338 STABLES 



mixing the corn, and in some cases for pumping water, are indispensable, 

 and will keep a special staff of assistants in full work cutting, weighing, 

 and filling into bags. In the passages between the various ranges of 

 stables, strong rings should be built into the wall to secure the horses 

 while being groomed, though a regular washing-and-grooming shed may 

 be more convenient and offer greater facilities for inspection. All provi- 

 sions for cleanliness are of even greater importance than in the gentleman's 

 stable. The manure-pit must not be large and must have sides and bottom 

 impervious to moisture, and the removal should be daily. In the stables 

 of one of the best-managed tramway companies the principal walls, &c., 

 are whitewashed monthly, and at the horses' heads every week. Lime 

 wash is a great and cheap purifier. 



In many large city stables, still further to economize space, the horses 

 are accommodated on two stories, the upper part being reached by an 

 inclined plane or gangway. This gangway has to be made with cross 

 pieces of wood, well covered with gravel or litter to prevent slipping. The 

 floor of the upper stalls is best made of steel joists and concrete, which, 

 with the great modern facilities for the production of these articles, in- 

 volves very little extra trouble or expense. Naturally a little more care 

 will have to be taken with the ventilation and lighting of the lower story; 

 and indeed, where possible, it is better to utilize this for subsidiary pur- 

 poses, such as forges, harness-repairing, &c. 



RACING STABLES 



Racing stables are generally situated within convenient distance of 

 training-grounds, as Newmarket Heath, the South Downs, &c., and are 

 managed by trainers to whom are committed the horses of numerous 

 owners. The separate loose-box is the universal system, and for a variety 

 of reasons, the chief of which is the desirability of keeping apart entire 

 horses, and the prevention of accidents to animals of great value, such as 

 might occur in stables where, by breaking loose, the sexes could commingle, 

 or vicious mares damage one another. 



