6 THE TRAINING STABLES. 



over a broad wire screen, which mechanically separates the 

 dust and small seeds from the corn. Thus a saving of labour 

 is effected ; for, though all the corn is again thoroughly sifted, 

 or should be, it is less trouble to do so after than before, and 

 it is done more effectually. The hay is kept in lofts, and suffi- 

 cient only for each day's consumption is removed to the closed 

 bins below; by this means it is kept from the tainted smell 

 of the stables and when given is fresh and sweet. 



The lofts are approached by a side entrance so that no 

 fodder passes through the yard in transit to them. 



The stables are lighted through thirty-nine windows in iron 

 frames, each four feet square. This is most desirable, as 

 giving the needful amount of light in which most stables 

 are deficient. The ventilation is effected through air-holes 

 at the top and bottom about a foot square each, behind 

 and over the heads of the horses in proportion of about 

 two to each horse ; which is ample. For entering and 

 leaving the stables there are thirteen doors, eight feet nine 

 inches high, opening inside flush with the wall, and four 

 feet broad. 



Something may be said about the relative merits of boxes 

 and stalls, which respectively have their advocates. The fact 

 is, both are necessary in every stable. If a horse is a weaver 

 put him into a box, for in it he is more contented and often 

 forgets his tricks. On the other hand, some horses, that 

 in a box would walk themselves to a standstill (being as 

 restless as a caged hyena) in a stall will rest comfortably 

 and consequently do better. 



The manure is carted away to a distance every morning. 

 In town, where space cannot be had for money, it is 

 necessarily economised, a dung pit being made in the 

 centre of the yard, where the manure is deposited and left, 



