We now proceed to a most important and ill-understood subject — the nature and treatment of
kennel lameness
. It is a subject that nearly concerns the sportsman, and on which there are several and the most contrary opinions.
This is a kind of lameness connected with, or attributable to, the kennel. According to the early opinion of Mr. Asheton Smith, who is a good authority, it was referable to some peculiarity in the breed or management of the hounds; but, agreeably to a later opinion, it is dependent on situation and subsoil, and may be aggravated or increased by circumstances over which we have no control. Some kennels are in low and damp situations, yet the hounds are free from all complaint: and others, with the stanchest dogs and under the best management, are continually sinking under kennel lameness.
Mr. R. T.
was one of the first who scientifically treated on this point, and taught us that
clay is not by any means an objectionable soil to build a kennel upon
, although so many pseudo-sportsmen are frightened by the very name of it.
He enters at once into his subject.