130 LITTER. 



IiITTEE. 



Having spoken of the vapor of hartshorn, which is so rapidly 

 'and plentifully given out from the urine of a horse in a heated 

 stable, the subject of litter comes naturally next in order. The 

 first caution is, frequently to remove it. The early extrication 

 of gas shows the rapid putrefaction of the urine ; the conse- 

 quence of which will be the rapid putrefaction of the litter which 

 is moistened by it. Every thing hastening to decomposition 

 should be carefully removed where life and health are to be pre- 

 served. The litter which has been much wet or at all softened 

 by the urine, and is beginning to decay, should be swept away 

 every morning ; the greater part of the remainder may then be 

 piled under the manger ; a little being left to prevent the pain- 

 ful and injurious pressure of the feet on the hard pavement 

 during the day. The soiled and soaked portion of that which 

 was left should be removed at night. In the better kind of 

 stables, however, the stalls should be completely emptied every 

 morning. 



No heap of fermenting dung should be suffered to remain 

 during the day in the corner or in any part of the stable. 

 With regard to this, the directions for removal should be per- 

 emptory. 



The stable should be so contrived that the urine may quickly 

 run off, and the offensive and injurious vapor from the decom- 

 posing fluid, and the litter will thus be materially lessened ; but 

 if this is effected by means of gutters and a descending floor, 

 the descent must be barely sufficient to cause the fluid to escape, 

 as, if the toes are kept higher than the heels, it will lead to 

 lameness, and is also a frequent cause of contraction of the foot 



