AMPUTATIONS. 



279 



Docking properly includes three steps : 1st, the preparation 

 of the tail ; 2d, the amputation ; and 3d, the arrest of the hemor- 

 rhage. (There is, however, a mode of operation in which the last 

 two steps can be merged into one.) The animal is kept in the 

 upright position, and well secured. 



1st Stq). Preparation of the Tail. — This is first well washed 

 and combed, and ought to be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. 

 The place where the amputation is to be performed should be 

 marked by clipping the hair from it in a circle, and above this the 

 hair should be secured either by being braided, or simply tied 

 tightly in a mass with a string around the tail. Some practition- 

 ers apply a cord Ugature or an elastic bandage above the place to 

 prevent the hemorrhage. 



2d Step. The Amputation. — This is accomplished by several 

 methods. The oldest mode was by using a simple hatchet as the 

 instrument with which the tail, properly prepared and laid over a 

 wooden block, was severed by a heavy blow on the " instrument." 

 (Fig. 292). 



