248 STABLES. 



of the ground, and, like the saddle room, it should have 

 a waterproof floor, and the walls and ceiling lined with 

 match boarding. The coach-house should have a heating ap- 

 paratus to be used in cold and particularly in damp weather. 

 The best kind is that of hot-water pipes ; for the fumes 

 from coal and gas quickly tarnish silver mountings. A 

 hook should be placed high up on one of the walls on which 

 to hang the pole, so that the pole may not become bent, 

 as would be liable to happen if it were placed resting against 

 a wall. In this position, its hook on the swivel head is 

 also apt to become damaged. For each two-wheeled trap 

 there should be a stand on which to rest the shafts. When 

 in use, this stand should be placed at from a foot to eighteen 

 inches in front of the cross-bar. If it is put under the 

 points of the shafts, as is often done, the shafts will in time 

 become bent, and the appearance and balance of the con- 

 veyance will become spoiled. The same disastrous result 

 will be obtained by allowing the points of the shafts to rest 

 on the ground. There ought to be a jack or two for raising 

 the wheels when they are to be cleaned ; and a whip-rack for 

 hanging driving whips on. 



WASH BOX. 



This room or building, which is used for the washing of 

 carriages, should be covered over, preferably with glass, so 

 that it may be well lighted by day ; paved with some water- 

 proof material, such as cement-concrete ; and supplied, if 

 practicable, with abundance of water under sufficient pressure 

 for the employment of a hose. It should be provided with 

 ample artificial light for night work. 



FORGE. 



Every large stable should have a well-appointed forge 

 in which the horses' feet can be attended to without 



