510 HANDT-BOOK OF HUSBANDRY. 



" the loss of blood occasioned by cutting off the comb or a toe, 

 " makes the fowl less likely to bleed internally during the 

 *' operation. It is very common, soon after the operation, for the 

 " chicken to get wind in the side, when the wound is healing, be- 

 " tween the flesh and the skin ; it must be relieved by making a 

 " small incision in the skin, which will let the wind escape. 



" Those fowls make the finest capons which are hatched early 

 " in the spring ; they can be cut before the hot weather comes, 

 *' which is a great advantage. 



" Never attempt to cut a full-grown cock ; it is a useless 

 ''and cruel piece of curiosity. I have never known one to live. 

 " The first efforts at acquiring this art should be made on dead 

 " subjects ; this will save the infliction of much cruelty. Be not 

 "discouraged with the first difficulties; with practice they will 

 " disappear ; every season you will find yourself more expert, 

 " until the cutting of a dozen fowls before breakfast will be a 

 "• small matter. 



" It may be well to give a warning against becoming dissatisfied 

 " with the tools. A raw hand, when he meets with difficulties, is 

 "apt to think the tools are in fault, and sets about to improve 

 " them and invent others ; but it is only himself that lacks skill, 

 " which practice alone can give. I have spent money, besides 

 " wasting my time in this foolish notion, but have always found 

 "that the old, original tools, which came from China, and where 

 " this mode of operating was invented, are the best. 



" Take care that the tools are not abused by ignorant persons 

 " attempting to use them ; they will last a person's Hfe-time if 

 " properly used ; but if put out or order, none but a surgical- 

 " instrument maker can repair them properly." 



In all cases where sufficient attention is given to the raising of 

 poultry to make their preparation for the market an important 

 item of business, there can be no question that much profit would 

 result from an adoption of the system of caponizing ; but, done in 

 a hap-hazard way, no especial care being given to the preparation 

 of the birds for sale, and to the establishment of a reputation in the 

 market, it would probably not be worth while to attempt it at all. 



