58 ADVICE TO BUYERS. 



When the eyes become inflamed from a blow or bite, or 

 from any dust getting into them, the disease, although ap- 

 parently considerable, is seldom of long continuance ; that 

 is, when the injury is not severe and proper means are 

 employed for its removal. But when the inflammation has 

 subsided, there often remains on the surface of the eye an 

 opaque spot, or film, which in severe injuries extends over 

 the whole of the cornea or surface of the eye. After a little 

 time, this opacity gradually diminishes, and sometimes 

 wholly disappears; more commonly, however, a small film 

 remains, which does not in any material degree impede 

 vision. This defect, therefore, is of no importance, and 

 may safely be overlooked, provided the purchaser is certain 

 that the opacity is really on the surface, and not in the 

 pupil of the eye, and that the other parts appear bright, 

 and free from every kind of imperfection. As a further 

 security, a condition may be annexed to the warranty, by 

 which the horse may be returned in three or four months, 

 should the imperfection prove to be of a serious nature. 

 When a complete cataract takes place, which is known by 

 the pupil being of a white or pearl color, the strength of the 

 other eye is generally restored, and it rarely becomes dis- 

 eased afterwards, except from accidents ; he may, there- 

 fore, be safely purchased as a one-eyed horse. 



We have now to extend our investigation to another 

 point: that is, the state of the wind, or rather of the lungs, 

 and of the parts connected with them. 



When a horse is absolutely broken-winded, there is no 

 difficulty in detecting the disease j the laborious breathing, 

 or working of the flanks, particularly in going up a bill, 

 and the short, asthmatic cough, are symptoms which can- 

 not escape observation. Between this state of the lungs 

 and perfect health there are many degrees, and it is the 



