CHAPTER I. 



STABLES. 



The Gentleman's Stable — Its Comfort — Completeness — "Walls — 

 Windows — Doors — Drainage — Stalls — Mangers and Racks — 

 Hall Posts — Loose-Boxes — Advantages and Disadvantages — 

 Ventilation — Light — Temperature — Sleeping-Room — Carriage- 

 House and Harness Room or Closet. 



At no day since the domestication of the horse, has he 

 been so comfortably provided for as in the stable of the 

 American gentleman. The splendor and pomp of the wise 

 king of Israel, the gaudy trapping, tinselled show and orna- 

 mental fixtures of the oriental prince, cannot be compared 

 with the more substantial arrangements provided for the 

 care and comfort of American carriage and pleasure horses. 

 Whatever lack of comfort there may be found to exist can- 

 not be truthfully charged to any imperfection or want of 

 provision in the construction of our fine stables in all their 

 details. This may without fear of contradiction be called 

 the heyday of stable comfort for the horse of the gentleman 

 of the United States. High ceilings, airy stalls, ample 

 loose-boxes, good drainage with free ventilation, will be 

 found to be the rule and not the exception. Compare the 



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