21 



The several amounts named as the costs of the executed works can 

 he relied on as correct. 



The estimates attached to the descriptions of the dcsi^^ns — not 

 cxecii icd \\'or\<s — are approximate, based on the author's judgment, and 

 would vary according to circumstances. The probable estimates, how- 

 ever, may be taken as tolerably correct, being based to a large extent 

 on what the executed works in this book have actually cost. 



In concluding my remarks on the various executed and unexecuted 

 designs contained in this little work, I would now desire to invite 

 the reader's attention to a few observations on the chief points to be 

 attended to in the construction of good stable offices. 



A gentleman has a perfect right to exercise his discretion about 

 obtaining professional assistance in the building of his stables, or any 

 other w^ork he may as an amateur, with the assistance of a builder, 

 consider himself capable of bringing to a successful completion. But 

 in the first place, this is a penny-wise and pound-foolish game ; and in 

 the second place, I can say from an experience of upwards of thirty 

 years, during which I have had the pleasure of seeing the works of 

 several amateurs, I must confess I was less or more disappointed 

 with the results. 



The remarks on the construction of stables and their fittings, &c., 

 seem to me to be fully placed before the reader ; but although com- 

 plete in themselves, they are not, nor did I ever intend them, for 

 practical instructions sufficient to enable any one with a slight know- 

 ledge of building to carry them out himself. Too many cases have 

 come under my notice in the course of my professional career, where 

 attempts have been made with the object of effecting what seemed to 

 be a small saving, by dispensing with professional advice, and which 

 have turned out disastrously for the owner. I have also had instances 

 where professional men have been called in to make good the igno- 

 rance of others, and the saving anticipated proved to be no saving at 

 all, but a genuine loss. Only those who have had experience in these 

 matters are qualified to deal with them ; and if there are instances of 

 persons little acquainted with them who have, fortunately for them- 

 selves, succeeded in gaining their object, they are exceptions, and only 

 serve to prove the rule. 



Site. — First a site has to be chosen, and in the selection of this 

 much care and judgment ought to be exercised : it should be within 



d 



