The Haw ; its Use. 229 



evidently intended the haw of the eye to protect 

 the eye from dust and insects. The horse has 

 no hands to take out dust or insects that may 

 get into the eye, so Nature provided him with 

 the haw, which it can draw over the eye at 

 pleasure, and remove any dust or insect that may 

 have lodged there. In former times few farriers 

 understood the use of the haw, and even yet it 

 is surprising the amount of ignorance displayed 

 by many who ought to know better, but yet 

 cannot tell of what value it is to the horse. In 

 cases of inflammation of the eye it sometimes 

 becomes much inflamed and increased in dimen- 

 sions, and the contiguous parts likewise thick- 

 ened. This sometimes forces it out of its place, 

 but mostly it is voluntarily produced to protect 

 the eye from the action of the light. In some 

 cases it does not return into its place, and has 

 been mistaken for a tumour or extraneous ex- 

 crescence, and has been cut out by ignorant per- 

 sons and the eye consequently left unguarded. 



In some instances where inflammation has a 

 long continuation, ulceration of the haw and the 

 destruction of the cartilage ensue. If the above 

 does not stop the ulceration, then the following 

 must be used : — 



"White vitriol half an ounce 



Water , three ounces 



and if it becomes callous, a weak solution of 

 nitrate of silver should be applied to it, but in 

 any case it is much better for a practical veteri- 

 nary surgeon to be called in, as a mistake is 

 easily made, and the result is a blind horse. 



