144 THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



strument in taking off the skin of the lower testicle, in which case the chicken 

 would die instantly. There are one or two smaller vessels to be avoided, 

 which is very easy, as they are not difficult to be seen. If properly managed 

 no blood ever appears until a testicle is taken off ; so that should any appear 

 before that, the operator will know that he has done something wrong. If 

 a chicken die during the operation by bleeding, it is of course as proper 

 for use as if bled to death by having its throat cut. 



FOWLS SELDOM DIE AFTER THE OPERATION. 



Fowls very seldom die after the operation unless they have received some 

 internal injury, or the flesh of the thigh has been cut through, from not being 

 drawn back from off the last two ribs, where the incision is made ; all of 

 which accidents may be liable to occur with young practitioners. 



TESTICLES WHEN FOUND LARGE. 



When the testicles are found very large, the silver tube may be too small 

 for the operation ; in this case a larger one made of small bamboo or elder, 

 about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, may be substituted, with a strong 

 cocoanut string or ligature. But for chickens of small and medium sizes, the 

 silver tube, with a horse-hair in it, will answer perfectly well. 



MARKING CAPONS BEFORE LETTING THEM RUN. 



When a chicken has been cut it is necessary before letting it run to put a 

 permanent mark upon it ; otherwise it would be impossible to distinguish it 

 fit first from others not operated on. Cutting off the outside or inside toe 

 of the left foot, will enable one to distinguish them at a distance. Another 

 mode is to cut off the comb, then shave off the spurs close to the leg, and 

 stick them upon the bleeding head, where they will grow and become orna- 

 mental in the shape of a pair of horns. This last mode is perhaps the best, 

 but it is not so simple and ready as the first. Whichever plan is adopted, 

 the fowl should be marked before performing the operation. 



TREATMENT OF WINDY SWELLING IN CAPONS. 



It is very common, after the operation, and while the wound is healing, 

 for the side to puff out with a windy swelling. This may be relieved by 

 making a small incision or puncture in the skin, which will let the wind 

 escape. Those fowls make the best and finest capons which are hatched 

 early in the spring ; as they can be cut before the hot weather conies, which 

 is a great advantage. The operator should not be discouraged with the first 

 difficulties; for with practice they will disappear; every year's experience 

 will render one more expert, until the cutting of a dozen or more fowls be- 

 fore breakfast will be a small matter. 



DISSATISFACTION WITH THE OPERATION. 



It may be well to give a warning against becoming dissatisfied with the 

 instruments. A raw hand, when he meets with difficulties, is apt to think 



