44 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



THE HAW. 



It is no unusual thing for a thickening of this part to 

 fake place, and it will then protrude itself on the fore part 

 of the eyeball. In this disease the retractor muscle pulls 

 back the eye to protect it from the irritating effect of the 

 light, and this thickening of the haw pushing it forward, 

 and the adjacent parts being also thickened, no retraction 

 can take place. 



The practice of cutting out this is exceedingly absurd, 

 and ought never to be resorted to. It is intended for pro- 

 tecting the eye against dust or insects. In former times 

 few farriers understood the use of the haw ; and even yet 

 it is surprising how few are aware of its value to a horse. 

 In cases of inflammation of the eye ; it sometimes itself 

 becomes inflamed and increased in dimensions, and the 

 contiguous parts likewise thickened. This either forces it 

 out of its place, or it is voluntarily produced to protect the 

 eye from the action of light. In some cases it does not 

 return into its place, and has been mistaken for a tumour 

 or extraneous excrescence, and has been cut out by ignorant 

 persons, and the eye consequently left unguarded. Bleed- 

 ing, gentle physicing, and cooling applications will invariably 

 effect a cure. The lotion pointed out at page 35 should 

 be used. 



In some instances, vv^hen the inflammation is long-con- 

 tinued, ulceration of the haw and destruction of the 

 cartilage ensues. The above lotion ought first to be applied 

 to it. Should this not stop the ulceration, then use the 

 following : — 



White vitriol . . , -^ ounce, 

 Water .... 3 ounces ; 



and if it becomes callous, a weak solution of nitrate of 



