The Wahpeton times., 1891-10-01
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MATTERS OF INTEREST AND IN
9TRUcTlON TO THE FARMER.

Stables for Horses.


for Poultry.
Stables for Horses.
For common farm horses ordinarily
good stables will suffice, though it is
we'll to remember that even common
farm horses are the better for having
comfortable, well-ventilated quarters
to sleep in. 1t does not promote their
health or longevity to spend their
nights and Sundays in close filthy
stables, dark, and reeking with fumes
from accumulations of rotting man.
ure and saturated bedding. Horses
are valuable property, and should be
treated with such care that they will
last to a good old equine age, sound
in wind and limb. Yet many farm
ers, blind to their own interests, give
the stabling of these useful animals
no more thought than if their lives
and health were of no account what
ever. Any sort of a place will do,
they think, and the horses are placed
in quarters that seriously diminish
their power to work, and even short
en- their lives. AS some one, has we'll
said, the fumes OF q horse stable kept
in a condition that is quite too COM
mon, will rot the HARNESS. and take
the luster off the carriage, and surely
in such an atmosphere a horses lungs
and eyes cannot fail to suffer. As
matter of fact, we know they do suf-
er from this cause, and no doubt
many diseases to which horses are
liable have their origin in the un-
wholesome condition Of the stable.
A well-planned horse stable will
include, first OF all, a sufficient supply
OF light. A small window directly in
front of the horse, if he faces an out
side wall, will add q great deal to his
comfort, and save severe strain
upon the vision when he is taken out
doors. The light should not, how
ever, be too bright. If it faces in any
direction but the north it should be
made partially Opaque by a coat of
limewash or any other convenient
means. A still better arrangement
is to provide box stalls and place the
window so that the horse can look
out of it and see what is going on in
the neighborhood.
The constancy with which horse
will avail himself of such an oppor-
tunity, and the keen interest he seems
to take in affairs about him, are
proof enough, if proof be needed, of
the value OF such an arrangement.
The stable should also be we'll
ventilated. This does not mean that
it should be cold or draughty. Even
common, hard-worked horses are
sensitive animals, taking cold easily
and becoming stiff in the joints. They
should never be exposed to a cold
draught of air, especially when warm.
Heedlessness in this respect has
ruined many a valuable animal. But
pure air, indirectly introduced in both
summer and winter, is as important
as good feed.
A manger for hay is much better
than a high rack. It should be about
q foot and a half wide at the top,
sloping to foot at the bottom, and
three feet deep, raised foot from the
floor. The grain box, by the side of
the manger, should be IL inches deep
and 16 inches square at the top. with
one side sloping to correspond with
the manger.
A good floor for the horse stable is
made of concrete mixed with gas tar,
and rammed down hard. 1t is easy to
keep such a floor clean, and it does
not become foul like planking by
sat,lration with urine Many, how
ever. prefer wooden floor, and this
may be provided by placing over the
concrete floor of wooden bars laid
lengthwise and an inch apart. But
good bed of German moss on any
floor will keep the stable sweet and
the horses feet in good condition.
When this is not attainable sawdust
may be used or a good bed of straw,
which, however, should not be allow
ed to become foul by long use.
Such conveniences as shutes to con-
vey the hay and grain from above to
manger and feed box are easily con-
structed and save a great deal of Ia
Dor in feeding.
The "Belted" Dutch Cattle.