CHAPTER XXXVn. 



CASTING 



Is the method by which animals are secured so as to render the 

 performance of operations safer to both the practitioner and the 

 subject. 



There are two methods in ordinary use, the one by " side 

 lines," the other by " hobbles." 



Casting by side lines is the method chiefly employed for 

 young animals, and is proceeded with in the following manner. 



A rope (which has been in use so as to render it soft) about 

 an inch in thickness and fifty feet in length is doubled, and the 

 doubled end tied in a firm knot, having a loop of about three 

 feet in length. 



A bed of straw, peat moss, shavings, or other soft and clean 

 elastic material — never a manure heap — having been made, 

 measuring about twelve feet square, the animal, having a strong 

 head collar on, is led on to the middle of it blind-folded, and a 

 twitch applied to its nose (Plate V,, Fig. 2, A). 



A surcingle or back strap (Fig. 2, B) is fastened tightly round 

 the animal's chest. The loop of the side line (Fig. 2, C) is then 

 passed over the animal's head on to the neck, like a collar, with 

 the knot undermost. The loop is then secured to the surcingle 

 on either side by a strap or rope (P) to prevent the loop slipping 

 on to the animal's neck. The two ends are then passed between 

 the fore legs, one is taken to the outside of the near hind leg, 

 below the hock, passed round to the inside, under itself (i)), and 

 up to the neck loop, and passed through it. 



The other is taken to the outside of the off hind leg, passed 

 round to the inside, under itself {E), and up to the neck loop, 

 and passed through it {F). 



Two or three men then lay hold of the free end of the near 

 rope (G), and stand by the near quarter of the animal. Other 

 two or three men lay hold of the off rope (i^),and stand in front 



