Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-11-05
AGRICULTURAL.
ISJURIyG HORSES EYES.

A writer in the New York Tribune on
diseases of the horses eye says: Some of
the ailments are hereditary and from un-
known causes, others-and these are
of painful frequency-are not inherited,
and their origin may be readily traced.
OF this latter class of causes may be
mentioned ; insufficient OF bad arrange
ment of light in stable blinkers high
racks for feeding; ammonia fumes In
stalls, and the whip! Although the eye
of the horse is well adapted for seeing at
night, yet he is nota nocturnal animal,
therefore the stable should have daylight
freely admitted to it. A dimly lighted
stable imposes on the horse sudden
changing from twilight to broad sunlight.
which cannot fail to weaken the sight. If
the windows are arranged on one side or
the other of n stall, the horses head Will
be directed mostly to the side from which
the light comes one eye will be more IN
the shade than the other, consequently
both eyes will be strained from being ex-
posed to unequal light If the window is
directly in front of the stall, glare OF
light is directed toward the eyes with
binding effect, which is very injurious.
Probably the best arrangement for light
ing stables is by means of a sky light or
windows placed near the ceiling.
Much has been said against blinkers,
vet their use continues to considerable
extent. If the eyes of the horse, like those
of man, were directed forward bllnkers
might prove uncomfortable but not inlu
rious. The range of vision in the horse
is much greater than III man by limiting
this range of vision and allowing it for
ward direction only-which is not accord
ing to nature-the muscles of the eyes
become strained and their strength i'm
paired. 1t is not reasonable to suppose
that the timid, nervous horse, that starts
at every unusual sight or sound, would
be inspired with more confidence If allow
ed to see all there was to be seen than if
straining the eyes painfully to see objects
terrible to him just back of the blnkers.
The position a horses head has to as
sumo when feeding from high rack is
the one most favorable for chsff or other
hurtful matter from the hay to fall into
the eyes. The most serious injury com
monty arising from the cause is from the
boards of grain. The sharp little hooks
or prickles ON these attach themselves to
the eve i'll such way that the water from
the tear-gland cannot wash ont the. boards;
inflammation follows and even the most
iudicious treatment cannot always save
the eye.
Probably every one is familiar with the
effects of sniff from grandma's bottle of
hartshorn or smelling salts-which is only
ammonia under other names-and can
imagine how uncomfortable continued ap-
plication of the fumes would be. Of
course the ammonia fumes arising in even
n very badly kept stable would not be so
concentrated as those from the salts, yet
they are of sufficient strength TO seriously
iniure the sensitive and deiicately organ
lied eye of the horse. Well-constructed
floors, good management, and cleanliness,
are perfect remedies for the enemy. OF
all the causes Of blindness in our noble,
docile, useful friends, none prick us SO
sharply with our unworthiness to possess
such animals as when it is caused by the
use of whip. No excuse can be made
for such accidents, whether done i'll wan-
ton carelessness or by cruel intent