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 Docs 
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 Fd ae 
The sun’s all-cheerirnig 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.” 
