MODERN FARRIER. 127 



tiers; nor will any kind of bandage be easily re- 

 tained, and if any thing of this kind is used, it should 

 be very loosely applied, so as not to irritate. 



Some operators separate the epididymis from the 

 testicle, and suffer it to remain, by which means 

 they think that a portion of the animal's spirit is 

 retained. A similar custom is said to prevail in 

 France ; but the French operators object to it, on 

 the idea that it produces fistulous sores in the part. 

 The fact is, that when any portion of the testicle is^ 

 suffered to remain, though it cannot secrete semen, 

 yet it has some action going on within, by which it 

 produces some influence both on the mind and form ; 

 and as such, the future growth of the animal may 

 perhaps be slightly affected by it, and perhaps his 

 temper too, but the addition to the latter may pro- 

 bably not be a very favourable one. 



Where the operation is to be performed, the best 

 time is probably when the foal is about three months 

 old, though some prefer a much more advanced age, 

 as six, or even twelve months, and more in some 

 eases. In all animals there is, however, the least 

 danger of inflammation while they are young in 

 performing such operations. Besides, it is better to 

 cut colts before they have any propensity to hanker 

 after mares, and get bad habits. When the foals 

 are early, and the weather is not too hot, the latter 

 end of May or beginning of June may be a good 

 and proper season. 



Before this operation be performed on a fat horse, 

 he should be bled and kept rather low. It is best 

 performed in mild weather. If there be a consider- 

 able degree of inflammation about the part, give the 

 following drink : 



Peruvian bark, - - 1 ounce. 

 Mithridate, _ _ i ounce. 



Tincture of opium, - half an ounce. 



In a pint of warm ale. 



