20 



clot" would be the most scientific method, (the method followed by Prof. Halstead at Johns Hop- 

 kins' hospital, Baltimore). If dressing were applied it would prevent free drainage in the case 

 of formation of pus and endanger the cow's life as well as cause great suffering. It would be 

 impossible to keep the wound aseptic by dressing and antiseptic ointments, hence no dressing 

 but free drainage would be best. Yours truly, 



London, dune 30, 1892. H. A. MoCalldm, M.D. 



REASONS FOR THE PRACTICE. 



It may reasonably be supposed that such a practice would not meet with 

 hearty endorsation from intelligent agriculturists unless there were important 

 and undoubted advantages arising from it. Among the chief arguments 

 advanced by witnesses in favor of dehorning were the following : — 



Dehorned cattle are quieter and thrive better in consequence ; they are more 

 easily handled ; are less dangerous to man and to each other ; are less liable to 

 su tiering both on the farm and in transit ; their value is increased. 



Quietness. 



On the first paint there is no clashing of opinion, all the evidence going to 

 show that the operation subdues the animal, removes a restless or turbulent 

 disposition, and replaces viciousness with docility and tractability. This is most 

 marked in the case of bulls. While previous to dehorning the lives of attendants 

 were in constant jeopaidy, after the operation the animals were handled with 

 ease and safety. A glance through the evidence of farmers also shows a change 

 of conduct in the herd, particularly when passing through lanes and gates, and at 

 the watering trough. Instead of the chasing, goring and butting that formerly 

 prevailed, and the single tile, with bosses in rotation, the animals walk along 

 quietly in a body like a flock of sheep, and having no more desire to molest than 

 they have to be molested. At the watering trough, instead of one or two 

 standing guard and preventing the approach of the weaker cattle, all crowd 

 in together and proceed at once to satisfy their thirst. The Commis- 

 missioners had an opportunity of judging of this at Mr. Roger Hawkins' farm, 

 where eighteen animals drank at once from a tank seven feet in diameter. Such 

 altered conditions were claimed to be advantageous alike to dairying and beeting 

 stock, the sense of quiet and security enabling the cattle to better assimilate their 

 food and thus give a larger and richer yield of milk as well as show rapid 

 improvement in putting on flesh. W. C. Edwards, Esq.,M.P., who dehorned 30 steers 

 as an experiment and carefully noted the results, says on this point : " The effect 

 was to make them as quiet as a Hock of sheep. It took away all their evil nature 

 and made them settle down t« make beef." 



