THE STABLE. 357 



ought to be built in a dry situation, roomy, higli in the roof, 

 and well aired, without, however, having a great draught 

 passing through it ; but when the horses are out, the stable 

 doors and windows should be thrown wide open, and 

 allowed to remain so as long as they are abroad. But 

 nothing is worse than to allow the wind to blow directly 

 upon a horse, or a cross-draught of any kind. Grooms, 

 however, are too prone to go to the other extreme, and 

 in general allow the stable to become too warm, and block 

 up with the utmost care every place where air is admitted. 

 Some practice this from an erroneous opinion that they 

 should be kept very warm, while too many do so that the 

 animals may have a fine shining coat. By this injudicious 

 practice, the air becomes contaminated with the unwhole- 

 some vapour generated from the litter and urine, which 

 produces a strong exhalation of ammoniacal gas. This 

 being breathed for a length of time, has a pernicious effect 

 upon the lungs of the horses ; digestion is impaired, and all 

 the vital functions injured. Inflammation of the eyes, 

 chronic cough, with a host of concomitant ailments, are the 

 consequences of inhaling this deteriorated and semi-poison- 

 ous vapour. Let any person enter a stable in the morning 

 which is not properly ventilated, and he will be sensibly 

 alive to the pungent smell, and even pain in the eyes, pro- 

 duced by the vitiated atmosphere. The chemical action 

 of the urine commences soon after it is voided. It is from 

 this cause that horses are but too frequently attacked with 

 distempers in the spring of the year, or in autumn. This 

 is, however, seldom the case in small well-regulated stables. 

 In short, I have gone into many stables where their heat 

 induced copious perspiration in a few minutes. This must 

 have a strong effect upon the skin of the horse, and especi- 

 ally if his clothing is on ; and when strapped and suddenly 



