STABLES AS THEY SHOULD BE. 



305 



animals to be exercised off the premises. This can only be done in the 

 country, or where an ambulatory surrounds the stable. Under a shel- 

 tering roof all weathers are immaterial ; the owner can easily ascertain 

 whether his commands are shirked or fulfilled. A sick or a lame horse 

 can be led about upon such a spot ; for the soil, consisting of sand, ana 

 being always kept properly watered, is cool and soft to the feet, as well 

 as free from dust; while a machine called a "tell-tale" will in some 

 measure announce the time which the quadruped may be kept walking ; 

 it will also bear testimony as to the rate at which the man travels. 



A PB£F INTO A DIALER'S TABD. 



These things, when supervision is impossible, are now left entirely to 

 the groom; whereas a "tell-tale," fixed at any part of the buildmg, will 

 render the rate of exercise cognizable to an absent master. 



Exercise should never, save in illness, be given at a less pace than 

 four mUes an hour ; the horses, while it is administered, should always 



2p 



