ANIMAL CASTRATION. 97 



of very considerable size. So long as the upper por- 

 tion of the cord, which retains its healthy structure, 

 can be reached, the application of the ligature is at- 

 tended with no difficulty, the manipulations required 

 being similar to those which attend the removal of 

 all growths by the process of ligation. But if the 

 diseased process extends so far that the ligature 

 cannot be applied at the proper point, as in the case 

 of intra-inguinal champignon, it will be necessary to 

 have resort to the ligature-carrier recommended by 

 Serres (Fig. 26). In using this instrument the loop 



FIG. 26. 



LIGATURE-CARRIER. 



of the ligature being passed over the tumor around 

 the cord, is carried into the inguinal canal as high 

 up as possible, pressure being made by holding the 

 instrument against the cord, while strong traction is 

 made on the ends of the ligature, which is then se- 

 cured by a knot upon a small stick placed across the 

 opening of the instrument, with a view to the 

 prevention of slipping. If an increase of pressure is 

 found to be necessary, it can easily be obtained by 

 tightening the ligature from day to day as required. 

 If the size of the cord should be such as to prevent 

 a proper application of a single ligature, it may be- 

 come necessary to divide it in applying a double, 



