DOCKING. 121 



method which could be tidopted. No styptic whatever is re- 

 quired, aud there need be no fear of hemorriiage, as the union 

 generally takes place by what surgeons call first intention. If, 

 however, the flaps do not fit nicely, healing will not take place 

 without suppuration. This fiact should be borne in mind in 

 performing the operation, as much time in healing may thus be 

 saved. 



By the old method that joint is searched for, which is nearest 

 to the desired length of tail. The hair is then turned up, and 

 tied round with tape for an inch or two above this joint, and 

 that lying immediately upon the joint is cut off. The horse is 

 fettered with the side-line, and then the veterinary surgeon with 

 his docking-machine, or the farmer with his carving-knife anc] 

 mallet, cuts through the tail at one stroke. 



Some farmers dock their colts a few days after they are 

 dropped. This is a commendable custom on the score of hu- 

 manity. No colt was ever lost by it ; the growth of the hair, 

 and the beauty of the tail not being at all impaired. 



NICKIITG. 



This barbarous operation was once sanctioned by fashion, 

 and the breeder and the dealer are even now sometimes tempted 

 to inflict the torture of it in order to obtain a ready sale for 

 their colts. It is not, practiced to the extent that it used to 

 be, nor is it attended by so many circumstances of cruelty. 



The operation is thus performed. The side-line is put on 

 the horse, or some persons deem it more prudent to cast him/ 

 and that precaution may be recommended. The hair at the 

 end of the tail is securely tied together, for the purpose of 

 afterward attaching a weight to it. The operator then grasps 



