THE STABLE. 
S57 
ought to be built in a dry situation, roomy, high in the roof, 
and well aired, without, however, having a great draught 
passing through it; but when the horses are out, the stable 
doors and windows should be thrown wide open, and 
allowed to remain so as long as they are abroad. But 
nothing is worse than to allow the wind to blow directly 
upon a horse, or a cross-draught of any kind. Grooms, 
however, are too prone to go to the other extreme, and 
in general allow the stable to become too warm, and block 
up with the utmost care every place where air is admitted. 
Some practice this from an erroneous opinion that they 
should be kept very warm, while too many do so that the 
animals may have a fine shining coat. By this injudicious 
practice, the air becomes contaminated with the unwhole¬ 
some vapour generated from the litter and urine, which 
produces a strong exhalation of ammoniacal gas. This 
being breathed for a length of time, has a pernicious effect 
apon the lungs of the horses ; digestion is impaired, and all 
the vital functions injured. Inflammation of the eyes, 
chronic cough, with a host of concomitant ailments, are the 
consequences of inhaling this deteriorated and semi-poison¬ 
ous vapour. Let any person enter a stable in the morning 
which is not properly ventilated, and he will be sensibly 
alive to the pungent smell, and even pain in the eyes, pro¬ 
duced by the vitiated atmosphere. The chemical action 
of the urine commences soon after it is voided. It is from 
this cause that horses are but too frequently attacked with 
distempers in the spring of the year, or in autumn. This 
is, however, seldom the case in small well-regulated stables. 
Jn short, I have gone into many stables where their heat 
induced copious perspiration in a few minutes. This must 
have a strong effect upon the skin of the horse, and especi¬ 
ally if his clothing is on : and when strapped and suddenly 
