138 ON THE STABLE. 



In describing the particulars most necessary 

 to be attended to in this important branch of the 

 present subject, it will be expedient to begin 

 with the structure of the stable. 



The principal errors in this department 

 consist, generally, in the want of ventilation, 

 the deficiency of light, the narrowness of the 

 stalls, and the declivity of their pavement. 



Ventilation is of the greatest importance, 

 inasmuch as the health of the animal is most 

 materially connected with it. The impossibi- 

 lity of excluding air from space (except by ex- 

 haustion) is a fortunate circumstance for the 

 horse, as it frustrates, in some degree, the at- 

 tempts which are constantly practised to prevent 

 its entrance into the stable, even by stopping 

 the key-hole of the door. This custom origi- 

 nates among grooms, from the motive of giving 

 to the animal the same appearance in his coat 

 in winter, as it generally puts on in summer. 



Such 



