HORSE BOXES. 141 



The framework of the box may be composed of beams 

 of the following dimensions 



Two beams (for the bottom) ... 7' x 7" x 3" 



Two cross beams ... ... 3 7 2" x 1" x 3" 



Ten uprights (for the sides) ... ... 5' x 4" x 3" 



Two side beams to connect the uprights 



together ... ... 7' x 4" x 3" 



At the side of each doorway, a strong wrought iron 

 support should pass underneath the box, and come half 

 way up the upright beams to which it should be 

 securely rivetted, and should, at its extremities, be pro- 

 vided with massive iron rings to enable the box to be 

 hoisted over the side by means of the crane. Two addi- 

 tional iron supports, passing under the box. should be 

 attached to the next two uprights, in order to give 

 increased strength. The two doors should be very strong, 

 and should be made to take off readily. 



The inside of the box should be thoroughly well padded 

 through its entire extent. Straw padding, covered with 

 canvas, is very ineffective, for it soon gets hard and 

 works downwards, leaving the upper portions of the 

 woodwork unprotected. I would strongly advise the 

 use of large pieces of felt, to be secured by being laced 

 through holes bored in the planking, so that the employ- 

 ment of nails of any sort, next the horse, should be 

 dispensed with. 



Five semi-circular iron bars, to put on and take off, 

 should be placed over the top of the box to give it stability 

 and to afford support to tarpaulins, during wet weather, 

 or to a canvas shade, during fine. 



