METHOD OF EXAMINATION. 61 



As its description, however, is beyond the limits of this 

 work, and as it requires practical instruction to attain 

 facility in its use, I need not further allude to it here. 

 In cases of doubt as to the condition of the lens, we may 

 employ a magnifying glass. If it is necessary to dilate 

 the pupil, w^e may use, for that purpose, a drop or two of 

 liquor atrojn^ sulphatis, 



Examinatioyi of the nostrils. — We require to open each 

 nostril, in order to examine the passage itself, and to 

 see that the mucous membrane shows the pink hue of 

 health. No mistake should be made about the accidental 

 presence of dust in the nostrils. The nostrils should be 

 examined for ulcers ; scars ; polypi ; irregularity in the 

 calibre of the passages ; and for the existence of any 

 discharge. To open, say, the off one, hold the lower lip 

 with the left hand, place the thumb and forefinger inside 

 the nostril, as shown in Fig. 4, and enlarge the opening 

 by drawing them apart. The orifice of the lachrymal 

 canal should be in a natural condition. It is found on 

 the lower part of the nostril " near the point where there 

 is a line of demarcation between the dark colour of the 

 skin, and the rosy tint of the mucous membrane " 

 {Lecoq). The false nostrils should be thin, pliable, and 

 free from any thickening, injury, or results of injuries. 



Examination of the mouth. — Open the horse's mouth 

 and ascertain his age (see Chapter VI.). Observe that 

 his teeth are regular; his tongue and lips, in good 



