40 ON MURRAIN, OR THE VESICULAR EPIZOOTIC. 
and even this temperature, except in the case of animals put up 
for final fattening, is perhaps several degrees higher than is 
suitable for most sorts of stock. 
Damp or moist air is exceedingly injurious to animal life; it 
depresses the vivifying powers, abstracts caloric and electricity 
from the body, diminishes the quantity of oxygen entering the 
lungs at each inspiration, and probably renders the diffusion of 
gases more tardy, hastens decomposition, and appears to add to 
the activity of most contagions. It is a fertile source of pul- 
monary and rheumatic affections. The thorough removal of 
such dampness generally requires the adoption of extensive 
hygienic measures ; such as the removal of plantations and of 
all superfluous trees and shrubs, and the drying of marshes, ponds, 
stagnant and surface water, by covered and air-tight drains. 
The atmosphere of stables and byres may also be rendered less 
moist, by placing in them vessels containing quicklime ; this 
slakes itself at the expense of the humidity, and thus renders 
the air drier and more salubrious. When houses for animals 
must unavoidably be built in damp localities, the site should be 
thickly spread with gravel, sand, and mortar, and other light 
porous materials of a similar nature ; the moisture should also 
be prevented from passing up the walls, by building in a layer 
of slates or metallic plates. 
The food of animals should always be adequate to supply the 
wants of the system, to make up for the vital waste, and to afford 
materials for maintaining the animal heat. To fulfil these pur- 
poses, it should be given in sufficient quantity, and should con- 
tain nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous elements in proportions 
suitable to the age and condition of the animal, and to the pur- 
poses for which it is intended. All animals, but more espe- 
cially the herbivora, should be fed regularly and often ; the food 
they receive should be digestible, nutritious, and calorifacient : 
and it may farther be borne in mind, that variety of diet is of 
great advantage in the feeding of stock. 
Farm-buildings should be placed in dry and sheltered situa- 
tions, and protected, if possible, from severe winds. Attention 
should be paid to their construction, and to the judicious placing 
of the doors and windows. The internal fitting up also demands 
consideration. The animals should be allowed sufficient room 
both for standing and lying, as overcrowding is utterly incon- 
sistent with good health, and still more so with that ease and 
comfort so necessary for animals put up for fattening. 
Particular attention must be paid to the thorough drainage of 
all courts and places inhabited by animals; cleanliness must be 
strictly enjoined ; and accumulations of stagnant water or urine, 
of filth, composts, or decomposing animal and vegetable remains, 
