174 THE HORSE. 



be hung. This is a capital plan where space is scanty, but other- 

 wise it is not to be recommended. Where a long cupboard can be 

 separated off by hanging doors, either of glass or panel, the har- 

 ness and saddlery can be kept in very nice order; and even a cur-, 

 tain of cloth or canvas will serve a similar purpose, when drawn 

 across in front of them. In addition to the brackets, bridle hooks, 

 either single or double, must be attached to the walls, to hang the 

 bridles, stirrup leathers, &c.,to. Masters who are particular about 

 their stable arrangements have many other fittings, such as wheels 

 for whip-lashes to hang over, &c. &c.; but those which I have 

 enumerated are the essentials for a harness-room intended for use 

 rather than show. A double hook suspended from the ceiling, 

 where it can be used to hang dirty harness on while washing it, is 

 extremely useful; but any groom who understands his business 

 will suggest something of the kind, according to circumstances. 



COACH HOUSE. 



IN THE COACH HOUSE mere standing room is all that is neces- 

 sary to provide if the harness-room stove is made to answer the 

 double purpose of airing both, which should always be managed. 

 Open carriages may be kept in tolerably good order without any 

 stove, but the lining of close carriages soon becomes mouldy unless 

 heat in some form or other be applied. 



SERVANTS' BOOMS. 



LITTLE NEED BE HERE SAID of the servants' rooms, but I cer- 

 tainly agree with Mr. Miles in his objection to placing them over 

 the horses. Quiet is essential to the sleep of these animals, and if 

 grooms are to be walking over head at all hours their sleep must 

 necessarily be disturbed. It is always well to have a groom's room 

 within hearing of his horses, so that if any of them get cast, or are 

 taken ill, he may be able at once to go to their assistance, but this 

 can readily be done without placing any lodging rooms over the 

 stalls or boxes. 



GROUND PLANS OF STABLES. 



IN DECIDING ON THE BEST ground plan for stabling a great deal 

 must always depend upon the kind and number of horses to be 

 placed in it. In the following plans I shall consider the two ex- 

 tremes afforded by those for racehorses or hunters on the one hand, 

 and on the other by the hack or harness stable for two or three 

 horses where space is a great object. As a general rule racehorses 

 and hunters require a loose box each, because they are often 

 greatly distressed, and must then have entire rest and quiet to 

 enable them to recover themselves. They are also a great many 

 hours together in the stable, and being called upon for great exer- 

 tions when out they ought to have plenty of air when indoors 



