206 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



suitable paving material. If nothing- else is available macadam can be 

 constructed of crushed rock or cinders and clay. The more durable 

 the better, and the more economical in maintenance. 



Stall Floorings are constructed of various materials, but for all 

 around use there is nothing better than concrete when properly laid 

 dow^n. It must be level, except for the slight drainage slope, and 

 roughened to prevent slips and falls. Its hardness is its greatest objec- 

 tion but this is inconsiderate if stalls are properly bedded and ani- 

 mals worked and tied out on the picket lines during the day as they 

 should be. 



Wood Floorings, either creosoted blocks or planks are good, but 

 they absorb urine, and are also apt to be slippery. They wear out in a 

 couple of years, hence are rather expensive. 



Vitrified Brick makes one of the best floorings. COMMON BRICK 

 is apt to be too absorbent. Cobble stones may be used and makes a 

 lasting floor, but are not recommended on account of their unevenness. 

 Failing any of these durable materials, a macadam of clay, and crushed 

 rock or cinders may be used. Sand floors will serve for temporary use, 

 but on account of the never ending repair necessary to keep them level, 

 they are expensive and the least desirable. Sand is objectionable 

 also on account of the danger of sand colic. 



Plain dirt or clay is perhaps the easiest on animal's feet, but are 

 open to two serious objections: They constantly absorb urine and are 

 therefore unsanitary being productive of thrush and canker; they are 

 continually wearing out requiring daily repair to keep them level. 

 There is no greater nuisance in our service than dirt floors. 



The old theory that the dirt floor was the best and most economical 

 and that no hard material could be used on account of the animal's 

 feet, has unquestionably been refuted by experience. Hard floors when 

 abused are not the best, but used rationally they are. and far more 

 economical in the long run than any soft material. 



The Lighting should be ample, both for sanitation and convenience. 

 Windows accomplish this in the day and artificial lights (preferably 

 electric) at night. 



Dimensions: Stables should be large enough to hold the number of 

 stalls required. They should be wide enough for full length stalls and 

 in closed stables allow for one or more alleyways about 12 feet wide. 

 They should be high to assist in securing good ventilation. The 

 dimensions of stalls should be eleven feet in length from wall to heel 

 post and 5>^ feet wide. 



Fittings: Mangers should be of iron sheeting. There is no better 

 manger than one made of iron sheeting in the shape of a rounded 

 trough about two feet wide and one foot deep, and running across the 

 full width of the stall. The sides are bent around and secured to 2 by 4 

 or similar rails about Sy^ feet above the floor. The ends should be 

 closed. There should be nothing below the trough excei:)t props from 

 its outer edge to the wall for support when necessary. The advantages 

 of this manger are : easy to keep clean ; holds large quantity of feed 



