418 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK:. 



nothing of other diseases either originating in this cause, ot 

 aggravated by it, the number of horses that have lost their 

 eyesight in dark stables is a matter almost incredible. To 

 ^this wretched defect in the care bestowed upon the animal, 

 '^^nearly all cases of moon-eyes may be referred in less or greater 

 degree. Ko horse can permanently retain unimpaired vision 

 if deprived of light during the day. The eye is naturally the 

 first and greatest sufferer from this deprivation, as this is the 

 organ especially adapted to the conditions and enjoyment of 

 light. When brought suddenly out into the glare of day, 

 the horse which has been kept in a dark stable is dazzled 

 and confused by the overpowering brightness, so that it is 

 some time before he is enabled to see as well as usual. Every 

 time this takes place, the trouble is apt to increase, and con- 

 tinue longer than before. By and by, when some fever arises, 

 it fixes its hold upon the eyes, which begin turning white; 

 and then the alarmed owner anxiously inquires, " What is 

 the matter with my horse's eyes? He seems to be going 

 blind." To such let us say, emphatically, "Your dark stables 

 have done it." 



Ko special directions can be minutely prescribed concern- 

 ing the best means of admitting light into the stable. Upon 

 this point the intelligent owner must exercise his own judg- 

 ment and taste. No rule could be given, unless all stables 

 were built alike. But, in general terms, it may be laid down 

 that the light should be somewhat higher than the horse's 

 head — behind him rather than in front — and that, as to the 

 quantity admitted, the stable should bjp kept nearly as light 

 as it is out-doors. 'No stable, it may be added, should be 

 whitewashed inside, unless it is impossible to light it from 

 without. 



VENTILATION AND TEMPERATURE. 



Another matter of prime importance in the construction 

 of a home for the horse is an abundant provision for furnish- 

 ing it with pure air; yet, while ventilation is thus essen- 

 tial, some arrangement must be adopted for protecting the 

 horse from the cold in winter. Ventilators and windows, as 



