162 VETERINARY HYGIENE 



and isolation of the sick. In all cases one or more boxes should 

 be isolated. 



In general, the structure of an outside box is the same as that 

 of an inside one. Woodwork should be dispensed with as much as is 

 possible, and the walls lined with smooth-finished cement to a height 

 of at least 7 feet from the floor. Above this the bricks or stones 

 must be well pointed and washed over with cement, but need not 

 necessarily have such a highly finished surface as the lower part, 

 unless means permit of the cement being taken to the height of 

 the ceiling. Bearing in mind that outside boxes are to be considered 

 primarily as hospital accommodation, special care must be taken 

 to ensure the easy and efficient cleaning and disinfection of them 

 hence the substitution of smooth cement for wood lining. For 

 the same reason all internal corners and angles should be filled in 

 to a 2-inch radius with cement. Manger and other necessary fittings 

 must be of the simplest character, and in at least one box these 

 fittings should be removable for the safer reception of colic cases. 

 Doorways should measure 8 feet by 4 feet, and the door made in 

 two portions, divided horizontally, the upper 3 feet 6 inches and the 

 lower 4 feet 6 inches in height, each part opening back flush with 

 the outside wall and fastening securely to it by a cabin hook. A 

 steel angle screwed to the upper edge of the lower portion will 

 prevent horses from damaging it with their teeth. Under ordinary 

 circumstances the upper part of the door will be fastened back 

 throughout the day, and probably also through the night, so as to 

 give the inmate as much fresh air as possible. The majority of 

 horses spend their idle time with their head over the lower door, 

 taking full advantage of the fresh air and sunlight. As many horses 

 develop the habit of pawing at the door, it is an economy to have the 

 inside of the lower portion lined with sheet iron. The hinges of 

 doors on outside loose-boxes must be carefully made, of the crook 

 and band type, with the bands extending at least half the width of 

 the door, and the crooks well tailed into the wall. Cheap iron- 

 mongery and door fittings are always a failure, and in the long run 

 have to be scrapped. 



Each loose-box should have an overhead beam fitted with a 

 lug-bracket from which a horse can be slung near the manger. 



Horse Fastenings. Horses must be fastened in their stalls in 

 such a manner as will prevent them getting loose, or from stretching 

 too far back so as to expose them to risk of injury from their 

 neighbours. At the same time it must be possible for them to 

 feed and to lie down and rest in comfort, without the risk of 

 becoming entangled by the securing rope. This is effected by 



