372 THE NATURE AND TREATMENT OF 



we move from the left hand with the piece of thread ; having 

 reached that point, we fasten with a double knot. We place 

 the seam in the intervals of the thread from the right, and, as 

 we approach the lips of the wound, we fasten by a simple knot, 

 being careful not to close too tightly the lower part of the seam, 

 so that the suppuration, which may be established in the wound, 

 may be able to escape. 



" The operation effected, we cover up the wound with a 

 pledget of lint, kept in its place by three or four threads passed 

 through the stitches, and all is completed. 



" It happens, sometimes, that in cutting the muscles of which 

 we have before spoken, we cut one or two of the arteries, 

 which bleed so much that there is necessity for a ligature before 

 opening the peritoneal sac; because, if this precaution be 

 omitted, blood will escape into the abdomen, and may occasion 

 the most serious consequences." 



Improved Method of Spaying. — I cast the cow, by means 

 of the hobbles (see cut of instruments), on her right side. I 

 then apply to the nostrils a sponge, saturated with concentrated 

 sulphuric ether. After having rendered the animal completely 

 unconscious, I slacken the casting rope, so as to free the 

 limbs, and prevent any pressure on the walls of the abdomen. 

 By so doing, I secure room enough to introduce a hand and 

 arm, for the purpose of searching for the ovaries. 



The first stage of the operation consists in pinching up a 

 fold of the skin on the left side, midway between the prominent 

 bone of the haunch, or pelvis, and the last, or posterior rib, 

 about four inches below the transverse processes of the lum- 

 bar (back) vertebras. (See cut preceding article " Gut-tie.'') 

 Having divided the integuments, to the extent of about five or 

 six inches, I make a similar incision through the abdominal 

 muscles, until the peritoneum (lining membrane of the abdom- 

 inal cavity) is exposed. This membrane is then punctured by 

 means of a beak-pointed bistoury, into which puncture i insin- 

 uate a knife having a probe point, and then divide the perito- 

 neum to the extent of the external incision. 



The second stage of the operation commences with the 



