It is a long time ere the walls get rid of the moisture introduced by the mortar. Entry to a new stable should be delayed till it is dry, or as long as possible. If, as often happens, the stable be wanted for immediate occupation, the walls had better be left unplastered, unless there be sufficient time for the plaster to dry. The doors or windows should be kept off or wide open till the day of entry. A few fires of charcoal, judiciously planted, and often shifted, will assist the drying process. Whitewashing the walls with a solution of quick-lime, seems to have some influence in removing moisture. When ready for entry, the stable should be filled. A horse should go into every stall. One helps to keep another warm. In the winter they should be clothed, have boiled warm food every night [if convenient to cook it] and be deeply littered.

Damp stables may be rendered less uncomfortable by strewing the floor with sand or sawdust; by thorough draining and ventilation. In some cases, a stove-pipe might be made to pass through the stable, near to the floor.