THE HORSE. 99 



stricken by a chilling blast, rendered amiss and in- 

 capable of going on with their work. This would 

 not do prettily within a short time of an engage- 

 ment. The aeration of the stable being effected by 

 opposite windows, with closed doors, prevents the 

 intrusion of improper objects ; none such, however, 

 should be allowed in the vicinity. 



In my book last quoted (History of the Horse), I 

 recommended the rotunda form for stabling, as 

 affording the invaluable convenience of a circular 

 ride for exercise. " The circular buildings to contain 

 stables, boxes, carriage houses, harness and saddle- 

 rooms, granary, lodging for grooms, smith's forge, 

 surgery, bath, and every other requisite convenience 

 for the horse or his attendants ; the internal circle to 

 contain a spacious ride, well covered above, for the 

 sake of exercise in bad weather : the uncovered area, 

 shut in from intrusion, would form a most conve- 

 nient space for all the various necessary occasions, 

 including that of a good wash pond. The roofs of 

 the building to be guttered, and so disposed as to 

 secure the rain water ; which, if wanted, might be 

 preserved in receptacles, communicating ultimately 

 with the pond in the centre." Here I am sure of the 

 suffrages of all grooms, who do not want to be re- 

 minded of the unspeakable comfort and convenience 

 both to man and horse, of an exercise ground at 

 home during cold rains and bad weather; more espe- 

 cially in a deep and dirty country. The substance 

 of the walls for regular stabling, according to the 

 best recommendation, is from one and half to two 

 bricks thick : the latter deemed preferable, both for 



