2 PEELIMINAET BEMAEKS. 



with these numerous requests, and in presenting a few sug- 

 gestions upon the subjects stated. Possibly I may not advance 

 much that is new ; I do not presume, however, to write for the 

 instruction of the experienced. It is the novice in these mat- 

 ters I seek to benefit ; the object being to disseminate sound 

 information to those who require it, and who may think proper 

 to seek it from the present volume. The dearth of correct 

 information with regard to the proper construction and furnish- 

 ing of the stable, may, perhaps, be mainly attributable to the 

 want of practical knowledge displayed by the generality of 

 architects in details relating to Stable Architecture. Before 

 an architect can design a plan for a first-rate stable — a stable 

 replete with every necessary convenience, and with every conve- 

 nience placed in the most advantageous situation — it is certainly 

 necessary that he be practically conversant with the require- 

 ments of a stable. Tet how frequently we look upon stables, 

 which outwardly are very noble in appearance, and still, so far as 

 utility and comfort are concerned, are anything but what they 

 should be. They are either wrongly placed, badly ventilated, 

 damp, or ill-drained ; or the racks and mangers are badly con- 

 structed ; or the stalls are too narrow or too broad ; or there are 

 other deficiencies which a practical eye detects at once. We 

 should suppose it would be a very natural question for a gen- 

 tleman, about to build a stable, to ask his architect if he knew 

 practically every requirement necessary to the proper feeding, 

 grooming, and hygienic treatment of the hOrse ; and if he did 

 not, how could such an architect give a plan wherefrom to con- 

 struct a stable, replete with every arrangement and contrivance 

 necessary for the comfort of its inmates ? . In the construction 

 of a dwelling-house, an architect may be supposed not to be 

 ignorant of the requirements necessary : he should, in fact, be 

 familiar with them from the necessity of his position. But a 



