132 LIGHT. 



sight would be irreparably injured, or possibly blindness would 

 be the final result. We need not wonder, then, that the horse, 

 taken from a dark stable into a blaze of light, feeling, probably, 

 as we should do under similar circumstances, and unable for 

 any time to see anything around him distinctly, should become 

 a starter ; or that the frequently repeated violent effect of sudden 

 light should induce inflammation of the eye so intense as to 

 terminate in blindness. There is, indeed, no doubt that horses 

 kept in dark stables are frequently notorious starters, and that 

 abominable habit has been properly traced to this cause. 



If plenty of light be admitted, the walls of the stable, and 

 especially that portion of them which is before the horse's head, 

 must not be of too glaring a color. The color of the stable 

 should depend on the quantity of light. Where much can be 

 admitted, the walls should be of a gray hue. Where darkness 

 would otherwise prevail, frequent painting may in some degree 

 dissipate the gloom. 



Eor another reason, it will be evident that the stable should 

 not possess too glaring a light ; it is the resting-place of the 

 horse. The work of the farmer's horse, indeed, is principally 

 confined to the day. The hours of exertion having passed, the 

 animal returns to his stable to feed and to repose, and the latter 

 is as necessary as the former, in order to prepare him for re- 

 newed work. Something like the dimness of twilight is requi- 

 site to induce the animal to compose himself to sleep. This 

 half-light is more particularly adapted to horses of heavy work. 

 In the quietness of a dimly-lighted stable, they obtain repose, 

 and accumulate flesh and fat. 



