INUTILITY OF BLINKERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1485, 10 January 1882, Page 3

INUTILITY OF BLINKERS.

How very many of these instruments of horse torture we daily see in our streets — in this enlightened nineteenth century too. Ido not know who invented it, but I think the inventor could not have had any knowledge of the anatomy or physiology of the eye of a horse, or he would not have been so cruel. Human vision is binocular — that is, we see the same object with both eyes, and so adjust the axis of vision that the object appears single. But this is not the construction of the eyes of a horse ; they are placed on the side of the head, and the axis of each eye is almost at right angles with the longitudinal line of the body, which makes it impossible for the same object to be seen distinctly with both eyes ; so that by blinding it in the direction in which it was intended in its construction that it should see, it is forced to use an oblique vision. How should we like to be compelled to wear opaque covers directly in front of our eyes, and so be obliged to look out only at the comers ? I fancy we should soon be entirely blind, or, if not that, we should be inclined to take fright at every noise we heard ; and surely the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you," might be applied to our treatment of the dumb creatures. They cannot well*make known their grievances, nor can they,do much to enhance their own comforxf therefore, they require all the more kind consideration from us. The object for which blinkers are used is not accomplished by them. A horse ismuch more easily frightened when not able to see object of dread than would be the cose if he had & fair view of it. I % It is my earnest hope that their employment will 600 a entirely ceaj?e, > r ;>:-;•,