34 



The Stable- Yard and its Occupants. 



Ventilation. — To complete the ventilation, the only 

 further requirements will be an opening in the ceiling — 

 not immediately over the horses, but in the rear over the 

 passage, — fitted with an ornamental ventilating grating, to 



be shut and open at will, leading to an air-flue laid between 

 the joists, and conducting the foul air from the stables to 

 the outside through an ornamental perforated air brick or 

 iron grating. A similar ventilating grating, to regulate the 

 admission of fresh air, will only be necessary where the 

 doors and windows are small, and fit very accurately. 



Paving. — The materials for paving should be of the 

 hardest quality, on good sound ballast or concrete foun- 

 dation. Any absorbent materials must be rejected — first, 

 because they will not be of sufficient durability; and, 

 secondly, because, from their nature, they will retain part 

 of the manure, and the stables will never be sweet. The 

 paving of boxes and stalls should be laid with a regular 

 gentle slope to the drain, which should always be in the 

 centre. Irrespective of other advantages, the horses stand 

 on the level, and take their rest more comfortably. 



An occasional sprinkling of gypsum (sulphate of lime), 

 when cleaning the stables, will be found to act as a great 

 purifier. Its great affinity for ammonia causes it to absorb 

 a great quantity of the gases generated in the stables, 

 which will thereby lose all their offensive smell ; and none 

 of the ammonia will be lost, but will be retained in a con- 

 dition serviceable as manure. 



Partitions. — The partition for stalls will be match- 

 lined both sides, and about 4 ft. 2 in. in rear, with a ramp, 

 and rising to 6 ft. 2 in. towards the mangers; with iron 

 pillar at the end next passage, with rings for pillar reins. 

 Sometimes, also, the match-lining will be carried through 



