220 STABLES. 



hollow space between them. In both cases, iron ties con- 

 nect the two walls together. The use of glazed bricks for 

 the interior surface of the walls gives a stable a smart 

 appearance. These bricks can be obtained of any desired 

 colour and glazed on the side, top, or end, so as to meet the 

 exigencies of construction. The lower rows, so as to give 

 the look of a dado, may be of different colour to that of the 

 upper rows ; for instance, the former being a dark green or 

 dark red, and the latter a pale green. Glazed bricks cost 

 about five times as much as good ordinary bricks. In the 

 construction of walls, care should be taken that only the best 

 of mortar is used, neglect of which precaution is often shown 

 by the presence of gaping interstices, especially in brick 

 walls. The sand employed in making mortar should be 

 " clean and sharp," that is to say, it should be free from 

 organic matter and should be siliceous (composed of quartz). 



Wood is in most respects objectionable. It decays quickly ; 

 harbours vermin and parasites ; is very absorbent ; is liable 

 to catch fire ; is apt to shrink and warp ; and, when used in 

 a thickness suitable for economic requirements, it fails to keep 

 out heat in summer and cold in winter. The only advantages 

 it possesses over brick and stone are its cheapness ; the facility 

 with which it can be adapted to purposes of construction ; 

 and the fact that wooden stables can be made portable. 



Walls made of good clay and wheaten straw (mud walls) 

 are inexpensive ; last a long time, considering their cost ; and 

 give good protection against inclement weather and changes 

 of atmospheric temperature. They are, however, too 

 unsightly for general use, and harbour insects, especially 

 wasps and bees. 



INNER WALLS AND DIVISIONS. 



For the inner walls and divisions, iron in various forms is 

 to be recommended ; for it is non-absorbent, non-inflammable, 



