24 CHAPTEll 3. 



led in or out of the stable. A pattern of a very cheap but serviceable 

 latch is given in Plate 8. 



40. Slides or Bolts. 



Slides or bolts, if counter-sunk and furnished with a flush-bolt on both 

 sides, are in some respects preferable to the best latches. The groove, 

 however, in which the bolts work, requires to be kept oiled and free from 

 dust and other debris. 



41. Hinges. 



The only really serviceable hinges for large doors are those of the old- 

 fashioned T-pnttern, such as until lately were rarely seen except on old 

 church doors. Doors on such hinges will generally hang true for years, 

 whilst the hinge itself adds to the strength of the door by bracing and 

 binding it together. 



42. Collar ropes or chains, and Logs. 



The rope should be just long enough to allow the horse to lie down 

 comfortably. Any greater length is objectionable. As an ordinary rule 

 the log should just reach the ground when the horse is standing near his 

 manger. If longer than this the rope or chain will become slack in the 

 portion between the collar and 'the manger, and then the horse may get 

 his foot over it. If shorter it will interfere with the convenience of the 

 animal in lying down. 



A rather heavy log should be used, which by its weight may assist in 

 keeping the rope in a state of tension. The horse may be relieved of the 

 weight of the log by placing a large ring or T on the rope immediately 

 above the manger ring. The manger ring should be large, so that the 

 rope may run easily and freely through it. The practice of tying the 

 rope to the ring of the manger is very objectionable, and is a frequent 

 cause of accident. 



Chains, though not often used in private stables, are safer than ropes, 

 because their weight, especially when assisted by a rather heavy log, 

 prevents any liability to become slack. The principal objection to chains 

 is the noise made by the animals drawing them through the rings of the 

 manger. Ropes are preferable to leather straps, both because horses are 

 less apt to gnaw them and because being round they run more easily 

 through the manger ring. They are also cheaper. 



In some stables the stall is boarded up flush with the front of the 

 manger, and the lower part of the rope then runs behind the boarding. 

 An accident may occasionally be prevented by this arrangement ; but the 

 extra boarding seriously interferes with the current of air through the 

 stable, and dirt and dust are apt to accumulate behind the boarding. 



Horses, which are given to bite their neighbours, or are apt to turn 

 round in their stalls, should be secured by a rope or chain on both sides 

 of the manger. 



