THE EYES 245 



what we are reading too near. The printed page should 

 not be held nearer than is necessary to make the print 

 perfectly sharp and distinct. Type not readily made 

 out when held eighteen inches from the eyes, should 

 not be read continuously even by persons who are not 

 nearsighted. The spacing and the paper are also 

 important, as well as the size of the type. If too little 

 space is left between words, they appear to run to- 

 gether, thus making the print indistinct. White, 

 glazed paper may be injurious because of its glare. 



Other things being equal, books and newspapers 

 should be chosen in which the print is readily legible. 

 A few cents more for reading matter of such character 

 are indeed well invested, because of the strain that is 

 spared the muscles of the eyes. One of the very best 

 things about penmanship as now taught in our schools 

 is the benefit both teachers and pupils derive from the 

 greater ease with which written exercises can be read. 

 By acquiring a plain, legible style of handwriting, 

 we certainly do both ourselves and our friends a real 

 kindness. 



But we must protect our eyes not only by not using 

 them improperly, but also by keeping them from being 

 injured by substances that may accidentally get in 

 from outside. The bony socket of the eye, the eye- 

 brows, the eyelashes, and the eyelids all help to 

 protect from outside injuries. The tear gland is also 

 of great assistance in this respect. When small par^ 

 tides of dust get into the eye, the tears will often wash 



