388 LIGHT. 



stable, we next take into consideration the subject of litter. The 

 first caution is frequently to remove it. The early extrication of 

 gas shows the rapid putrefaction of the urine ; and the conse- 

 quence of which will be the rapid putrefaction of the litter that 

 has been moistened by it. Everything hastening to decomposition 

 should be carefully removed where life and health are to be pre- 

 served. The litter that has been much wetted or at all softened 

 oy the urine, and is beginning to decay, should be swept away 

 every morning ; the greater part of the remainder may then be 

 piled under the manger ; a little being left to prevent the painful 

 and injurious pressure of the feet on the hard pavement during 

 the day. The soiled and soaked portion of that whicii was left 

 should be removed at night. In the better kind of stables, how- 

 ever, the stalls should be completely emptied every morning. 



No heap of fermenthig dung should be suffered to remain dur- 

 ing the day in the corner or in any part of tiie stable. With re- 

 gard to tins, the directions of the master should be peremptory. 



The stable should be so contrived that the urine shall quickly 

 run off, and the offensive and injurious vapor from the decom- 

 posing fluid and the litter will thus be materially lessened, but if 

 this is effected by means of gutters and a descending floor, the 

 descent must be barely sufficient to cause the fluid to escape, as 

 if the toes are kept higher than the heels, it will lead to lame- 

 ness, and is also a frequent cause of contraction of the foot. Stalls 

 of this kind certainly do best for mares ; but for horses we much 

 prefer those with a grating in the centre, and a slight inclination 

 of the floor on every side towards the middle. A short branch 

 may communicate with a larger drain, by means of which the 

 urine may be carried oft^ to a reservoir outside the stable. Traps 

 are now contrived, and may be procured at little expense, by 

 means of which neither any offensive smell nor current of air can 

 pass through the grating. 



Humanity and interest, as well as the appearance of the stable, 

 should induce the proprietor of the horse to place a moderate 

 quantity of litter under him during the day.^ 



LIGHT. 



This neglected branch of stable-management is of far more 

 consequence than is generally imagined ; and it is particularly 

 neglected by those for whom these treatises are principally de- 

 signed. The farmer's stable is frequently destitute of any glazed 

 window, and has only a shutter, which is raised in warm weather, 

 and closed when the weather becomes cold. When the horse is 



* It will be remembered the author is speaking of paved floors. — Am. Ed. 



