46 STABLES. 



choice of that are unable to perform labour of any 

 description. Nothing can be more agreeable to a 

 fatigued traveller, than to place his horse in possession 

 of every pleasure, every comfort possible, after his 

 having faithfully performed a hard ride, or on a journey ; 

 which he cannot have the opportunity of doing, unless 

 a fit person is selected for an hostler. 



Many fine horses and stables have been destroyed 

 by carelessness. Hostlers that smoke pipes or segars, 

 are unfit for that employment. 



STABLES. 



Nothing conduces more to the health of a horse, 

 than a good and wholesome stable. It should be built 

 upon a high, airy, and firm situation, that the horse, in 

 bad weather, may come in and go out clean. No 

 animal delights more in cleanliness than the horse, or 

 to whom bad smells are more disagreeable and perni- 

 cious. Great attention should be paid to the removal 

 of all offensive and putrid matter, to prevent the farcy 

 and other troublesome and distressing diseases, which 

 frequently proceed from such neglect. A log stable is 

 preferable to any other, on account of its admitting a 

 free circulation of air in summer ; and by the use of 

 slabs or straw in winter, can be made warm and com- 

 fortable. Opposite to each stall there should be a 

 lattice or window, with a shutter ; by which means you 

 can, at pleasure, either welcome the cheering breeze, 

 or bar out the threatening storm. The rack should be 

 smooth, high, and firmly fastened to the wall ; which 

 will prevent a horse injuring his eyes, skinning his 



