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CHAPTER IX. 



TRANSPORT BY SEA AND RAIL. 



The selection and fitting of ships for the transport of animals is 

 carried out by the Admiralty, and the duties of military officers in this 

 matter, under ordinary circumstances, are confined to inspection after 

 completion, to see that the fittings are in accordance with specifications, 

 that the stores are of good quality, and the ship in every way fit for 

 embarkation. For this purpose a board of naval and mifitary officers 

 inspects the ship prior to embarkations, and a veterinary officer accom- 

 panies them. 



But during war, or at remote ports, any officer may find 

 himself called upon to report regarding the fitness of a ship for the 

 conveyance of animals, or take command during the transport of them. 

 It is therefore necessary to have an accurate general idea of requirements 

 and fittings, and a close acquaintance with the details of management 

 during a voyage. The importance of this knowledge being possessed by 

 all officers must be insisted on. For oversea expeditions the value of 

 horses landed in good condition at the base of operations is not to be 

 estimated in money ; if in bad condition they are useless till they are fit ; 

 if landed well they are invaluable. 



4 



Class of Ships Required. 



The typical horse transport for troops should be of good average 

 speed, roomy for the number to be carried, a steady sea boat, broad of 

 beam, with big hatchways, watertight doors leading through compart- 

 ments, ample mechanical ventilation, good means for drainage, lighted 

 throughout by electricity, and with specially good arrangements for 

 exercising. 



These requirements set a high standard, but the importance of the 

 animals' condition when landed for a campaign is such as to more than 

 nistify all the expense incurred by their being insisted on. 



