BREEDING, STOCK-RAlSINa, ETC. 457 



Castration is not only more difficult but is also more dan- 

 gerous as the colt grows older, and especially after the tes- 

 ticles, having descended into the scrotum, have attained a 

 considerable size. The weight of the bowels, combined with 

 the struggles of the animal, and his springing about after- 

 ward, is often sufficient to produce hernia^ or rupture, thus 

 ruining him forever, if not putting an end to his life at once. 

 The dangers of hemorrhage and inflammation are also greatly 

 increased. 



The latter part of April or the beginning of May, when 

 there is plenty of fresh young grass to be had, is the best 

 time for attending to this matter. Fall colts should remain 

 till the early part of October, or until the hot season is past. 

 If there is any danger of the fly, a little turpentine may be 

 mixed with fine salt and applied to the wound, which will 

 efiectually deliver him from those torments, and cau«e no 

 great amount of suflering. It will also tend to heal the parts 

 rather than otherwise. If cold rains come on while the colt is 

 still sore, both he and the dam should be comfortably stabled. 



In all parts of the country there are persons who follow 

 this business,' and whose services may readily be procured 

 if the farmer desires them. This will be the best and safest 

 course when the operation has been deferred until late. 



The operation hy torsion, as it is called, introduced into 

 England rather more than one-third .of a century ago, prob- 

 ably forms the mode of castration preferable to any other, 

 especially if the colt has attained many months' growth. It 

 is thus described by Youatt : 



"An incision is made into the scrotum as in the other 

 modes of operation, and the vas deferens is exposed and di- 

 vided. The artery is then seized by a pair of forceps con- 

 trived for the purpose, and twisted six or seven times round. 

 It retracts as soon as the hold on it is quitted, the coils are 

 not untwisted, and all bleeding has ceased. The testicle is 

 removed, and there is no sloughing or danger. The most 

 painful part of the operation — the application of the firing- 

 iron or the clams — is avoided, and the wound readily heals." 



