its courts 



On either hand wide opening to receive 

 The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines, 



And gilds the mountain tops. For much the pack 

 Roused from their dark alcoves delight to stretch 



And bask in his invigorating ray. 



"Let no Corinthian pillars prop the dome, 

 A vain expense, on charitable deeds 

 Better disposed — For use not state; 



Gracefully plain let each apartment rise. 

 O'er all let cleanliness preside, no scraps 



Bestrew the pavement, and no half-picked bones. 



"Water and shade no less demand thy care; 



In a large field the adjacent field enclose 

 There plant in equal ranks the spreading elm, 



Or fragrant lime; most happy thy design 

 If at the bottom of thy spacious court, 



A large canal fed by the crystal brook, 

 From its transparent bosom shall reflect 



Downward thy structure and inverted green." 



