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Is it wot strange, that mankind in all things industriously shun (^heap 

 prevention, as if for the mere luxury of expensive cure ? The stalls 

 should not only be as wide, but as long, as the space allowed will 

 possibly admit ; and the pavement should be even, with a very gentle 

 descent. Very commonly, in ordinary stables, the pavement on which 

 the wretched animals not only stand, but even lie, perhaps without 

 litter, consists of stones, with their points projecting upwards. The 

 standing even, upon such a hard and irregular surface, must be most 

 distressing, instead of contributing to rest. Cleanliness also, and the 

 evacuation of foul and unwliolesome air, are generally neglected. 

 The dung should, as often as possible, be removed from the stable, 

 and the windows and door left open, whilst the Horses are away. 

 There is besides, a species of cleanliness totally forgotten, even in the 

 stables of those who can well afford to act otherwise. The mangers, 

 racks, stall-boards, walls and ceiling, ought to be kept clean, and even 

 white-washing would be advantageous. The Horse is said to be an 

 animal delighting in cleanliness, in every thing about him, and it is 

 supposed highly contributary to his health; yet you may scrape the 

 dirt and filth from the manger of every ordinary stable. The hay 

 chamber too, is equallj'^ a receptacle for dirt, dust, cobwebs, and the 

 duns of rats and mice. Ye inconsiderate and cold-hearted owners of 

 such stables, ye deserve not the services of that generous and noble 

 beast, whose comforts and health you thus sacrifice. 



But to proceed to the pleasing part of our subject, the comfortable 

 and hospitable British stable, that of the country gentleman. As 

 improvement must be j^rpgressive, let us enquire, whether even this 

 good thing be not susceptible of improvement. In conveniences and 

 comforts for the Horse, every system must give place to that of the turf, 

 and amongst the principal comforts and benefits which that system 

 afTords, must be reckoned the loose stable, or well-littered room or 

 box, in which the Horse reclines, stretches out his wearied, heated, or 

 debilitated limbs, and rolls at his ease. This may be truly called the 

 grand restorative of the Horse, second only to a run abroad. Horses 

 under any kind of indisposition are benefitted by standing without the 

 confinement of the head ; on which account, where no boxes can be 



X had. 



