THE 
VETERINARIAN. 
JUNE, 18.31, 
) (tfotnmumcationa aitfc <ffaue0. 
Ars veterinaria post medicinam secundaest.— Vegetius. 
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO STABLE 
DUTIES AND THE GENERAL CARE OF HORSES. 
By Mr . J. Castley, V. S. 1 2th Lancers . 
THE following* remarks are abstracted from notes put down at 
different times, and may therefore be said to result from a long and 
frequent experience of those evils of which they complain. 1 hey 
will apply, if not equally, at least I think I may venture to assert 
more or less , to every cavalry regiment in the service. They 
embrace several points which are but seldom noticed, because 
perhaps they are generally considered trivial or unimportant. A 
close attention however to the practices and the occasional mischief 
they give rise to, has convinced me that we ought never to be 
indifferent to any, even the most minute details of stable economy. 
It is our duty, be it always recollected, to be observant of every 
thing connected with the health and right management of the 
horse. 
Although we have something like a regular and uniform system 
of stable duties established and carried on throughout the whole 
of the British cavalry, and although in general this system may be 
considered as excellent, yet I have observed many practices 
amongst dragoons which I could wish to see corrected or abolished; 
and there are many points to which I would call the attention of 
the non-commissioned officers in particular. 
I. Every person intrusted with the care of horses should, I think, 
know something of the principles of ventilation. 
Ventilation may be said to consist in the removal of foul or too 
frequently respired air from a stable or from any other apartment; 
and in the introduction at the same time of a fresh supply, so as 
to insure a healthy atmosphere within for animals to breathe; 
and this should be effected, if possible, without creating any great 
current or draft. The admission of air should be gradual and con 
tinuous, rather than excessive. To this end apertures are made, 
VOL. IV. TT 
