The accommodation required for cart-horses is of course of a much simpler nature than that for the carriage- or riding-horse. Not only is the horse generally of a heavier make, and of a less sensitive constitution, but he is looked upon as a unit of business that is expected to " pay his way", and that must therefore dispense with luxury. Still more is this the case in the stables of omnibus or tramway companies, or other large commercial undertakings. Everything in these has to be contrived to combine efficiency with economy, for which, indeed, the former is, or ought to be, only another name. The space is reduced to a minimum, 5 feet being generally considered enough for the width of each stall, though for large cart- or dray-horses more ought to be allowed. Space is also often economized in the width by placing the horses back to back, with a passage in the middle. Thus, with stalls 9 feet long and a passage 7 feet wide between, and a door at the end, a stable 25 feet wide will accommodate two rows of horses. It will hardly be advisable, however, unless with doors at both ends, to have more than about eight or ten stalls on each side.

The fittings must all be of the strongest and simplest kind. Metal capping will still be the best to prevent "crib biting", but the remainder of the divisions may be of pitch pine or spruce, both being hard and tough. " Swinging bars " have been sometimes tried to give at least the pretence of greater space in the stalls; but they are not satisfactory, and with any but the quietest horses may give rise to more trouble than comfort. In places where they have been introduced they have been soon abandoned. The mangers and pots are often of glazed fire-clay, as being probably more durable than enamelled metal, and can be made with a fire-clay bar across to prevent nosing out the food. Hay-racks are often dispensed with, as chopped fodder is the custom in all these stables.

Flooring

In the long run, square sets, though dear at first, will generally be found to make the most economical floor, and, with the general introduction of peat-litter, drainage is dispensed with. With an impervious bottom, and care in the management of the litter, and of course ample ventilation, it is surprising how sweet a crowded stable can be kept even in summer.