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there is no dust nor smoke to injure the carriages, as would be the 

 case if coal-fuel was used. All that is required is to preserve the air 

 within the chamber in a dry condition. Anything beyond this con- 

 dition on the one hand, or approaching to damp on the other, is 

 injurious to the construction and enamelling of the vehicles. This 

 mode of heating was carried out at the stables last mentioned, and has 

 been found to answer admirably. 



Fireproof. — The floors over stables, coach-houses, &c., should 

 always be made fireproof. It is but a small addition to the expense, 

 and in a good stable should never be omitted. They may be formed 

 of iron joists and cement concrete ; and if the under part is smoothed 

 and tinted French grey or salmon colour, and the iron joists chocolate 

 or blue, the effect is very pleasing, and harmonises with the colour of 

 the walls, and teak or other fittings. 



Measuring-slides, &c. — Hay, straw, and corn shoots from the lofts 

 over should be provided in each stable, with proper measuring-slides 

 for one feed. The recesses in the windows should be utilised as 

 cupboards for horse-combs, brushes, &c. ; or benches may be made 

 in them for sitting on, with hinged tops. This may be done in each 

 alternate window, as found convenient and necessary. 



