In the fall of the year we have several tons of rowen (second crop hay with a good deal of clover in it) put in the upper story of the open kennel, and a smaller amount in the first story, and during the winter a certain number of young dogs that will not quarrel amongst themselves are given the run of the building where they burrow into the soft hay and are as comfortable as can be.  Particular care has to be taken that they do not get any bones or any food to quarrel over, or trouble would ensue right away.  Allow me to say that only dogs brought up together with perfect dispositions can be allowed to run together.  A strange dog must never be placed with them or his days will be numbered.  In the summer, of course, no dogs are kept in the upper story, as they would suffer from the heat.  Also no bitches in whelp are ever allowed to run together.

In the other kennel in each pen during the cold weather is a large, tight box, with hole in side, filled with this soft hay, renewed when necessary, in which two dogs sleep very comfortably.  The windows in each kennel, as soon as the weather permits, are kept open at the top night and day, and top and bottom while the dogs are out doors in the daytime, and in this way the kennels can be kept perfectly sweet and sanitary.  Three times during the year, in spring, midsummer and fall, the kennels are treated with a thorough fumigation of sulphur.  We buy bar sulphur by the barrel of a wholesale druggist or importer, and use a good quantity (a small dose does not do much good), keeping the kennel windows and doors tightly closed for twelve hours, after which the building is thoroughly aired before the dogs are returned.  Of course, this would not be practical during the winter, nor is it at all necessary.  We find that once a week (except of course, during the cold weather), it is a good plan to give the woodwork that the dog comes in contact with a good sprinkling with a watering pot with a solution of permanganate of potassium, using a tablespoonful of the crystals dissolved in a quart of hot water.  It costs at wholesale fifty cents per pound, and is the best disinfectant I have ever used.  Unless the kennels are kept scrupulously clean the dogs’ eyes, especially the puppies, are liable to become seriously inflamed.  The gravel in the basement we remove to a depth of eight inches twice a year, putting fresh in its place.  Where a large number of dogs are kept it will be found very convenient to have a cook house, wash room and a small closet for kennel utensils in close proximity to the kennels.

By attending to these important essentials, viz., an abundance of pure air and sunshine, protection from dampness, draughts, and cold, proper disinfecting, and sufficient protection from the intense heat of summer, good health, and a reasonable amount of success can be confidently expected, but disease will surely find an entrance where these requirements are not met.

I would like to add that kennels only large enough for white mice, or perchance piebald rats, can never be successfully used to raise Boston terriers in.