96 STABLE MANAGEMENT. 



likely to give rise to a troublesome sore, called a 

 "bursattee" ulcer. Some horses are very trouble- 

 some to do this with, and it may be necessary to 

 put on a twitch (" kinch mhal ") ; but this should 

 always be done in the owner's presence. 



Light in Stables. 



With a new-comer, " syces " usually ask for oil 

 to burn in a native earthenware lamp (charragh) 

 at night, but it is a thing I never allow. In the 

 first place, even if the lamp was kept burning, it 

 is not required ; horses rest better in the dark. In 

 the second, it is dangerous with so much inflammable 

 material about. In the third, the lamp will not be 

 used in the stable, but the " syce's " own house. If a 

 light is ever required, which is only on rare occasions , 

 it is better to bring a lantern out of the house ; and 

 in India there is always a hurricane-lantern to be 

 found in every house. 



Fires in Yerandahs. 



" Syces " are very fond of lighting fires and making 

 cooking places in the verandah of the stable, but this 

 I never allow, as it litters the place up with cooking 

 pots, and makes a great mess ; also, it is dangerous. 

 I always make them caiTy on their cooking opera- 

 tions in the verandahs of their own houses. 



