14 



from three to five days old. The agent to be used ma} T be either 

 caustic soda or caustic potash, both of which may be procured in the 

 drug stores in the form of sticks about the thickness of an ordinary 

 lead pencil and 5 inches long. These caustics must be handled with 

 care, as they dissolve the cuticle and may make the hands or fingers 

 sore. The preparation of the calf consists in first clipping the hair 

 from the parts, washing clean with soap and warm water, and 

 thoroughly drying with a cloth or towel. The stick of caustic should 

 be wrapped in a piece of paper to protect the hands and fingers, 

 leaving one end of the stick uncovered. 



Moisten the uncovered end slightly and rub it on the horn buttons 

 or little points which may be felt on the calf's head, first on one and 

 then the other, alternately, two or three times on each, allowing the 

 caustic to dry after each application. Be very careful to apply the 

 caustic to the horn button only. If it is brought in contact with the 

 surrounding skin it will cause pain. Be very careful also not to have 

 too much moisture on the stick of caustic, as it will remove the skin if 

 allowed to run down over the face. After treatment, keep the calf 

 protected from rain, as water on the head after the application of 

 caustic will cause it to run down over the face. This must be carefully 

 avoided. 



Either caustic soda or caustic potash alone, without the admixture 

 of other substances, answers the purpose satisfactorily. Some years 

 ago, however, certain preparations or "dehorning compounds," com- 

 posed largely of one or the other of these caustics, were generally 

 used, and as inquiries are still occasionally received concerning such 

 preparations, the following formula is given: Combine in an emulsion 

 50 per cent of caustic soda, 25 per cent of kerosene, and 25 per cent 

 of water. The caustic soda is dissolved in the water and heated to the 

 boiling point, then removed from the fire, and the kerosene added 

 gradually, while the mixture is vigorous^ stirred. This emulsion is 

 applied in very much the same manner as the stick caustic, except 

 that it is necessary to employ a short, stiff brush. Sometimes a meat 

 skewer is used, the large end being mashed to form a stubby brush. 

 Two or three applications should be made to each horn button, as in the 

 case of the stick caustic, with intervals to allow it to dry. 



In the very young calf the horn button, or point that will ultimately 

 develop into a horn, has scarcely any attachment to the skull, and may 

 be felt as a small button embedded in the skin. In this early stage 

 it may be easily removed with a sharp knife or a pair of curved scissors, 

 but even then caustics should be applied to kill any remaining cell life 

 belonging to this germ point; otherwise there may be some subse- 

 quent irregular horn growth, which is more or less of a disfigurement. 



