284 RE AKIN G. 



whole, as we shall hereafter find, the plan is not a good one, 

 and need not be considered here. But far beyond the warmth 

 is dryness essential to success. Dogs . will bear almost any 

 amount of cold if unaccompanied by damp, provided they have 

 plenty of straw to lie in ; but a damp kennel, even if warm, 

 is sure to lead to rickets or rheumatism, if the puppies escape in- 

 flammation.of some one or more of the internal organs. Take care, 

 therefore, to give a dry bedstead of boards, lined with the same 

 material towards the wall (the cold of which strikes inwards 

 and gives cold), and raised somewhat from the floor, which will 

 otherwise keep it damp. Puppies soon learn to lie on this, and 

 avoid the cold stones or bricks, except in the heats of summer, 

 when these do no harm. The stone or brick floor should be so 

 made as to avoid absorption of the urine, &c, which can only be 

 effected by employing glazed tiles or bricks that are not porous, 

 or by covering the whole with a layer of London or Portland 

 cement, or with asphalte, which answers nearly as well. Care 

 should be taken that there are no interstices between the boards, 

 if the kennel is made of them ; and in every way, while ven- 

 tilation is provided, cold draughts must be prevented. Clean- 

 liness must also be attended to rigidly by sweeping out the floor 

 daily, and washing it down at short intervals, and by changing 

 the litter once a week at the least. In the summer time, straw 

 is not desirable, as it harbours fleas ; and, if the boardeA|^or. 

 is not considered sufficient, a thick layer of deal sawdust will be 

 the best material, as it is soft enough, without harbo^i^ng ver- 

 min of any kind ; the only objection to it being that the puppies 

 are apt to wet it often, after which it becomes offensive. 



