TEMPERATURE OF STABLES. 199 



even if the temperature of the stable is as cold as that of a 

 Siberian winter. We should bear in mind that the effect of 

 heat is to lessen the number of respirations ; that is to say, it 

 diminishes the action of the lungs. In the influence of resi- 

 dence in high altitudes on cases of phthisis (pulmonary con- 

 sumption), we have a good instance of the beneficial effect, on 

 the lungs, of a climate which acts as a stimulant to them. 



The least objectionable form of artificially warming the 

 inhabitants of a dwelling, is by radiated heat, which, as we 

 have seen, has the property of heating the object upon which 

 it falls, without raising the temperature of the medium 

 through which it passes. Consequently, in a room with an 

 open grate and a brightly burning fire, we may keep warm, even 

 when the air inside the room remains cold. With a system of 

 heating by conduction as for instance by hot-water pipes or 

 hot air the persons or animals inside the room become 

 warmed solely by contact with the heated air, which, as 

 we have seen, has a depressing effect on the lungs. The 

 application to stable management of radiated heat acting 

 directly on horses, is of course out of the question in ordinary 

 circumstances. 



I have had many opportunities in Russia of comparing the 

 relative healthiness, during very cold weather, of hot stables 

 and of those kept at a natural temperature. In large towns in 

 Russia, the practice throughout the winter is to have stables at 

 a temperature of from 50 to 65 F., the difference between the 

 temperature inside and outside being not unfrequently over 

 80 F. Consequently, influenza, inflammation of the eyes, and 

 diseases of the organs of breathing, especially roaring among 

 big horses, are common in these abodes. In the Russian 

 cavalry remount depots (cadres], an entirely different course is 

 pursued ; for the stables at these places are immensely roomy, 

 very lofty, and are ventilated so freely and kept so clean, that 

 even in the early mornings before the horses are taken out, 



