ARCHITECT'S DESCRIPTION 211 



are laid on a covering of boarding and felt, in my 

 opinion they form the perfection of a roof. In some 

 cases I have at the request of my clients filled in 

 the spaces between the rafters with straw, and, if it 

 were not for this becoming a harbour for rats and 

 mice and other vermin, I have no doubt would con 

 stitute an excellent roof, straw being an efficient 

 non-conductor of heat. 



The cubical space for the habitation of a race- 

 horse should not be less than 1,300 ft. — indeed, the 

 more the better. Other classes of horses have to 

 do with considerably less. Boxes should not be less 

 than 12 x 10, and they are better 12x12 as at 

 Kingsclere. The stalls should be at least 6 ft. wide 

 in the clear, while the enclosure to loose boxes 

 should not be less than 8 ft. high, as horses often 

 stand on their hind legs and fight like pugilists. 

 The divisions separating the boxes ought to be 

 solid, while the front enclosure should be provided 

 with an open iron panel the entire height, com- 

 mencing 3 ft. 6 in. from the floor line. The door to 

 the loose boxes should not be less than 3 ft. 9 in. 

 wide ; and care should be taken that no bolt in the 

 fastenings project. In fact, there should be no pro- 

 jections or sharp arrises in any part of the stable 

 where a horse can possibly injure himself. He is 

 sure to do this if there is half a chance. 



As to the manger and hay racks, let them be 

 constructed according to the sketch, fitting closely 

 into a corner, and with the under side enclosed by 

 boarding so that the horse cannot injure himself 

 when getting up. The inside of the manger should 

 be coated with a glazed enamel, so that it can be 

 easily and perfectly cleansed with a sponge. From 

 the size and shape of the front of the manger it 

 will be seen it is impossible for the horse to bite 

 and catch hold of it, and so contract the very 

 troublesome habit known as crib biting ; while the 



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