238 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



In the attempt to fell them, the tendency is almost ahvays to 

 strike too low. Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal section of 

 the horse's head, showing the situjition of the brain, and also 

 the thinness of the frontal bone (Letter a) as compared with 

 the corresponding region in the ox (Fig. 3). 



The horse may be destroyed by blows upon the head, by 

 the bullet, or by chloroform. 



1. By Blows. — Having led the animal to a suitable spot, 

 blindfolded, and secured him by the halter, the operator, 

 armed with a heavy axe or hammer, should stand upon the 

 left and to the front of the animal, directing his blow to a 

 point in the middle of a line draAvn across the forehead from 

 the centre of the pit above the eye. (See Fig. 2.) 



Fig. 1. 



Fig. 2. 



One vigorous and well-directed blow will fell the animal, 

 but the blow should be repeated to make destruction sure. 

 Then, drawing back the head, cut across the throat at its 

 upper portion down to the bone so as to open freely all the 

 blood-vessels. 



2. By the Bullet. — The operator should stand directly in 

 front of the animal, and place the muzzle of the rifle or pistol 

 within a few inches of the skull, aiming at the spot indicated 

 in Fig. 2. 



If the pistol is used, one hand may steady the head by 

 grasping the nose-band of the halter, or by taking hold of the 

 forelock. If the rifle is employed, it is better to blindfold 

 the horse or to secure him by the halter. One shot is gen- 



