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CHAPTER III. 



STABLE CONSTRUCTION AND FITTINGS. 



Site. 



The 



nature of 

 the soil. 



Founda- 

 tions. 



Aspect. 



While it is not essential that officers should possess a detailed knowledge 

 of stable construction, they should undoubtedly have such acquaintance 

 with the main points as will make their opinion of value when, as is the 

 rule, a Board is assembled to decide on a site or whether newly completed 

 stables are fit for occupation. 



Site. — The chief considerations in selecting a site for stables are : — 

 Pure air ; good light ; dry foundation ; a good water supply ; facilities for 

 free drainage. Prevailing winds, and the position of surrounding buildings 

 are also points to be taken into account. The position of a stable site 

 must frequently be a matter of necessity rafher than choice, but as it will 

 depend on the location of barracks for men, it will undoubtedly be a 

 healthy one. 



The nature of the soil is of the first importance — a sub-soil of gravel 

 or deep sand offering the best prospect for a firm base, with free drainage 

 and consequent dryness. Next to these self-draining soils, any rocky 

 formation, such as limestone, chalk or granite, is suitable ; but stiff clay, 

 deep loam, peaty and marshy soils are not naturally favourable and should 

 it become necessary to occupy them, sub-soil drainage must be extensively 

 adopted. 



Dryness means a well-aerated soil and ready drainage ; dampness 

 means rapid decomposition of animal and vegetable matter, a sub-soil 

 water near the surface, and no drainage in case of wet. 



Foimdations are artificial bases to give stability, wider than the intended 

 structure, and deep in inverse proportion to the solidity of the natural 

 formation. Where the sub-soil water is near the surface, they require 

 draining, and in very damp localities the buildings may have to be raised 

 on arches or piles. Concrete and JDrick jelly are the usual materials of 

 which they are made. 



Aspect. — The buildings should be sheltered from the severest winds 

 prevailing in the district, and not overshadowed by other structures to 

 such an extent as to interfere with a full supply of pure air and sunlight. 



