THE CONSTRUCTION OF FARM-BUILDINGS AND COTTAGES. 2*71 



to give light; and if there is any clanger of a stable utensil being thrown 

 against it, so as to break the glass, then it should be protected by close 

 wire netting. Stables are generally made too dark ; and to this cause, 

 and the want of ventilation, are to be attributed the many cases which 

 we meet with of defective sight in horses. 



Windows for cowhouses or byres should also be made on the same 

 principle, by having large windows, both top and lower halves being 

 glazed, and the upper half made to open. 



Granary windows should be made to admit of sufficient air and light, 

 and at the same time keep any vermin from getting in. There is no- 

 thing so well adapted for this as perforated zinc, which can be got in 

 sheets fit for the purpose. Where it may be necessary at any time to 

 have the windows shut close, then a glazed and sashed frame could be 

 fixed inside the zinc one, and made to open and shut at pleasure. 



6. Ventilators. It is an important matter to secure a regular supply 

 of fresh air in buildings, especially in those which are to contain a large 

 number of live stock, such as horses and cattle. Even at the present 

 day, grooms seem to think fresh air pernicious to the health of horses. 

 They are careful to stop every hole where it is possible it will get in. 

 The heat and smell which may be discerned on entering many stables 

 when first opened in the morning, are really very injurious to the health 

 of the animals living in them. Such treatment of horses is sure to bring 

 on certain diseases such as sore throat, glanders, grease, influenza, and 

 inflammation. The ammonia, when kept confined, gives rise to sore 

 eyes, sore nostrils and throat Fresh air should be admitted to all 

 stables and cowhouses, so as not to cause a draught, or to come into 

 immediate contact with the animal's body, and this can only be done 

 by having the ventilation above the animals. All the gases which 

 arise from the animals, their manure, or .urine, are lighter than common 

 air, and therefore they will rise to the top of the building. It is recom- 

 mended by some architects to have an opening immediately in front 

 of the horse's head, or a little above it. This is not a judicious plan, 

 as it is not desirable to have cold air passing over an animal, especially 

 when it comes into the stable heated. The best means of admitting, a 

 supply of fresh air to farm-buildings of any kind without injury to 

 the stock is, in my opinion, to have the ventilator in the ridge of the 

 roof; and one such is shown in fig. 100. It is fitted with louvre- 

 boards a, which are placed as fixtures. These always remain open, and 

 are placed so as to prevent rain or snow getting in, but at the same time 

 to admit fresh air. The roof 6 is slated, and the ridges covered with 

 lead, c is a covering of lead above the slates and immediately below 

 the ventilator. This kind of ventilator musl vary in size according to 



