167 



of the stable, with a passage through it : ventila- 

 tion might easily be secured by gratings above the 

 windows. 



The same ill-judged economy of space leads to 

 another fault, equally mischievous. The loft is gene- 

 rally used as the most convenient place for the hay 

 cut for immediate supply; and to make it more 

 roomy, the ceiUng of the stable is very low. Thus 

 ventilation is required to an unusual degree, while 

 the proper place to receive the ventilator is choked 

 up. Even the accumulation of dirt and dust, 

 constantly falling upon the horse, is, though a 

 minor evil, one of no small magnitude, and quite 

 sufficient to point out the expediency of a differ- 

 ent arrangement, where circumstances permit. A 

 stable should be as large and airy as convenience 

 will allow : it should also be perfectly dry, and 

 capable of being kept at a regular and moderate 

 temperature. The effluvia of the litter and manure 

 are very great, and very injurious to the health of 

 the horse ; but no care of the groom can entirely 

 prevent it, especially during the night, if the stable 

 is low and confined. It is well worth the while of 

 any gentleman who is about to build, to inspect 

 the stables at the Veterinary College : he will at 

 once remark their lofty height as compared with 

 others, and the ample size of the stalls, and the 



