2i 4 KINGSCLERE 



be kept at any degree that may be required. From 

 experience, 60 degrees has been found to be the 

 proper temperature. 



Drainage. — There are no drains at the stables 

 at Kingsclere except those for taking the rain-water 

 away ; but in my opinion this is a most extravagant 

 procedure, because it entails the use of so much 

 extra litter. But as economy is not studied at 

 Kingsclere, Mr. Porter thinks this matter of no 

 moment. I maintain, however, that there should be 

 drainage from each box, and the principle I always 

 work upon is this : a main drain should pass along 

 the entire length of each wing of the stable, under 

 a floor constructed of glazed stoneware pipes jointed 

 in cement so as to be perfectly watertight, with con- 

 necting branch drains from the boxes or stalls. The 

 end in the box should be connected by a properly 

 constructed trap so as to prevent any impure gases 

 from entering the stables. Further, the main drain 

 should be continued to the end of the stable, and 

 then up the wall with not less than a 4-in. iron pipe 

 as a ventilator, while the connection of the drain to 

 the cesspool should be cut off by means of an 

 interceptor trap, so as to sever the connection of the 

 drain and cesspool. There should also be a fresh 

 air inlet fixed in the main drain close to the inter- 

 ceptor trap, but on the stable side of it. By this 

 means a current of fresh air is kept constantly 

 passing through the drains. I cannot but think that, 

 if this system were properly carried out in all its 

 details, no horse could suffer from impure gases, 

 and I am sure the cost of the litter bill would be 

 considerably less than it is in a stable where there 

 are no drains. Of course I am assuming that straw 

 is used for litter, and not peat moss. If peat moss 

 be used, then there cannot be efficient drainage at 

 all ; for the drains will become choked, saturated 

 with urine, and a terrible source of mischief. 



