CASTBATION. 1023 



turn, raise the severed coverings, and the testicles pop out. This 

 must be done quickly. Then step back, apply the chain of the ec- 

 raseure about an inch above the testicle, and quickly tighten the 

 chain. When a firm tortion is on the chain, gradually tighten the 

 same, when a peculiar grating sensation will be felt. Do not cut 

 clear through the cord with the chain. Then take your scissors 

 and cut below the chain, when the testicle will fall to the ground. 

 Gradually loosen the chain, which should require about half a min- 

 ute, and repeat the same operation on the second testicle. You 

 will not have any bleeding, and the animal will stand perfectly 

 quiet. 



" This was at one time performed by a few men, who traveled 

 through the country castrating, and who captivated the stock rais- 

 ers by their clever way of operating, and who look upon it as a se- 

 cret, of which there is no such thing. The whole secret lies in 

 this : The testicles are endowed with a profuse plexus of nerves, 

 and is a highly sensitive organ. By making a sharp, quick incis- 

 ion in the testicle, the pain is so intense that the animal becomes 

 unnerved, and is under complete control of the operator. In this 

 lies the whole secret. In some cases, the stallion makes a few 

 sharp, quick kicks with one leg, but they are so as not to get in 

 close proximity with the operator, being straight out behind. 

 There is no danger to either the operator or the horse. Nothing 

 is applied to the wounded part, which is to be left alone, and a 

 slight swelling will be visible for a few days, which is natural, and 

 must be to produce a healing of the parts. The percentage of loss 

 is very slight, and only then due to complications, such as colds, 

 etc. I have never yet seen an animal die from being operated upon 

 by this^method." 



THE OLD METHOD, 



As practiced by an old man named Gould, who is a resident near 

 Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is known in that and surrounding 

 counties for his success in castrating horses, claiming to have never 

 lost a case, and that there was but little swelling after the opera- 

 tion. The writer took particular pains to see the old man operate, 

 and learn his secret. 



The horse was laid down, and tied in the usual manner. He 

 washed the parts thoroughly with warm water, and then greased 

 with lard. The clamps were of the usual kind. It is the prepa- 

 ration he put on the clamps that made his success, he said. 



He put on the clamp, first rye flour paste; on this, sifted on 

 equal portions of red precipitate and corrosive sublimate, mixed 

 together in powder. In 24 hours the clamps were taken off. 

 This method of treatment has been pursued for many years by a 



