46 MAXUxVL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



and its consequent pressure on the optic nerve or on the 

 retina, and thus destroying its function. 



Cures in this disease are very few in the horse. Bleeding, 

 medicine, and the rowel have been mentioned as remedies ; 

 but from the nature of the disease we have but little faith in 

 them. Indeed we doubt if ever the cure of a confirmed case of 

 gutta serena, or glass eye, has ever been efiected. Bleeding, 

 when determination of blood to the head is suspected, may 

 prevent this malady ; but after the pressure on the optic 

 nerve has produced the dilation, I consider the case hopeless. 



GENERAL BLINDNESS AND IMPERFECT VISION. 



No subject is of greater importance than the state of a 

 horse's organs of vision, and ought to occupy the first 

 attention of a purchaser ; for blindness, or a partial defect 

 in the eyes, may lead to many unpleasant consequences to 

 the proprietor, whether in riding or driving. It will require 

 considerable knowledge of the anatomical construction of the 

 eye to enable any one to judge correctly of its perfection 

 or defects. 



Independently of the beauty of a prominent eye, it is of 

 much importance that the cornea should possess considerable 

 convexity ; but this must have a limit. If very prominent, 

 the rays of light will be too convergent, which will cause 

 indistinct vision ; on the other hand, if the cornea be small 

 and flat, the rays may not be sufficiently convergent, and 

 consequently will render the vision imperfect. A horse 

 is unsafe with either of these defects, both in riding and 

 driving, as he is certain to start at objects which suddenly 

 present themselves, or he may quickly bolt round, and in 

 cither case may over-balance the rider, or upset a vehicle. 



The cornea should, therefore, be moderately convex, 

 perfectly transparent, and totally free from all opacity or 



