Polarised light biomicroscopy was used to examine the normal pre-corneal tear film in 21 eyes of 12 pekingese dogs. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of excessive exophthalmos on the pre-corneal tear film in the dog. The majority of the animals were found to have high levels of ocular surface contamination by particulate material and plaques of viscous mucus. Other abnormalities included surface lipid with an abnormal granular (three dogs) or 'curdled' (two dogs) appearance; excessive thinning of the lipid layer of the tear film; and the presence of dark globular structures in two dogs, which were presumed to be abnormal meibomian lipid. Break up of the tear film was observed in one dog. Grossly, a thread of viscous mucus was frequently observed along the margin of the lower eyelid. It is postulated that this thread forms because of the excessively exophthalmic conformation of the breed, which prevents the normal access of effete mucus and entrapped debris to the lower conjunctival fornix. The combination of the above factors in the pekingese is suggested as the mechanism whereby the tear film has a reduced stability, thus enhancing the risk from factors more usually considered to initiate corneal ulceration in the breed. The possible adverse effects of lid splitting for the mass removal of distichiae in exophthalmic dogs is discussed.

[eng] Farmers and farm policy in 1972 - First results of a survey on opinions and behaviour . The objective of this research is to study models of individual behaviour of farmers. More specifically, the aim is to see whether an economic classification based on the rate and tupe of change occuring on the farms is consistent with a sociological classification using as indicator the degree of adoption by the farmers of the values and symbols of global society. The main hypothesis being tested is that there is a relationship between what the farmers do on their farm and what their opinions are on various questions concerning their life as farmers. This should help forecasting and decision making. __**__A second hypothesis concerns the low degree of farmer's participation in the farm organizations and institutions. Can one simply put the blame on individualism ? Whe think that the present system of represent tation of members in the organizations increases the part played by a shrinking number of leaders with correlative disinterest of the rest of the membership.__**__The study involves the analysis of samples of 220 farmers each in ten different areas - in all 2 200 farmers were interviewed.__**__Three types of farming are found side by side :__**__1- Subsistence-level farming - characterized by the small size of the farms, the inhabitants low standard of living, their lack of contacts with the outside world and with ministerial or professional bodies. It wakes up 15 % - 20 % of the total number of farmers, and 5 to 10 % of cultivated land ; 30 % of them have addiitonal income derived from a non- agricultural activity.__**__2 - Traditional farming, - made up of farms that are often quite extensive, represents about 45 % of the farmers and of the total area. Their standard of living is average, their way of life traditional. It is here that the greatest proportion of young farmes are to be found. However there is a distinct tendency for them to remain single and for more than one family to live under one roof. These farmers, some of whom are anxious only to increase the size of their farms by investing as little as possible in equipment, are active in professional bodies but have little contact with ministerial services.__**__A - Modern farming where there is a great deal of investment, wakes up 35 to 40 % of the farmers and 50 % of the total area. The families standard of living is high. They may be deeply in debt and these business men seem more vulnerable to changes in the economic situation than the others. They have frequent contacts with ministerial services. Many union leaders come from their ranks.__**__The leaders, characterized by the closeness of their contacts with government departments and professional bodies, present a very particular picture : younger than the group average, heads of hig families, with a very high standard of living, they use good management methods, often sign integration contracts and invest a great deal.__**__They are the active elements of Union life. Contrary to current opinion, t...