56 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



his mouth deeply into the food and seize large mouthfuls, and deliberate 

 mastication is more likely to be obtained. The rim of the manger should 

 be sufficiently broad to prevent it being seized by the teeth, as this 

 encourages crib-biting. 



The height of the manger for a full-sized horse should be about three 

 feet six inches from the ground. 

 Ha3'racks. Hayracks should be on the same level as the mangers, and not as 

 may be seen in many old-fashioned stables, above the horse's head. In 

 this latter position, the animal was constantly exposed to the risk of 

 getting dust and fragments of hay in his eyes, and in addition an undue 

 proportion of the ration was wasted by his pulling it down, when it was 

 trampled underfoot and soiled as he reached for more. Where all the 

 hay is fed as chop, a hayrack is of course unnecessary, and a manger running 

 the entire breadth of the stall serves the double purpose. Open racks of all 

 patterns are of necessity wasteful, as quantities get pulled out between 

 the bars, trampled and soiled ; and for this reason a deep receptacle 

 without open bars in front, and which can only be entered from the top is 

 a more economical pattern. 



The importance of all the fittings, such as latches, window fastenings, 

 &c., in a stable being flush with the walls or woodwork, or at any rate 

 not offering any projections on which a chance loose horse can tear 

 himself, cannot be over-estimated, and for the same reason no nails 

 should be driven into the walls. Horses which get loose during the night 

 always appear to have the faculty of finding and wounding themselves 

 on any rough or sharp projection in the stable. 



Gas or electric light fittings should be well out of reach, and protected 

 from the chance of fire. 



