20 



STABLE ECONOMY. 



The best lighted stables I have ever seen, are those belong- 

 ing to Mr. Lyon of Glasgow (Fig. 1). They are lighted from 

 the roof. 



Fig. 1. 



Each contains sixteen horses. The hay-lofts are over the 

 stable. Light is conducted through the lofts to each stable 

 by two wooden tunnels, which are covered by large windows. 

 Mr. Laing's sale stable at Edinburgh is also lighted from the 

 roof. When the hay-loft is above the stables, the windows 

 very much diminish its size. That is the only objection to 

 sky-lights. In single-headed stables side-windows answer 

 quite as well, when properly placed, and of sufficient size. 

 But in double-headed stables it is difficult to place them in 

 such a manner that the light shall not fall directly upon the 

 horses' eyes. To be safe, and out of the way, they must be 

 high in the wall ; and, to give sufficient liglit, tho}^ must be 

 numerous, and ranged along each side. This can seldom be 

 managed ; indeed it is seldom attempted. Most people seem 

 to think that light is little wanted in a stable ; and, truly, 

 after all the horses have become blind for want of it, there is 

 not so much need for windows. There is in general some 

 kind of apology for a window. There may be a pane or two 

 of glass above the door, or a hole at one end of the stable. 

 When the man is working, he has light enough from the door, 

 and the horses have the benefit of that. Besides, it is said, 

 horses do not require light. They thrive best in the dark ! 



From these and similar abuses, innovation always meets 

 with some resistance. Some miserable plea is offered in favor 



