274 THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ESTATE. 



then have some gas-tar boiled along with some lime ; let this mixture 

 be poured into and over the stones, so as to cover them ; and, having 

 made the surface level, throw some gravel over it, and allow it to settle 

 and cool, when it will be completed. Then, of course, any other kind 

 of flooring can be put over this, if desired. 



9. The Arrangement of the Stable The width of a stable should not 

 be less than eighteen feet all the better if made twenty feet broad ; the 

 length of course depends upon the number of stalls required. The 

 stalls should not be less than seven feet wide ; this gives any horse 

 ample room to lie down with comfort, and for his attendant to get up 

 beside him. The width of a stable will be taken up with 



18 



This leaves room behind the horses for stable utensils. The harness 

 should not be placed against the wall in a work-horse stable, as is 

 usually done. There should be a room at the end of the stable for this 

 purpose, or if the stable be a long one, then it should be placed in the 

 centre. The dampness arising from the sweat of the horses is injurious 

 to harness. 



The division of the stalls should be made strong, and of wood, with 

 the exception that the heel-post and top bar may be made of iron. 



In fig. 104 is shown two stalls and a loose-box of a stable, with the 

 heels of divisions, rails, racks, mangers, and guttering made of iron, the 

 different articles of which are manufactured by several firms. The 

 prices of these articles are for sunk rack, manger, and gruel-pot, as 

 shown in the left-hand stall, 36s. ; for rack and manger, as shown in 

 the right-hand stall, 32s. These fittings for stables have a very neat 

 appearance, are cheap, easily kept clean, and altogether very much suited 

 for the purpose. 



The iron guttering is a great improvement on the old open gutter. The 

 price of it in straight lengths ranges from Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per foot, and 

 angle pieces from 3s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. each. 



A stable should be open to the roof, and no hay-loft should be allowed 

 above, as is so often the case. 



Very neat and durable stall-divisions are also made entirely of wood. 

 The wooden posts are sunk into a stone, which is much better than the 

 plan of sinking the posts in the soil. The old-fashioned hay-racks made 



