WORMING. 297 



viously determined on with sufficient accuracy, and cut off with a 

 pair of sharp scissors. If the ears and tail are cut off at the 

 same time, it is prudent to tie a ligature about the tail, to prevent 

 the effusion of blood, as sometimes the bleeding from both ears 

 and tail together will weaken the animal too much, and early 

 distemper may follow ; but, when the tail alone is cut, no ligature 

 is necessary. When a ligature is used, neither tie it too tight, 

 nor suffer it to remain more than twelve hours. On the twisting 

 oflp either, the ears or tail I will waste no invective ; for if the 

 cruelty does not strike the performer, I am sure no assertion of 

 mine, that it is far inferior in every point of view to excision, 

 and has for ever deafened many it has been practised on, will be 

 attended to. 



WORMING. 



This operation the veterinarian will probably be yet often 

 called on to practise, and the sportsman may still for a few years 

 indulge in the error of deeming it necessary for his dogs; it 

 therefore finds a place here, although I am not certain but that my 

 pages would have been more honoured in the omission than by the 

 insertion of it. 



Method of worming dogs. — Secure a large dog on his back on 

 a table, bench, or form ; one of a middling size may be held in 

 the lap of an assistant ; a small one may be conveniently taken 

 into that of the operator. The mouth being held open by means 

 of two pieces of tape — one embracing the part immediately behind 

 the upper y and the other, that posterior to the lower canine teeth 

 — draw the tongue from the mouth, when, exposing its under sur- 

 face, a cuticular fold or eminence will present itself, occupying its 

 median line from the point to the base ; open this with a lancet 

 through its whole extent, which will expose a minute fibrous cord. 

 Pass a blunt-pointed probe under it, and, carrying the instrument 

 from one end to the other, detach the cord from its adhesions ; 



