4 HOESE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



shape, ran underneath each long line of stalls ; the 

 planks which formed the flooring being made to fit 

 accurately across it. When the horses were out at 

 work, the planks could be readily removed and the 

 shallow drain washed out. To prevent the absorption 

 of moisture by the wood, it could be tarred over, or 

 soaked with asphalte. The special advantage of wood 

 for the flooring of a stable is that it is a bad conductor 

 of heat, and would consequently act as a preventive of 

 chill and cold. Wood is often employed as a flooring 

 of stables in the Straits Settlement and Far East. 



In many parts of India, Jcunkurm&y be obtained, and 

 can, then, be applied in the same manner as it is used 

 for metalling roads. In default of it, pounded bricks, 

 which are employed for the same purpose, may be 

 substituted. After these floors are laid down, the 

 stables should not be used until they are thoroughly 

 dry, and the concrete has become hard and solid. 

 Horses stabled in stalls laid down with concrete are, 

 during the prevalence of Loodianah fever and influenza, 

 much less liable to be attacked by these diseases, than 

 they would be, if the floors of their stalls were capable 

 of retaining moisture. 



If it be not practicable to have the floors made of 

 waterproof material, they should be kept covered with 

 five or six inches of sand, the tainted parts of which 

 should be daily removed, and replaced by a fresh 

 supply. 



Damp stables are the sources of many serious ail- 

 ments to the horse, who can keep health and condition 

 alone in a dry habitation. This most important fact 

 should never be lost sight of by the horse owner. 



