304 THE STOCK owner's ADVISEE. 



SEASON. 



"When possible to choose the season most favorable for the 

 operation, the spring and fall should have preference. Yet I 

 have castrated every month in the year, and operated on old stal- 

 lions in the month of August after finishing the season in the 

 stud, with seemingly as good results as in the spring and fall. 

 The origling should have the preference of the season. The 

 months of May and June and October and November should be 

 set aside for this work. 



RESTRAINT. 



There are two modes of restraint in securing the animal during 

 the manipulation and removal of the testicle. The first mode is 

 by keej:»ing the animal quiet by means of a twich, and allowing 

 him to remain in the standing posture while operating. The 

 second mode is by throwing, with the ordinary side line, and 

 drawing one foot up and tying. The method of throwing is the 

 safest for all parties engaged. The horses injured by throwing 

 are few. I have castrated over four thousand straight colts and 

 old horses without a single accident or death resulting from the 

 operation. Should hernia be present after castration, or follow 

 the operation while in the standing posture, death of the animal 

 would likely result. The manipulation for hernia cannot be 

 properly made while standing. 



SIDELINES AND HOBBLING. 



Casting. — There are two methods in ordinary. use — one by 

 side lines and one by hobbles. Casting by side lines is the 

 method chiefly employed for young animals, and in cases where 

 the animal does not need to be closely confined. It is done by 

 means of an inch rope fifty feet long, doubled, and the doubled 

 end tied in a firm knot, having a loop about two feet in length. 

 Prepare a bed of straw, and apply a twich to the horse's nose. 

 Fasten a small rope or surcingle around his chest, as seen in 



