THE HORSE HYGIENE AND SANITARY CONDITIONS. 637 



atmosphere. The dark, damp stable favors all fungous growth. 

 Light and dryness destroy it. The damp stable is unfavorable 

 to healthy action of the skin and lungs, and of all members 

 used in depuration or purifying the system. Thus we see the 

 train of ills that follow. 



The Location of Barns and Stables. If these prin- 

 ciples be correct, we see that the site on which the dwelling of 

 man or beast is located is a matter of first importance. Venti- 

 lation can never be so perfect as to keep the air of the inclosure 

 dry and pure while the foundation and ground beneath are damp. 

 The site must be dry, with a complete drainage. The old style 

 of locating the stables on a hill where the manure would wash 

 off out of the way, had its compensation, for though the farmer's 

 soil lost much of the fertility from the manure, his animals 

 gained the health and vigor that come with a dry undefiled 

 atmosphere, in and around his barns. 



In these days when farmers are learning to prize the riches 

 of the manure, and are planning to save all and to increase its 

 amount they need to be warned, that while they accumulate a 

 vast amount of quickly fermenting material in, under, and around 

 their barns, they are liable to contaminate the atmosphere by 

 increasing its moisture, and permeating it with unwholesome 

 gases. While the manure increases, let our care increase, that 

 by the liberal and constant use of absorbents, we retain the 

 wealth of the accumulating fertilizers and preserve the health 

 of our animals. The increased value of the manure will never 

 compensate for the injury to the health of the animals, that must 

 be housed in the barns so many months of the year. True wis- 

 dom and economy will teach us not to gain one while we lose 

 the other, but to secure both, richness and abundance of manure, 

 with vigor and health of our stables and herds. 



The barn should be located on an elevation sufficient to secure 

 good and prompt drainage. A knoll with a gravel subsoil 

 affords a natural drainage that will be prompt and efficient. It 

 will be improved, if eave troughs and spouting be arranged so as 

 to carry water far enough from the building to prevent soakage 

 or dampness in the stables. There is no danger of having a 



