250 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



CASTRATION. 



The younger lambs are when altered, the .ess risk there 

 is. The best rule is to cut them as soon as the testicles 

 are accessible. Some wait till the youngest are old 

 enough ; but in somj; cases this will render the opera- 

 tion on the oldest more hazardous, when they come at 

 periods somewhat different. Therefore, small lots should 

 be altered as they become fit. 



Though there is less danger at an earlier age, yet if it 

 be performed on horned sheep when the lambs are two 

 months old, the horns will be more full, and the wethers 

 will look handsomer. Care should be taken that, in 

 catching the lambs, they be not harassed and disturbed, 

 which will cause them to become heated and agitated. 

 Heavy ewes are also liable to injury, without caution in 

 disturbing the flock. 



Apply to the wound a little tar and lard mixed, or 

 some soothing salve, but no salt, ashes, or other harsh 

 substances. Do not expose the lambs till they gel well. 

 Lying out nights on the cold ground is very injurious, 

 and frequently fatal. There is nothing better than cold 

 water to apply to the wound. 



TAILS OF SHEEP — DOCKING LAMBS. 



When sheep are affrighted, they frisk their tails, and 

 are liable to dislocate their spines, and render tliem par- 

 alytic, if their tails are long. Therefore, docking lambs is 

 important. This is often very improperly done, by 

 holding the lamb by the tail, and cutting off the tail as 

 he is pulling. In this case, the skin is pulled back on 

 the tail, and when cut off, it recedes, leaving the bone 

 naked. When cutting the tail, push the skin towards 

 the rump, and then cut, and the skin will return and 

 cover the bone. Cut off in a joint, and the wound will 

 be less sore. It is best to cut short, as sheep discharge 

 dung as they are lying down, and if their tails are not 

 «hcrt they become foul. 



