STABLES AS THEY SHOULD BE. 



325 



even witli the highest rafter of the roof There is also another ana a 

 smaller window, that enables the person looking through it to command 

 a perfect view of the stable. 



Connected with this apartment is a bell, which sounds in an adjacent 

 cottage, where the grooms reside. Should assistance be required, the 

 bell, being gently touched once, intimates that the help of one groom is 

 necessary. A violent ring indicates the need of all haste. Two sounds 

 announce that two grooms are wanted. Thus the number of men is 

 always told by the number of sounds ; and the occasion for quickness 

 is suggested by the violence with which the wire is moved. A number 

 of loud sounds, rapidly succeeding one another, is a signal to come 

 immediately, and to bring such extra assistance as can be readily pro- 

 cured. 



Another advantage is secured by a man being awake, and upon the 

 premises. The present necessity for cramming the entire quantity of 

 food down the animal by a particular hour is thereby avoided. The 

 natural habits of the horse can be attended to, the animal not being left 

 twelve long hours alone and without employment. The five feeds might 

 be better distributed if given at six in the morning, twelve in the day, 

 five in the afternoon, ten at night, and two o'clock on the following 

 morning. If this plan of feeding were tried and the fodder properly 

 prepared before being placed in the manger, the animal would enjoy its 

 provision more, and fewer complaints would be heard about the fasti- 

 dious appetite of a creature whose natural propensities are, by present 

 customs, openly violated. 



THE ELEVATION OP THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE CONTEMPLATED STABLE. 



The night watcher of a stable has more serious duties to perform 

 than most people associate with a comfortable, although a humble 

 room. The groom, having finished the day's work, ascends to the 

 apartment, and remains there until his fellows return on the following 

 morning, or unless some business occasions him to quit it. There are 

 light, fire, table, chair, couch, and rugs provided. The man is not for- 

 bidden to sleep ; but while he rests, the window which overlooks the 



