DK. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 221 



though they can serve a mare, it is only in exceptional cases that 

 they can get a colt. The testicle or testicles that haven't come 

 down are not very thoroughly developed, therefore the reason 

 why the animal is harren. 



SPAYING THE MAEE. 



Castration of the mare is a much more dangerous operation 

 than in the females of other domesticated animals. It is performed 

 only in those cases where the ovaries (pride) are diseased, and in 

 those mares which are not wanted for breeding purposes. The 

 operation can be performed in the flank or through the vagina. 

 The latter is the best and safest method, but it takes considerable 

 practice and certain costly instruments to be able to successfully 

 perform it. Before thoroughly understanding this operation 

 through the vagina, you must have a thorough knowledge of the 

 anatomy of the parts. In operating in the flank, a hole is cut 

 in the abdominal muscles in the left flank large enough to admit 

 the hand. The hand is introduced into the abdominal cavity 

 and the ovaries brough out and removed with the ecrasure. (Fig. 

 41.) The wound is then sewed up and the operation is complete. 

 As we said before, this operation is a serious one, and should not 

 be undertaken by any one save an experienced surgeon. 



