VENTILATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF STABLES. 13 



186. Health without drains. 



It is a practical fact that stables can be sweet and the horses healthy 

 without any drains at all. From various reasons level of ground, sur- 

 rounding buildings, 2 or 3 tiers of horses, etc. it may be impossible to 

 drain the stables. 



The main factor in this system is moss litter aided by abundance 

 of fresh air and cleanliness. Every morning every atom of the bedding, 

 which is wet or otherwise tainted is removed from the stable. The rest 

 is raked to the sides and front of each stall. The floor is then 

 thoroughly swept down and exposed to the air until the horses are 

 bedded down. If the tainted litter is wholly thrown away, 50 Ib. per 

 horse per week will be required. If the litter is dried and used again, 

 30 Ib. to 40 Ib. may be sufficient. Experience for several years past 

 has abundantly shown that the health of horses can be maintained under 

 this system, if it is thoroughly carried out. 



19. Slope of stalls. 



Horses undoubtedly stand most comfortably on a perfect level, and 

 any slope more than absolutely necessary for drainage purposes is 

 decidedly objectionable. Any great degree of slope is positively injurious, 

 because it throws an undue stress on the hind quarters and also on the 

 flexor tendons of the fore-legs by reason of the toe being more elevated 

 than the heel. 



20. Site of stables. 



The well-bred horse is a native of a dry country, and loves dryness. 

 In damp he soon loses all life and spirits, and becomes debilitated. 

 Disease of any sort is very apt to supervene on debility. 



The site of every stable should be deeply thorough-drained. The soil 

 selected should, if possible, be gravel. The situation should be mode- 

 rately high, open, and with facilities for natural drainage. Bleak situa- 

 tions are not desirable. Buildings in the immediate neighbourhood, if 

 high, are objectionable. The ordinary custom of erecting stables and 

 coach-houses round three sides of a square is not the best. The air 

 always hangs more or less in any such almost enclosed space. 



21. Aspect of stables. 



A northern aspect is cold and cheerless, whilst a southern aspect is 

 often unduly hot in summer. In stables with windows on both sides 

 east and west aspects will, as a general rule, be found most advantageous. 

 The one side will have the morning, and the other the afternoon sun. 

 There should be a door at each end or in the middle on each side, as 

 may be most convenient to the particular locality. Either door can then 

 be used according to the circumstances of the weather and wind. If the 

 stable is very large, it is desirable to have doors both at the sides and 

 ends. 



