2" PRELIMHTABT EEMARES. 



information with regard to the proper construction and furnish- 

 ing of the stable, maj, perhaps, be mainly attributable to the 

 want of practical knowledge displayed by the generality of 

 architects, in details relating to Stable Architecture. Before 

 an architect can design a plan for a first-rate stable — a stable 

 replete with every necessary convenience, and with every conve- 

 nience placed in the most advantageous situation — it is certainly 

 necessary that he be practically conversant with the require- 

 ments of a stable. Yet how frequently we look upon stables, 

 which outwardly are very noble in appearance, and still, so far as 

 utility and comfort are concerned, are anything but what they 

 should be. They are either wrongly placed, badly ventilated, 

 damp, or ill drained ; or the racks and mangers are badly con- 

 structed ; or the stalls are too narrow, or too broad; or there are 

 other deficiencies which a practical eye detects at once. We 

 should suppose it would be a very natural question for a gen- 

 tleman about to build a stable, to ask his architect, if he knew 

 practically every requirement necessary to the proper feeding, 

 grooming, and hygienic treatment of the horse ; and if he did 

 not, how could such an architect give a plan wherefrom to con- 

 struct a stable, replete with every arrangement and contrivance 

 necessary for the comfort of its inmates ? In the construction 

 of a dwelling-house, an architect may be supposed not to be 

 ignorant of the requirements necessary : he should, in fact, be 

 familiar with them from the necessity of his position. But a 

 familiarity with horses, and with their requirements, does not 

 fall to the lot of every man ; neither is the information to be 

 obtained in a day. It is only by a practical knowledge of the 

 wants and requirements of the animal to be lodged, that a man 

 is qualified to construct a proper dwelling for it. In speaking 

 of the general ignorance of architects upon these matters, I do 

 not wish to be understood as writing in a spirit of censure ; but 



