172 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



after this operation, but with a little kind usage and 

 carefulness in putting on the bridle and halter, in time, 

 as the ears get well, this shyness goes away, but bad 

 effects generally result from harsh treatment. 



Amputation of the limbs of the horse is not usual ; 

 among cattle, particularly the cow, when her value is 

 great from the quantity of milk she gives, it has some- 

 times been performed, but even that rarely. 



Amputation of the penis is requisite in certain cases 

 where disease attacks that member. Such is seldom 

 necessary, and we pass to subjects of greater impor- 

 tance. In the " Veterinarian," No. 10, an account 

 of this operation will be found. 



Fi 



RING. 



To the operation of Firing the horse is often sub- 

 jected, and indispensably so, for the cases are numerous 

 in which practice and experience have shown us that 

 all reliance on milder methods are futile ; at the same 

 time there are some cases where we ought to try the 

 effects of other remedies ere we resort to this painful 

 application of the cautery. 



This instrument is of various constructions, accord- 

 ing to the part to which it is applied. 



It is requisite for the safety of all parties concerned 

 that the animal is cast, for no person can fire without 

 the horse is perfectly secured, and, moreover, the ope- 

 rator would stand in great jeopardy from such negli- 

 gence. 



The iron should be but slightly red when heated, 

 and the skin should by no means be penetrated ; this 

 might bring on inflammation and disease, which would 

 destroy the value of the horse bv leaving considerable 



