12 CHAPTER 1. 



secures the stable from damp, partly on account of the tendency of new 

 floors to sink, and still more on account of the probability of the soil 

 outside becoming higher from constant gravelling or repairs. It is a 

 fact easily to be observed that the floors of most old stables are lower 

 than the ground outside, though it is improbable that such was the 

 original construction. A pavement about 16 feet wide along the front 

 of the stable is a very convenient annex for many purposes and especially 

 for spreading out the bedding. 



18. Drainage. 



Surface drains are the best for stables. Each stall should drain into 

 the main drain, which should run well behind the heel-posts so that the 

 bedding should not get into it. 



When the main drain gets outside the stable, it should be continued as 

 a surface drain for ten feet, after which it may be safely discharged into 

 an underground drain. 



A considerable amount of space between the stable and the point of 

 underground discharge is desirable in order to prevent any effluvia from 

 the underground drain, which is often more or less choked, from reaching 

 the stable. It is also useful in preventing solid matter from being 

 carried into the underground drain. The distance, in fact, acts as a 

 kind of natural trap. 



The channel of the main drain should be open, saucer-shaped, of 

 smooth material, impervious to moisture, and with as few joints as 

 possible. Vitrified tiles, sometimes called gutter bricks, or slabs of stone 

 chiselled to the proper shape, set in cement, or wide open wrought iron 

 conduits answer exceedingly well. Cast iron conduits frequently break 

 under the treading of the horses, and are a constant source of annoyance. 

 Narrow iron pipes, almost closed at the upper side, such as are generally 

 used, do not answer, because they very readily become choked, and in 

 fact require to be cleaned out with a picker every morning, a duty which 

 is apt to be neglected. 



For the drain in the stall a fall of 1 in 80 will be required ; and the 

 same for the main drain in the rear of the stall. Any collection of debris 

 in the channel, and any consequent tendency of urine or water to lodge, 

 can easily be cleared away by the broom. At its starting-point the level of 

 the main drain should be but very little below the surface of the floor, 

 but its depth must necessarily increase towards the outfall. In long 

 stables undue depth of the main drain may be avoided by making it fall 

 from the centre to both ends of the stable. 



18. Underground drains. 



Of course it is possible to utilise underground drains. But as a prac- 

 tical fact the best plan is to take up the drains, re-make the soil, and 

 adopt surface drainage. 



