58 FUNGOID GROWTHS. 
clear. Also, it may run into obstacles, when the rider does not touch 
the rein. Should anything be left in the gangway of the stable, it is 
certain to be upset, by what the groom terms 
“that clumsy horse.” Sometimes it will 
stand for hours together neglecting its food, 
with the head held piteously on one side. 
Occasionally, when at grass, it may be found 
separated from its companions, alone and 
dejected, with the head as before, held on 
one side, while the waters of the eye copi- 
ously bedew the cheek. 
FUNGUS H-EMATOIDES, OR CANCEROUS 
GROWTHS WITHIN THE SUBSTANCE At last the eyes are examined. The eye- 
Runt ball may be clear, but some brilliant yellow 
substance may be discerned shooting from the base of the interior, and 
the horse is declared contaminated by a cancerous disease. 
All is now explained: the sight is lost; the horse is blind. There 
are three terrible decisions now left to the master. Is the life to be 
shortened? The thought shudders at taking existence, when misery 
pleads for consolation. Is the animal to live on and nurture to maturity 
the seeds of a cancerous disease? The mind shrinks from subjecting any 
creature to the terrible depression and hopeless agony attendant upon 
such disorders. Is an operation to be performed? Shall the surgeon 
extirpate the eye? This last proposal seems the worst of all; nor does 
inquiry improve the prospect. The cancer does not entirely reside within 
the eye; it is not limited to that part. The taint is in the constitution, 
and the operation can do no more than retard its effect. The eye re- 
moved, the cancerous growth will soon fill the vacant orbit After two 
or several months of dreadful suspense, the life at last will be exacted, 
and the animal, worn out with suffering, will expire. 
Under such circumstances, the writer recommends death, before the 
full violence of the disease is endured. Should, however, the reader 
think differently, and prefer the extirpation of the eyeball, the operation 
will here be described. First, mind the operator has two knives not 
generally kept by veterinary surgeons: one of small size and slightly 
bent to one side; the other larger, and curved to one side till it has 
nearly reached a semicircle. Mind the operator has everything ready 
before he begin: a sharp scalpel, two straight triangular-pointed needles, 
each armed with strong twine; one curved needle, similarly provided; 
sponge, water, injecting tube, bellows, lint,—and all things at hand. It 
is necessary the proprietor should see to this, as some men will commence 
an operation upon a mere horse and be obliged to stop in the middle, not 
having brought all the instruments which they may require. 
