INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 51 



dering the horse's vision imperfect, and causing the 

 animal to shy. Many a valuable steed is parted with 

 for this cause; and as such a habit materially de- 

 preciates the value of a horse, it therefore behoves 

 horsemen to think twice before they strike an ani- 

 mal over the head, to indulge a temper which, in the 

 end, may cost them rather dear. 



With regard to specific ophthalmia, where the dis- 

 ease is not hereditary, another attack may be pre- 

 vented ; and even should it be inherited, some good 

 will be accomplished by attending to the ventilation 

 of the stables. The drains should be looked to, and 

 the height of the roof considered ; any dung or litter in 

 the neighbourhood ought to be scrupulously removed. 

 Foul atmosphere engenders ophthalmia ; and there is 

 nothing so preventive of the disorder as pure air. 



GUTTA SERENA, OR GLASSY EYE. 



There is a species of blindness, which, although it 

 cannot in every case be traced to inflammatory action, 

 ought to be noticed. The cornea is perfectly trans- 

 parent, but the iris has lost its power of contracting; 

 the pupil is permanently dilated, and the eye has a 

 peculiar bright and glassy appearance. This fixed 

 condition of the pupil is caused by loss of vitality in 

 the optic nerve; and as it is by means of this nerve 

 that animals are able to see, of course when its func- 

 tion is destroyed the horse is blind. This is fre- 

 quently overlooked, and especially when confined to 

 one eye. Gutta serena may be the consequence of 

 pressure on the brain. If a horse has had several 

 d2 



