302 



STABLING. 



time keep it dry, it should be constructed as follows : Incline the 

 floor backward about two inches, making it water-tight, with an' 

 opening or drain at the back end for the water to pass off. Arrange 

 upon this an extra floor of slats about an inch to an inch and a 

 quarter thick, and five eighths to three fourths of an inch apart- 

 The back ends should be two inches thicker than the front, to com- 

 pensate for the slope of the floor underneath, and thus give a level 

 surface for the animal to stand upon, while the water can pass be- 

 tween the slats and drain off. This upper floor 'should be made in 

 two parts, so as to open from the center upward, and stand upon 

 edge while the lower floor is washed or cleansed as desired. This is 

 the method of construction in one of the most perfect stables in the 



country, to an examina- 

 tion of Which the author 

 is indebted for the idea. 



The door should be 

 large, with an extra one 

 of slats, which can be used 

 during warm weather ex- 

 clusively for light and 

 ventilation. It would also 

 be well to have screens or 

 mosquito - netting over 

 the door and windows, to 

 protect the horse from 

 flies, — a great annoyance 

 to sensitive animals. 



v. 



One of the most serious objections to stables as they are usually 

 constructed throughout the country, is the lack of proper ventilation. 

 Usually they are nothing but close boxes, and entirely too small for 

 the number of horses kept in them. The doors and windows are 

 closed, and the bedding, saturated with ammonia, is tucked away 

 under the manger. If there is an upper flooring, it is made the re- 

 ceptacle for hay, so that it not only obstructs any possible ventila- 

 tion through the stable, but by becoming impregnated with the 

 poisoned air below, it is rendered unfit for food. Any one going 

 into such a stable, especially during warm weather, will have the 

 eyes immediately affected by the escape of ammonia, which, with 

 the contamination of the air, caused by being breathed over and over, 

 makes it even sickening to breathe any length of time. 



It is evident that to supply the wear and tear of bodily struct- 

 ure, the food must not only be good, but of sufficient quantity to 



Pig. 368. — The Accepted Method in General Use. 



