12 



if nothing more serious, the infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering 

 to the animal. 



It is the usual custom in the West to gather the cattle to be de- 

 horned in a corral, either during the early spring, before the fly 

 season begins, or in the fall, after the fly season has passed. At one 

 side of this corral is a gate opening into another smaller inclosure, 

 which is known as the chute pen. The sides of this converge to form 

 an entrance into a narrow chute, which is usually made long enough 

 for about three cattle, though but one is permitted to enter the work- 

 ing end of the chute at a time, the others being kept back by cross- 

 bars. At the front end of this chute is what is known as a squeezer, 



FIG. 5. Dehorning a steer held in a "squeezer" connected with corral. 



the formation of which is best understood by a reference to the illus- 

 tration (fig. 5). After the animal enters the squeezer the squeeze 

 gate is pressed close against its side to prevent lateral movement, the 

 stanchion is closed on the neck, and the head is turned and secured to 

 the post by means of a nose clamp and lead rope, first at one side of 

 the chute and then the other, as required for the removal of the horns. 

 In the construction of these chutes it is usual to have on the side 

 opposite the squeeze gate a movable plank which can be taken out 

 to expose the side of the animal for branding. In the entire con- 

 struction of such a corral and chute it is best not to economize in 

 lumber or bolts, as it should be strong and durable, so that the animal 

 may be controlled without danger to itself or to the operator. 



350 



