LIGHT. 363 



closed by a shutter, which is only occasionally opened. To 

 this cause may be attributed many of the diseases to which 

 the eyes of horses are liable, and ultimately blindness itself. 

 It is easy to imagine what the animal must feel, and the 

 consequences which are likely to be the result, from our own 

 painful and giddy sensations on issuing from a dark place to 

 tlie full blaze of the noonday sun, or even when a candle is 

 introduced, after sitting for some time in a dark room. A 

 repetition of this several times during the day would in- 

 evitably be attended with most injurious consequences, from 

 the sudden shock it gives to the optic nerve, and the vessels 

 of the retina. Besides, it may produce inflammation in the 

 coating of the eye, which may end in the total destruction 

 of the organ. There can be little doubt but horses that 

 are liable to start at objects, frequently owe this dangerous 

 quality to the cause above alluded to. 



A stable ought to be as well lighted as a house, so that 

 this source of injury may be avoided, and also on account 

 of all parts of it being properly seen, so that masters may 

 be enabled to detect a want of due attention to cleanliness, 

 a subject which we cannot too often impress upon masters 

 and servants. 



In stables which have a due quantity of light, the shut- 

 ters may be partially closed when the animals have fed 

 properly, and lie down to sleep. Many horses stand too 

 long upon their limbs, and therefore this subdued light is 

 more apt to produce drowsiness, and thus incline him to 

 repose, during which time the food is well known to have 

 the most salutary effect in increasing the muscular fibre, 

 and the cellular and adipose substances. 



While we have shown the utility of a well-lighted stable, 

 we would guard our readers against allowing that part of 

 the wall next the head of the horse being too light : because 



