Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-09-08

How HORSES EYES ARE INJURED.-lt
has been observed that of all domestic
animals the horse is the most afflicted
with diseases of the eye. Some of these
ailments are hereditary and from unknown
causes, others-and these are of painfel
frequency-are not inherited, and their
origin may be readily traced. Of this
latter class of causes may be mentlonedi
insufficient or bad arrangement OF light In
stables; 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 not
a nocturnal animal, therefore the stable
should have daylight freely admitted to 1t.
A dimly-lighted stable imposes on the
horse sudden changing from twilight to
broad sunlight, which cannot fail to weak
en- the sight. If the windows are arranged
on one side or the other of 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 exposed 10 unequal light. II
the window is directly in front of the stall
a glare of light is directed toward the
eyes with binding effect, which is very
injurious. Probably the best arrange
ment for lighting stables is by means of a
sky-light or windows placed near the
ceiling.
Much has been said against bllnkers
vet their use continues to considerable
extent. If the eyes Of the horse, like
those of man, were directed forward
binkers might prove uncomfortable but
not injurious. The range Of vision in the
horse is much greater than in man; by
limiting this range of vision and allowing
it Il forward direction only-which Is not
according to nature-the muscles OF the
ewes become strained and their strength
impaired. 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 allowed
to see all there was to be seen than il
straining the eyes painfully to see objects
terrible to him Just back of the bllnkers.
The position horses head has to assume
when feeding from high rack is the one
most favorable for chat or other hurtful
matter from the hay to fall into the eyes.
The most serious injury commonly arising
from this cause is from the boards OF
grain. The sharp little hooks or prlckles
on these attach themselves to the eye in
such a way that the water from the tear.
gland can not wash out the boards; in.
Illumination 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 unedurable continued
application of the fumes would be. OF
course the ammonia fumes arising in even
a very badly kept stable would not be so
concentrated as those from the salts, yet
they are of sufficient strength to seriously
njure the sensitive and delicately organ
lied eye of the horse. Well-constructed
floors, good 70 .nagement, and cleanliness,
are perfect comedies for this 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 the whip. No excuse can be made
for such accidents, whether done in want
on carelessness or. by cruel intent.-7rt-
bu1e.