HORgES AND MULES. 311 



prodace ciilts witli the best of sight. They are in no way con- 

 nectecl with the teeth, as is often supposed. The term, "Natu- 

 rally WEAK Eyes," so often used, is folly, as thei-e is no such 

 thing as naturally weak eyes. The Creator has provided ever_y 

 horse with perfect vision, and it is the ignorance or recklessnes:^ 

 of man that destroys it. Other diseases of the head will some- 

 times affect the eye; when the disease is cured, the eye will 

 recover. There are three causes which account for nearly all 

 cases of disease of the eye. The first is ammonia. The dung 

 and urine constantly give out ammonia ; it is often so strong 

 as to make you sneeze and your eyes to water, even when in the 

 stable for a few minutes ; what then must be the effect upon 

 the sensitive, tender eye of the horse, who stands in it hour after 

 hour. It is the cause of three-fourths the cases of weak and 

 diseased eyes. It can only be lessened by having the urine 

 drained off as it fiills, by removing the dung, by daily washing 

 down the stable, and by admitting fresh air at the head, and 

 having ventilation at the back of the stable, for all which full 

 directions have been given. The second cause which renders 

 the first much worse is the want of light. Nothing thrives 

 without light, and the frequent change from the dark stable to 

 the glare of day, and vice versa, produces a very injurious effect. 

 {See Construction of Stables) The third cause is from injuries 

 to the eye, from hay seed dropping into the eye, from cuts of 

 the lash, and blows about the head. The former is prevented 

 by having no lofts over the stable, and by putting the hay where 

 the horse can reach it without stretching up his head. The latter 

 is prevented by kindness instead of cruelty. The general treat- 

 ment for Weak Eyes, Simple Ophtha.lmia, or Inflammation 

 OF THE Eyes ; Sore Eyelids ; and simple injuries of the eye, 

 causing soreness or inflammation, is easy, and should never be 

 neglected, as these simple affections readily become serious dis- 



