36 AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE. 



being converted into a vegetable growth, wliicb is followed 

 by the production of innumerable animalcules ; a clear 

 proof that it contains organic matter, otherwise it could not 

 nourish organic beings. This is the result of the beautiful 

 experiments of Dr. Angus Smith, where he showed how 

 the lungs and skin gave out organic matter, which is in 

 itself a deadly poison, producing zymotic and epidemic dis- 

 ease according to its strength. So potent is it for iujury, 

 that if a drop of the liquid matter obtained by the conden- 

 sation of the air of a foul place be introduced into the vein 

 of a dog, it will produce death with the usual phenomena 

 of typhus fever. Ventilation and cleanliness are the only 

 remedies for this evil, acting not as miracles, but in accord- 

 ance with natural laws, the disobedience of which is sick- 

 ness, and perhaps premature death. 



The lighting of stables is a matter of much moment 

 for the maintenance of health, and the prevention of dis- 

 ease among men and horses. We are told that institutions 

 of the old world can show by statistics, the immunity from 

 disease of the inmates on the light side of the building, 

 while those confined on the dark side are more frequently 

 affected, and more liable to sickness. The lighting of sta- 

 bles, like other buildings in large cities, is at all times or 

 situations no easy matter, as was mentioned when speak- 

 ing of windows. There seems to be an inherent prejudice 

 existing against stables with lights facing, and the horses 

 looking towards the dwellings or property of others not 

 interested in the stable or its stock. To obviate this diffi- 



