The Shepherds' Guide* 69 



Castration should be performed when the lamb 

 IS about fourteen days old. When done much 

 earlier, while the lamb is very weak and feeble, a 

 due degree of inflammation may not follow. When 

 it is put off, as is generally done in this country 

 until the lamb is six weeks or two months old, it 

 frequently runs too high; and from either cause, 

 mortification and death may ensue. Two modes 

 of performing it are common : one by making 

 a longitudinal slit in the scrotum, drawing the 

 testicle out, and scraping away the cord ; the 

 other, by cutting a small piece from the bottom of 

 the scrotum, forcing the testicle through, and 

 pulling it steadily until the cord gives way. The 

 last is the best mode ; and both will be rendered 

 safest, and will be performed with less pain to the 

 animal, by employing a keen instrument ; with 

 which too, the cord should be cut across in the 

 first mode of performing the operation. The 

 danger from haemorrhage, which is the reason 

 given for scraping the cord, is by no means such 

 in a young lamb as to justify the more cruel mode 

 of scraping. It is of more consequence to take 

 the opportunity of mild weather. In a very cold 

 or a very hot season, many lambs may be lost. 

 When, therefore, it is necessary to perform it in 

 the winter, the opportunity of a thaw should be 

 embraced, and the lamb should be kept for some 

 days in a comfortable sheep house. When in 

 summer, the same, or some other shelter from the 



