STABLE MANAGEMENT 247 



" Like all inn saddle-rooms, the ' Dragon ' one was 

 somewhat contracted in its dimensions, and what 

 little there was, was rendered less by sundry sets of 

 harness hanging against the walls, and divers saddle- 

 stands, boot-trees, knife cleaners, broken pitchforks, 

 and bottles with candles in their necks, scattered 

 promiscuously around. Nevertheless, there was a 

 fire to keep * hot water ready,' and above the fireplace 

 were sundry smoke-dried handbills of country horses 

 for the bygone season, while logs of wood, three- 

 legged stools, and inverted horse-pails served the 

 place of chairs around." 



Such a saddle-room, even in an inn yard, would 

 now be impossible to find. The fixtures of a modern 

 saddle-room are, as a rule : — 



1. Racks on which bridles should be kept sepa- 

 rately, and protected from dust by holland curtains. 



2. A case with glass doors, in which to keep spare 

 bits and stirrup irons. 



3. One or more saddle-racks, slung from the 

 ceiling, which, when lowered, become saddle-horses. 

 N.B. — These are preferable to the old wall racks, as 

 they keep the saddles constantly in view, and thus 

 prevent any damage from damp or vermin. 



4. A few movable shelves, which can be easily 

 cleaned. 



5. Two cupboards — one large for ordinary use, and 

 one small for medicines and drugs. 



6. A plain deal table, a bench, a short pair of 



