68 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



in the inguinal canal (Fig. 22), or only remaining 

 close to its superior opening (Fig. 23), is one of these 

 inequalities, constituting what is called inguinal 

 criptorchidy ; another being when it remains float- 

 ing in or adherent to some parts of the abdominal 

 cavity a condition known as abdominal criptorchidy 

 (Fig. 24). As this condition has usually a peculiar 

 effect on the temper of the animal so affected, often 

 rendering him unfit for general use, it necessitates, 

 on that account, the act of castration, with some 

 changes in the manipulations described for the ope- 

 ration upon animals exempt from such an infirmity. 

 In these cases the operation presents more difficul- 

 ties, and is of a more serious character than the 

 former, demanding on the part of the operator all 

 the skill and knowledge which can be acquired from 

 its frequent performance and extensive study. That 

 the operation is one which is largely performed on 

 the Continent there is no doubt, and many European 

 operators have made for themselves an extensive 

 reputation in connection with it. Among these the 

 name of Professor Degives, of the Brussels school, 

 merits mention. 



But there is probably, on this Continent at least, 

 no better accredited authority, in this branch of 

 surgery, than a gentleman, a layman, of Illinois, 

 known very widely as FARMER MILES, who has for 

 many years not only sustained an eminent repute in 

 his specialty as a gelder, but I believe, has devoted 

 a large share of study specially to the castration of 

 ridglings. He has not only traversed large portions 



