NATURAL HISTORY. 161 



" Th nk, -when we talk of horses, that you see them, printing 

 their proud hoofs in the receiving earth." SHAKSPERE. 



482. Why are horses furnished with strong hairs on the upper 

 and lower lips? 



These instruments are designed for keeping flies and insects from 

 annoying them, by getting into their nostrils while they are grazing. 

 They are sufficiently close together for that purpose ; and moving 

 as they do while the horse is feeding, serve to brush away 

 anything offensive. 



483. Why does the appearance of much "white" in the eye of a 

 horse, indicate a vicious nature ? 



Because a high-tempered horse constantly looks about, appre- 

 hensive of danger, or desiring to do mischief. The quick motion 

 of the eyeball in opposite directions exposes an unusually large 

 surface of the white, which thus becomes an evidence of the temper 

 of the animal. 



484. Why has the horse no eye-brows ? 



Because, from the situation of the eyes, and the direction of the 

 horse's head, either when running or feeding, such organs would 

 be useless. 



There are hairs on the upper eye-lid, and especially towards the 

 outer corner, because the light comes from above ; and as the 

 animal stands, particularly when he is grazing, and from the lateral 

 situation of the eyes, the greater portion of the light, the 

 attacks of insects, and the running .down of moisture, would be 

 chiefly from the outside or temples. Towards the inner corner of 

 the upper lid there is little or no eyelash, because there is no 

 probable danger or obstruction in that direction. Only a small 

 quantity of light can enter from below, and therefore the lashes 

 are there short ; but as in the act of grazing, insects may more 

 readily climb up and be troublesome to the eye, towards the inner 

 angle, there the principal or only hair is found on the lower lid. 



485. Although the horse has no jyebrows, there are several hairs or bristles 

 scattered on the upper eyelid, an . there is a projecting fold cf the lid which 



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