74 ON STABLE MANAGEMENT. 



delicacy of taste be restored. By proper attention to the 

 appetite, not only will a horse be kept in good health, but a 

 great saving will be effected ; for it must be borne in mind, 

 that when a horse eats more than he can digest, he does him- 

 self harm, and occasions a great waste of food. 



ON STABLE MANAGEMENT. 



As the construction and management of the stable are 

 materially connected with the prevention of disease,, it is 

 necessary that every farmer should pay particular attention 

 to this important branch, since to negligence in this depart- 

 ment may be traced many of those diseases which derange 

 the natural functions of the body. When a horse is roam- 

 ing at liberty in the forest or field, he enjoys all the advan- 

 tages of fresh and pure air, and no restriction of light. The 

 reader's attention will be first called to construction and ven- 

 tilation of the stable. 



Situation is very important ; yet in crowded cities the stable- 

 keepers have but little choice. An elevated spot should be 

 selected, if possible ; low, damp, or marshy ground is very 

 prejudicial to the comfort and health of the horse ; all low 

 situations are apt to exhale gases that are more or less 

 destructive. A moist, chilly air will engender rheumatism, 

 stiffness of the joints, colds, or common catarrh. 



Loftiness is very essential ; it prevents injury of the poll, 

 called poll evil, and provides for a larger supply of pure air for 

 the support of respiration. 



In all cases it is necessary to have the ceiling tight ; it 

 keeps the bad atmosphere of a close stable from injuring the 

 hay : by neglecting this precaution the food is rendered highly 

 injurious and unwholesome. 



The size of the stable must vary according to the number 

 of horses it is intended to contain. The stalls should be six 

 feet wide, so as to allow the horse to lie down, and nine feet 



