Preparation for Caponizing 



247 



a considerable period of the fasting, to withhold 

 water as well. Fowls are fasted in order to empty 

 the digestive organs and to deplete somewhat the 

 quantity of blood, and thereby reduce the danger of 

 rupturing the blood-vessels while performing the 

 operation. One great danger is in the liability of 

 rupturing the arteries which are situated very near 

 the organs that are to be removed. When it is borne 

 in mind that the abdominal cavity is opened and 

 that the intestines are 

 pushed aside in order to 

 perform the operation 

 successfully, it will 

 readily be seen how es- 

 sential it is to have the 

 bowels as nearly empty 



aS pOSSible, and, at the FIG. 83. Caponizing table, showing cords 



same time, to deplete and weights used to hold the fowls. 

 the quantity of blood in the blood-vessels so far as 

 the good health of the fowl will permit. One objec- 

 tion that is frequently made to caponizing is, that 

 good light is required, particularly if the operator is 

 not the most skilled. Clear days when the sun shines 

 brightly are preferred. It frequently happens that 

 fowls may be fasted for the operation and cloudy 

 weather prevail. This should be sufficient cause to 

 prevent the novice from proceeding further until 

 clear weather comes. In such an event, it will be 

 necessary to keep the fowls on very light rations 



