216 STABLES. 



to rest on their ends. In any case the planks, when in use 

 should be removed at least once a day during the absence 

 of the horses, washed and dried, and the under surface should 

 be cleaned out. The planks can be tarred over or soaked 

 in asphalt in order to lessen their power of absorbing 

 moisture. This form of floor drains off the urine rapidly, 

 especially if openings be made between the planks at con- 

 venient distances and of suitable size. I have found that 

 its employment does not entail more labour in cleaning out 

 than the usual arrangement, and that its only drawback is 

 the necessity for extra space for washing and drying the 

 planks. A somewhat similar plan, except that the floor is 

 formed of a frame of trellis wood-work which rests on a 

 flat waterproof under-surface, is sometimes used for stalls 

 and boxes in England. The trellis work has the advantage 

 of being less slippery than planks. It is almost needless 

 to say that this employment of wood should be restricted to 

 stalls and boxes. 



Cobble stones (bowlers, kidney stones, or pebbles), form 

 a cheap flooring ; but have the serious disadvantages of 

 giving an uneven bearing to the horses' feet ; of being more 

 or less uncomfortable to lie upon ; of allowing moisture to 

 soak in between the interstices of the stones ; of being 

 difficult to keep clean ; and of cutting up straw bedding 

 to a much greater extent than any other kind of flooring 

 material, except perhaps granite blocks. The unevenness 

 of their surface and the difficulty of keeping them clean and 

 dry can be more or less reduced by the use of moss litter or 

 sawdust as a bedding. 



In cases where it is impossible to have a properly laid down 

 waterproof floor, a fairly efficient makeshift may be obtained 

 from one of good clay; provided that the cubic content of 

 the stable is on a liberal scale, and that there is free venti- 

 lation, so as to carry off the excess of ammonia. The clay 



