LATERAL FACES OF THE HEAD. 57 



Among these blemishes, many are the symptoms of grave diseases 

 of the ocular structure. 



These diseases have too often for their consequence the destruction 

 of one or even of both eyes. The animal is then suifering from par- 

 tial or total blindness. Generally attempts are made to conceal this 

 infirmity, and sometimes we meet with horses offered for sale, provided 

 with an artificial eye made of hard rubber, which very much resembles 

 that which nature provides. It is needless to say, however, that, with 

 a proper examination of the eye, as before explained, this fraud will 

 deceive only those who are unobserving or inexperienced. But it is 

 not the same with those which are blind in both eyes or suffer from 

 amaurosis, in which the eye presents all its normal characteristics. 

 These conditions can also be detected by a scrupulous inspection 

 of the parts. The retina not being sensitive, the iris will remain 

 stationary even when exposed to intense light, and when at liberty the 

 animal will run against surrounding objects. Such horses are uncei'tain 

 on their feet and not without danger as saddle-horses. Too much reli- 

 ance cannot be placed on the word of the horse-dealer, and a thorough 

 veterinary examination becomes a necessity to assure one's self of the 

 integrity of the crystalline lens and the movements of the iris. 



A blind horse will supply, with the other senses, the deficiency 

 created by the cessation of vision. The ears are extended forward, 

 and, at the least noise, are directed forward and outward to pei'ceive 

 it. During progression, the elevation of the members is exaggerated, 

 but their step is uncertain and the animal is predisposed to stumble. 

 The carriage of the head is elevated to prevent falling, and the nos- 

 trils are mobile, as if to examine the surroundings by the odors which 

 they exhale. He carefully smells and feels with the orbicular tentacles 

 all objects presented to him. The eyes are wide open, the mouth is 

 sensitive to the slightest indication of the reins, and the ears are 

 quick to recognize the voices of those who lead him or approach him. 

 As Vallon ^ has written, he is susceptible of rendering good service 

 if we understand how to use him and have the proper respect for him 

 which his condition deserves. At work, as in the stable, it is neces- 

 sary to place him alongside of one that is gentle and docile, because he 

 cannot defend himself against the attacks of his neighbor. Worked 

 in file, he should not be placed in the lead. We may add that when 

 he is worked in harness he should always have the same driver, or the 

 same rider when used under the saddle. In all cases his master 



1 Vallon, Cours d'hippologle, t. ix., p. 318. 



