OPERATING TABLES. 23 



To support the revolving part, which weighs 7 cwt. and is capable 

 of accommodating horses of any size, two strong iron standards 

 4 feet 6 inches high, and provided with stays of 2-inch iron, are sunk 

 in the ground, where they are surrounded by masses of concrete 

 weighing five tons. This provides a practically immovable base, 

 on which any accidental shocks can have no effect. Each standard 

 carries at its upper part a carefully turned bearing to 1 receive the 

 axes of the revolving part. 



The forward end-piece is padded inside to prevent the horse 

 accidentally injuring his head, and is perforated throughout its upper 

 part with one-inch holes to permit the head-collar ropes being passed 

 through and fastened to spring belaying -pins seen projecting in front. 



The rods suspended from either end of the upper girder are 

 telescopic, and automatically stop the machine when tilted at what- 

 ever point desired by the operator. 



Lastly, the revolving portion of the apparatus in which the animal 

 is fixed is secured against premature movement by four " safety 

 chocks " or catches secured to the standard, and locking with the 

 end frames. The lever arm shown at the back and on the left side 

 of Fig. 39 can be affixed to either end of the machine, and 

 gives the operator the necessary purchase for moving the animal 

 when in position. 



The disposition of weight has been so carefully planned that when 

 ready for rotation horse and machine form a mass whose common 

 centre of gravity is within an inch or two of the horizontal axis around 

 which the whole moves. Very little exertion is therefore required in 

 handling even a heavy horse, and no undue strain is thrown on the 

 machine, whatever the point at which it may be brought to rest. 



In use, the horse is first provided with a strong head collar 

 carrying two stout lines, and the " bed-piece " is strapped tightly 

 round his body like a horse-rug. One of the side rods is swung open, 

 giving admission to the machine, and the horse is walked forward 

 until his head comes within the front frame. At the same moment 

 the assistant follows up with the side bar, and as the horse enters, 

 drops the bar in place, where it locks of itself. The groom passes 

 the head collar lines through holes in the front frame, and drawing 

 them tight winds them in a figure of 8 round the spring belay ing-pins, 

 while the " bed-piece " is hooked on to the hanging " compensation 

 bar." If a comparatively simple operation is to be performed 

 nothing further is needed. A hind-foot may be drawn up and fixed 

 for examination or dressing, and the horse be set at liberty again 

 in less than a couple of minutes. 



