STABLES. 3 



which will not absorb moisture, such as fire-burnt bricks 

 or stone ; the former is, I think, the more preferable 

 material. Wood, also, might be employed, though 

 stables made of it are not nearly so cool, during the hot 

 weather, as those constructed of either of the other 

 two. Throughout Eastern Bengal, strong screens made 

 of bamboo are used; they suit admirably. In the 

 case of a kicker, the horse may be saved from injury 

 by placing matting (Hind, chitai), say three feet high, 

 about six inches from the wall, while the interval is 

 tilled up with dried grass. This will give to the blow, 

 and will act as a padding to the wall. 



The floors of the stable should, if possible, be laid 

 down with concrete, or some other material, which will 

 not absorb water. In many parts of India, Jcunkur may 

 be obtained, and then can be applied in the same man- 

 ner as it is used for metalling roads. In default of it, 

 pounded bricks, which are employed for the same pur- 

 pose, may be substituted. After these floors are laid down, 

 the stables should not be used, until they are thoroughly 

 dry, and the pucca has become hard and solid. 



If it be not practicable to have the floors made of 

 water-proof material, they should be kept covered with 

 five or six inches of sand, the tainted parts of which 

 should be daily removed, and replaced by a fresh supply. 



Damp stables are the sources of many serious ailments 

 to the horse, who can keep health and condition alone 

 in a dry habitation. This most important fact should 

 never be lost sight of by the horse-owner. 



Only on rare and exceptional occasions should stables 

 be washed out. 



