STABLES AS THEY SHOULD BE. 



SOY 



The bars forming the upper portion of the divisions are not so close 

 nor so bulky but the interspaces will allow the horses, after the Austra- 

 lian mode of cementing friendships, " to rub noses," or to exchange large 

 draughts of fragrant breath with their fellow captives. Such innocent 

 familiarities will often lead to lasting friendships, from the establishment 



SECTION OF THE LOOSE BOXES. 



Supposed to be taken where the dotted line A B is sitnated upon the ground plan. 



of which the proprietor will reap an advantage. Quadrupeds perform 

 much more gayly when harnessed with a companion that they love ; and 

 should the owner be, at any time, pressed for room, one or two additional 

 spare boxes can always be commanded by allowing equine friends to 

 enjoy the same compartment. 



There is, however, running throughout society, a strange prejudice 

 against permitting any communication between the inhabitants of the 

 stable. Such a dislike cannot be justified by appealing to nature, as 

 horses, when free to exercise a choice, always congregate in herds. 

 Neither is it warranted by universal custom. In cavalry stables, the 

 quadrupeds are merely separated by bales, or by poles suspended at 

 either extremity by chains, and hanging between the animals. The habit 

 also does not gain any support from consistency of conduct ; since the 

 gentleman who shall shudder at the possibility of any communion in his 

 stable, will, nevertheless, allow numerous equine creatures to assemble 

 together, and leave them without check, when he turns his stud into the 

 field to be "freshened up" by a "run at grass." 



The boxes have each a distinct entrance. The doors are fixed in the 

 wall, and open upon the ambulatory. Each entrance is nine feet high 

 and six feet six inches wide, all sharp edges and projecting iron-work, as 

 hinges, latches, locks, etc., being strictly forbidden. Such things often 

 injure animals while in the act of passing through these openings, and 

 should never be permitted to project in any well-managed establishment. 



The folding doors, are divided into two parts, though not absolutely 

 in the center, since the lower portion extends only four feet from the 

 ground. The upper part can be thrown wide, without releasing the 



