STABLING OF HORSES. 57 



walls will always make sufficient difference, especially when 

 the mode of ventilation is considered. The air must never 

 blow directly upon the horses, but the ventilation should be 

 above their heads, for foul air always has a tendency to 

 ascend. If this plan were followed, the stable would range 

 from 40° to 50° in winter, and from 60° to 70° in the 

 summer ; but the most violent draughts are better than 

 foulness. If the proprietor therefore, on entering his stable, 

 detects any stench, he had better order the horses out to 

 exercise, and while they are absent have every door and 

 window thrown wide open. After this has been done once 

 or twice, the groom will take care the stable is always 

 sweet, let the master enter when he may. 



Every stable should be thoroughly drained, not into a 

 neighbouring cesspool, but to such a distance as will preclude 

 any effluvia escaping into the building. Likewise all dung and 

 litter ought to be carried far aw^ay from the place twice a day. 

 This of course imposes extra work on those who are not 

 very fond of employment, but our business here is to point 

 out that wdiich ought to be done, and not to please idlers. 



The manger and hay-rack are best low, as the last 

 especially, being in this position, enables the horse to reach 

 his food without raising his head and thereby injuring the 

 vessels by maintaining an unnatural position, and likewise 

 prevents any hay-seed from falling into the animal's eyes. 

 For the last reason the place ought to be thoroughly ceiled, 

 lest any dust or litter fall down from the loft above, the hay in 

 which is likewise kept free from contamination arising from 

 ammoniacal fumes, which always have a tendency to ascend. 



The loose boxes ought to have their sides smooth, no 

 nail or projection of any kind should be permitted, as the 

 animal is apt to tear itself against such substances. When 

 designed as substitutes for stalls, it is sufficient to have the 

 partition close halfway up, and the remainder formed of open 

 rails, whereby the horses are enabled to see one another, 

 and much of the dulness of their lives is removed. Every 

 box ought to be drained by means of a centre grating. 



It is a question much disputed whether the litter should 

 be removed or not during the day-time. In the great 

 majority it is entirely taken from the fore, and but a small 

 portion left under the hind feet ; and this method seems to 



