THE HORSE KEEPER'S GUIDE. 279 



The paits numbered 1, 2 and 3, are the windows, which 

 must be as elevated as the height of the stable will per- 

 mit. 



It will be observed that there are two doors to this sta- 

 rtle, one at each end ; but it will be also noticed that they 

 '^pen so that no current of wind can affect the horses. The 

 Ptable must be so paved that all the wet shall drain into the 

 gutter, and out of that by another drain to caiTy every 

 thing clean away. 



The walls of a stable should be built of brick, upon a 

 iirouted concrete foundation, which will effectually prevent 

 the walls from ever becoming damp. Stoue is occasionally 

 used ; but it has no advantage over brick. The wall should 

 not be less than nine inches thick ; but if fourteen inches 

 thick, it will be better. Stables should not be constructed 

 of wood ; they are always too cold in winter, and too warm 

 m summer. The inside of the walls may be plastered or 

 boarded ; but the stalls should all be hned with wood in 

 /ront, for about three feet above the manger, and sideways 

 to the full height of the partitions. Stalls so lined, are 

 very durable ; and when the upper part is plastered, the 

 whole stable has a clean and comfortable appearance. 



Single-headed stables, that is, those wherein the stalls 

 are ranged on one side only, are decidedly the best : dou- 

 ble-headed stables, where the space between is contracted, 

 are very objectionable, as many accidents arise from horses 

 kicking at each other; which some are very apt tj do, 

 when others are leaving or entering the stables ; indeed, 

 some mischievous horses will kick whenever another horse 

 passes or is placed directly behind. Where the stable is 

 double-headed, the space between the rows of stalls should 

 not be less than six to eight feet in width. 



The door of the stable should be full five feet wide, 

 and not less than eight feet high. It is too generally of a 

 less width ; but as the custom of low and narrow door 

 ways \s occasionally productive of accident, particularly 

 with s!vange and shy horses, a greater width and height 

 are recommended as far preferable. The sill of the door 

 should be raised three or four inches above the outer sur- 

 face ; and if bevilled off, so as to afford no obstruction to 

 the entrance, it will oe better. 



Windows are very often too much neglected, or too 

 small, or ill placed. Light thrown down from the roof, 



