62 IMPEDIMENT IN THE LACHRYMAL DUCT. 
Its use is to carry off the superflux of tears; hence, with human beings, 
who have a like structure, ‘‘much weeping at the theaters provokes loud 
blowing of noses.” 
The channel being so minute, any substance getting into it soon be- 
comes swollen with the moisture and closes 
the passage. The tears cannot escape, and 
being secreted, flow upon the cheek. The 
perpetual stream pouring over a part not 
designed for such uses, causes the hair to 
fall off, and thus forms gutters, along which 
the fluid continues to run. The flesh at 
length excoriates, and numerous sores are 
established; the lids swell and become raw 
A HoRs®S HEAD, vispLaviva on. 2+ the margins; the conjunctiva reddens, 
ENON "nus taconymal and the transparency of the cornea is greatly 
lessened by the spread of inflammation. 
The wretched animal in this condition presents a very sentimental 
appearance to a person ignorant of the facts of the case. The swollen 
lid, because of its weight, is permitted to close over the eye, while the 
tears, flowing fast upon the cheek, with the general dejection, gives the 
creature an aspect of weeping over some heavy affliction. 
Like the late William Percivall, whose works on veterinary subjects 
remain a monument to his memory, the author has encountered but a 
single case of this description; it was in a matured but not a very 
aged animal. The report was, that a year ago it had been attacked 
by influenza; the lid then enlarged, and the near cheek had been wet 
ever since. 
Referring to the pages of Percivall’s ‘ Hippopathology,” the author 
procured a thin, elastic probe, about twelve inches long; the horse being 
cast, and an assistant holding the upper lid, the probe was introduced at 
the inner corner of the eye, by the lower opening to the duct; the en- 
trance was easy enough, but the passage was soon obstructed; then the 
probe was inserted at the opening of the duct within the nostril. The 
way in this direction was longer, but the end came at last, without any 
good being effected. Next, a syringe being charged, the fine point was 
introduced up the nasal termination of the duct, the power of the jet 
effectually removing every impediment; the water streamed through the 
upper openings, and the horse was sent home cured. 
The writer saw the animal six months subsequent to the operation; it 
was apparently in excellent health, and obviously in amended condition. 
The owner said the horse soon got well after it reached home; but, 
