42 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



especially in large towns, where space and other circumstances 

 interfere with judicious planning. But however this may be, 

 there are certain essentials which should be found in all stables 

 — sufficient dimensions, proper ventilation, fair amount of 

 light, good drainage and flooring, freedom from damp, favour- 

 able surroundings. 



The construction of stables varies from the simplest to the 

 most elaborate plans, but there is no doubt that so long as 

 horses obtain plenty of fresh air, good food and water, and 

 protection from the weather, the simpler the construction of 

 the stable — having regard to convenience — the better. When 

 possible, the stable should be built on permeable or gravelly 

 soil, open situation, moderately elevated, and advantageous for 

 natural drainage. 



A warm, sunny aspect, such as the south or west, is to be 

 preferred. A stable facing the north or the east is generally 

 cold, and, if the windows only look in these directions, dull. 

 Stables surrounded by high buildings are not so good as those 

 which are in open spaces, and arranging stables in a square is 

 objectionable, as some of them must have an unfavourable 

 aspect, and the circulation of air is generally more or less 

 interfered with. 



In constructing stables, the plan and elaborateness of 

 finish will depend upon the money to be spent, and the locality 

 and other circumstances. In towns, in establishments where 

 a large number of horses are kept, the stables are arranged in 

 all kinds of ways — downstairs, on the ground-floor, and up- 

 stairs, even to a second floor — the exigencies of compactness 

 and economy in space demanditig the exercise of ingenuity in 

 making the most of what can be obtained. But in all 

 these, the essentials of good stables, which we have already 

 enumerated, should be secured by every possible means. 



As has been said, the site for a stable should be well 

 drained, and the foundations dry. It has been recommended 



