THE FARM HOMESTEAD. Ill 



is injurious to the health of animals. For the beds we find 

 well-made concrete consisting of gravel and hydraulic lime 

 when skilfully laid cheap, durable, and efficient. As 

 stated elsewhere, we strictly prohibit all underground drains. 

 Where a sufficient supply of water can be obtained the 

 cow-houses should be flushed out daily. 



There exists some difference of opinion amongst practical 

 men as to the arrangement of the stable. On some farms 

 the work-horses are housed in an open shed without any 

 stalls, whilst in others each horse is divided from his 

 neighbour by a wooden .division : this is generally to be 

 preferred as insuring greater comfort and less danger of 

 accidents. We prefer brick to wooden or iron mangers in 

 the stable, similar to those already described for cattle. 

 The old-fashioned system of high racks is discontinued in 

 modern erections : racks, if used afc all, are on the same 

 level with the manger, and slotted in front. Work-horses 

 are now generally fed on prepared food, hence the need of 

 a rack is obviated. The standings should be pitched with 

 durable materials, in order to withstand the constant and 

 heavy wear and tear. Whatever material is used for 

 pitching, the interstices should be flushed up with grout 

 composed of hydraulic mortar, in order to prevent the 

 collection of urine. Perfect ventilation, plenty of light, and 

 immunity from draught are necessary. A separate place 

 should be kept for the harness. Evaporation from wet 

 leather vitiates the atmosphere, and is injurious to health. 

 Lofts over stables or cattle sheds can only be tolerated 

 in large towns, where land is expensive ; and, in this case, 

 we should recommend that when possible the animals 

 should be lodged in the upper story, and the ground 

 floor used for storage ! A loft over live animals not only 



