22 CHAPTER 3. 



partitions between the stalls ; but in a sanitary point of view bales are 

 preferable, both because they interfere less with the circulation of air 

 through the stable and because the stable is more easily swept out and 

 kept clean. On the other hand, horses lie down much more in boxes 

 than between bales. 



3 5 a. Breadth of passage 'behind Horses. 



Horses are tied to the manger, and cannot get further back than the 

 collar ropes allow. Therefore, if the long partitions recommended above 

 are used, the width of the passage may be reduced to the same extent as 

 the partitions are lengthened. With long partitions five feet will be 

 sufficient breadth for the passage in single-line stables, and eight feet in 

 double. If short partitions are used, six and a half feet will be required 

 in single-line stables and nine feet in double lines. 



36. Inside Walls. 



Glazed bricks are the best material for the inside of walls. They may 

 be obtained in most localities at a price very little exceeding that of 

 ordinary bricks. They have the great advantage of not absorbing the 

 moisture or other emanations of the stable, and may be kept clean and 

 nice-looking for years by simply washing with water. 



If ordinary bricks are used for the wall, it will be an advantage to put 

 glazed China tiles over the manger, as that part of the wall otherwise 

 soon looks dirty and black. If the cement with which they are fastened 

 is good they answer well. 



If the expense of either such fittings is objected to, a plain well-pointed 

 brick wall, which can be grey-washed as often as need be, answers better 

 than plaster or woodwork. The latter, indeed, is objectionable, especially 

 over the manger, as horses are apt to gnaw it, and dirt and vermin may 

 harbour in and behind it. 



37. Doors. 



The doors of many modern stables are hung on iron bars above, and 

 are made to traverse to the side. In situations where room is an object, 

 this fitting is advantageous ; but for ordinary purposes the common door, 

 which is more easily shut and therefore less likely to be left open, is pre- 

 ferable. 



Doors should be four and a half feet wide and at least eight feet in 

 height. Horses are apt to be startled on going into or coming out of 

 stables, and then sometimes throw up their heads ; and if the door is low 

 may strike them against the lintel, and may in consequence ever after 

 be shy in entering or leaving the stable. 



Stable doors which do not traverse should be divided into two equal 

 portions, except in sick boxes, where for reasons given in the next para- 

 graph the height of the lower part should not exceed three feet six 

 inches. As a rule, stable doors should open outwards, and should be 



