ROOFS. 221 



and is stronger, more durable, and occupies less space than 

 any other substance in ordinary use ; but is more expensive. 

 Iron divisions, doors, posts, and other fittings can be bought 

 ready made ; the only addition required being wood panels 

 for the lower part of the divisions (partitions) of the stalls 

 and boxes. Bricks take up a great deal of room for obtaining 

 sufficient thickness. Wood, on account of its cheapness, is 

 largely used for divisions. An objection to wood as a 

 material for divisions and doors of stalls and boxes, is that 

 horses are as a rule much inclined to gnaw it. This dis- 

 advantage can be easily obviated by placing a protective 

 covering (strips of sheet-iron, for instance) over the .wood. 

 Elm is one of the woods least open to this objection. Horses 

 are particularly fond of using their teeth on deal. 



ROOFS. 



For a roof, thick thatch affords a maximum of protection 

 from both heat and cold ; but it is inflammable ; needs 

 frequent repairs ; and invites the visits of countless birds and 

 rats. I prefer thick flat roofing tiles, especially those which 

 contain a large proportion of iron, to either slates or pantiles ; 

 for they give better protection against the weather, and are 

 more durable. Excellent tiles, which are marked " iron," are 

 made at Broseley and Ruabon. A serviceable arrangement 

 is to board the roof with I in. or \ in. boards, which are 

 then covered with roofing-felt securely nailed down, and 

 finally corrugated iron is put over the felt. This, of course, 

 does not look as well as a tiled or slated roof ; but it is 

 cheaper ; is durable ; and gives good protection against wet, 

 cold, and heat. A simple corrugated iron roof will help to 

 preserve a thatched roof over which it is placed ; but by 

 itself it affords very little protection against changes ot 

 atmospheric temperature. Great additional protection from 

 outside changes of temperature, especially when the roof is 



