63 



are a constant source of trouble. Thus, pitch-pine 

 boarding is probably the greatest improvement which 

 has been introduced into pit stables during recent 

 years. All interior walls are washed periodically with 

 lime, which renders them sweet and clean, in addi- 

 tion to giving them a bright, cheerful appearance. 

 Stables are generally lighted by electricity, which 

 is both safe and convenient. The swing bars dis- 

 pense with corners, and the floor, in consequence, is 

 more easily brushed and kept clean. The water- 

 tanks are generally within easy reach of the stables, 

 and it is preferable to have the water brought in 

 pipes from the surface, rather than use that which 

 gathers in the mine, as the former is generally purer 

 and fresher. 



OTHER BREEDS OF PONIES. 



Welsh and Iceland ponies are also used in mines 

 where the seams are high enough to admit them, but 

 experience proves that these ponies do not possess 

 the relative strength and stamina of the hardy Shet- 

 landers, nor are they so easily trained to the peculi- 

 arities of the work. They are generally more nervous 

 and take a much longer time to become tractable, 

 and a good proportion of them frequently develop 

 into unsteady workers, which, in the limited space 

 of mines, is both awkward and dangerous. With 

 Shetlanders, this form of vice very seldom appears. 

 All pit ponies should wear strong leather skull-caps, 

 and when they bump their heads against the inequal- 



